Maryland’s highways are bustling with activity, serving as critical arteries for commerce and transportation. However, too many tractor-trailer accidents happen on Maryland’s roadways.
A big problem is their massive size and weight, making them a potential road hazard. Big rig accidents can lead to devastating injuries or even fatalities.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with a big truck that was not your fault, contact The Yost Legal Group for guidance. Our truck accident attorneys offer a Free Consultation to discuss your potential truck accident claim.
The Scope of Tractor Trailer Accidents in Maryland
Tractor trailer accidents are a serious concern across the United States, and Maryland is no exception. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks have been involved in over 450,000 crashes nationwide in recent years.
Of these accidents, approximately 4,800 were fatal, and 114,000 resulted in injuries.
In Maryland alone, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that there are hundreds of crashes involving large trucks annually, with many leading to catastrophic injuries.
The sheer size and weight of tractor trailers—often exceeding 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—make these vehicles particularly dangerous in collisions.
When a passenger vehicle, typically weighing around 3,000 pounds, is involved in an accident with a big rig, the results can be devastating.
Victims of these accidents often face life-altering injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities.
Why Do Tractor Trailer Accidents Happen?
Understanding the causes of tractor trailer accidents is crucial for prevention and legal accountability. Here are some of the most common reasons big rig accidents occur:
- Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are often pressured to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading many to work long hours with insufficient rest. While federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, violations of these rules are common. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving
Just like other drivers, truck operators can be distracted by texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS while driving. However, due to the size and weight of the vehicle, the consequences of a distracted truck driver can be far more severe.
- Mechanical Failures
Tractor trailers require regular maintenance to ensure they are roadworthy. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues are common causes of accidents. In many cases, these failures result from negligence by the trucking company or the maintenance crew.
- Improper Loading
The cargo in a tractor trailer must be loaded and secured properly to prevent shifting during transit. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can become unstable, leading to rollovers or difficulty in braking.
- Reckless Driving
Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving behaviors are unfortunately common among some truck drivers. These actions endanger the truck driver and everyone else on the road.
Other Causes of Truck Accidents on Maryland’s Roads
Adverse Weather Conditions
Maryland’s highways are no strangers to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and ice. These factors can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles, especially if traveling at high speeds or carrying heavy loads.
Blind Spots
Tractor trailers have significant blind spots on all sides, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. Accidents often occur when a passenger vehicle is caught in a truck’s blind spot, leading to sideswipes or collisions during lane changes.
The Devastating Impact of Tractor Trailer Accidents
The aftermath of a tractor trailer accident can be life-changing for victims and their families. Injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe and may include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A TBI can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional changes.
- Broken Bones: The force of a collision with a tractor trailer can cause multiple fractures, often requiring surgeries and extensive recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
- Fatalities: Tragically, many tractor trailer accidents result in the loss of life, leaving families to cope with unimaginable grief.
The financial burden of these injuries can be overwhelming, with accident victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs. This is where experienced legal representation becomes essential.
Why Choose The Yost Legal Group for Your Truck Accident Injury Claim?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor trailer accident, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of these cases.
The Yost Legal Group has a proven track record of successfully representing victims of truck accidents in Maryland. Here is why we are uniquely qualified to handle your tractor trailer accident claim:
- Extensive Experience
The Yost Legal Group has decades of experience handling personal injury cases, including those involving tractor trailer accidents. Our truck accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of these cases, from investigating the accident scene to dealing with trucking companies and their insurers.
- Thorough Investigations
Truck accident cases require a detailed investigation to determine liability. Our 18-wheeler injury lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts, review truck maintenance records, and examine driver logs to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Knowledge of Federal and State Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Our personal injury law firm has in-depth knowledge of these laws and uses them to hold negligent parties accountable.
- Compassionate Representation
At The Yost Legal Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a tractor trailer accident can take on a person and their family. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation, ensuring your needs are always our top priority.
- No Fees Unless We Win
Our personal injury law attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront costs.
- Proven Results
Our lawyers for personal injury have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every case.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Tractor trailer accidents on Maryland’s highways can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Filing a personal injury claim will allow you to seek justice when a car accident happens because of a truck crash.
The Yost Legal Group is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or the emotional toll of an accident, our team is ready to help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor trailer accident that was not your fault, contact The Yost Legal Group today for a free consultation.
Call us at (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8549, or text us at 1-410-659-6800. You can also fill out the form on our website, and we will contact you shortly.
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