Timonium Truck Accident Attorneys

Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyers Investigating Commercial Vehicle Collisions in Timonium, MD

A crash involving a commercial truck can cause catastrophic damage, especially when there is a significant weight difference between the truck and the other vehicle. Victims of these accidents should not be left to pay for their damages on their own. If you were hurt in a truck crash that was not your fault, call a Timonium, Maryland truck accident attorney today.

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we provide truck accident victims with attentive service and clear guidance, using cutting-edge technology to manage cases and communicate with our clients. In our firm's history, we have earned millions for our clients from our successful verdicts and settlements, including claims involving commercial vehicles.

The Role of Fatigue, Distraction, and Impairment in Truck Accidents

Truck drivers often work long shifts under tight delivery schedules, and federal hours-of-service rules limit how long they can drive before taking a break. When drivers or their employers ignore these limits, fatigue can slow reaction times and even cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel.

Distracted driving is another serious concern. A trucker checking a phone, adjusting a dispatch screen, or eating while driving may not notice slowing traffic until it is too late to stop a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Impairment from alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can have the same effect. Federal rules hold commercial drivers to a stricter blood alcohol limit of 0.04 percent, half the limit for most other drivers.

Are Trucking Companies Liable for Accidents Caused by Employees?

Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their employees in many situations. Under Maryland law, an employer is generally responsible for the careless acts of an employee who is working at the time of a crash. A trucking company can also face liability for its own mistakes, such as hiring a driver with a poor safety record, failing to provide proper training, or pushing drivers to meet unrealistic schedules.

Some companies try to avoid responsibility by classifying drivers as independent contractors. However, the label alone does not always decide the question. Contracts, company control over routes and schedules, and federal operating authority can all affect who is responsible. Other parties, such as maintenance providers or parts manufacturers, may also share liability.

We Investigate Shifting and Spilled Cargo Accidents in Maryland

Shifting and spilled cargo accidents in Maryland can be especially dangerous to other drivers. When freight is loaded unevenly or not properly secured, it can move during a turn or sudden stop, causing the truck to tip over or jackknife. Loose cargo can also fall onto the road, leaving drivers behind the truck with little time to react.

Federal regulations set specific rules for how cargo must be loaded and secured. Our attorneys review shipping records, loading documents, and inspection reports to determine whether those rules were followed. Responsibility may fall on the driver, the trucking company, or a separate shipper or loading company that handled the freight before the trip began.

Getting Compensation for a Truck Accident in Maryland

Getting compensation for a truck accident in Maryland often involves larger insurance policies than a typical car crash. Federal law requires most interstate trucking companies to carry far higher liability coverage than Maryland's minimums for passenger vehicles. A claim can include medical bills, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Trucking insurers and defense teams often respond quickly after a crash. Electronic logging device data, driver logs, and dash camera footage can be lost if no one requests them in time. Maryland's contributory negligence rule also gives these insurers a strong reason to search for any fault on your part.

Contact Our Timonium, MD Truck Accident Lawyers

When a truck driver, a trucking company, or a third party causes a truck accident, you should not be left to pick up the pieces by yourself. Posner & Cord, LLC is here to defend your rights. Call 410-252-0600 or contact our Timonium, Maryland truck accident attorneys to arrange a free consultation.