The aftermath of a truck accident can turn your world upside down. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. But you don't have to face this challenging time alone. The Maryland truck accident lawyers from Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are here to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we've built a reputation for successfully representing truck accident victims across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself, with over one billion dollars secured in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We understand a truck accident's devastating impact on your life, and we're committed to helping you rebuild.
Our approach goes beyond just legal representation. We treat every case with personal attention, ensuring you're never just another file on our desk. From the moment you reach out to us, you'll experience the Alexander Shunnarah difference. We're available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need during this difficult time.
Truck Accident Compensation in Maryland
If you've been injured in a truck accident in Maryland, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. The amount you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life, and the specific accident.
In Maryland, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death (in fatal accidents)
Maryland has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents. According to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Section 5-101, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Maryland?
Truck accidents can happen anywhere in Maryland, but certain areas see a higher concentration of these incidents due to heavy traffic and major trucking routes. Some of the most dangerous areas for truck accidents in Maryland include:
- I-95 Corridor: This major interstate that runs through Baltimore and connects Maryland to neighboring states sees a high volume of truck traffic and, consequently, a significant number of accidents.
- I-70: Another crucial trucking route that crosses Maryland from east to west, I-70 is often the site of serious truck accidents.
- Baltimore Beltway (I-695): The heavy traffic around Baltimore, particularly on the beltway, contributes to numerous truck accidents each year.
- Port of Baltimore Area: With the high concentration of trucks entering and leaving the port, this area sees its fair share of accidents.
- U.S. 50 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge: The narrow lanes and high winds on the bridge can make it challenging for truck drivers, leading to accidents.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting unique challenges and risks:
- Jackknife Crashes: When a truck's trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
- Underride Accidents: When a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries.
- Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire failures can cause a truck to lose control, potentially affecting multiple vehicles on the road.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Due to their size, trucks often need to swing wide to make turns, which can lead to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have significant blind spots, and accidents can occur when drivers fail to check these areas properly.
- Rear-End Collisions: The weight and size of trucks make it difficult for them to stop quickly, leading to severe rear-end accidents.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Due to commercial trucks' sheer weight and size, crashes involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to complete or partial paralysis, dramatically changing a person's way of life.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
- Burns: Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can result in severe burns, leading to disfigurement and chronic pain.
- Amputations: In severe accidents, victims may lose limbs, either at the scene or due to necessary medical procedures.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many truck accident victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the incident.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Maryland Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you'll likely find yourself dealing with powerful insurance companies representing the trucking company. These insurers have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose primary goal is to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. They may use various tactics to achieve this, including:
Pressuring You to Give Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters often push for immediate recorded statements, claiming it's a routine part of the process. However, these statements can be used against you later. They may ask leading questions or try to get you to downplay your injuries. Without proper legal guidance, you might inadvertently say something that could harm your case. Our Maryland truck accident lawyers can protect you from these tactics and ensure that any statements given are in your best interest.
Offering Quick, Low-Ball Settlements
Insurance companies may offer a settlement soon after the accident, hoping you'll accept it before understanding the full extent of your injuries and losses. These initial offers are often far less than you deserve. They're banking on your need for immediate financial relief. Our experienced attorneys can accurately assess the value of your claim, considering both current and future expenses, to ensure you don't settle for less than you deserve.
Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries
Another common tactic is to question the seriousness of your injuries. Insurance companies might argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed, were pre-existing, or unrelated to the accident. They may even hire their own medical experts to dispute your doctor's findings. Our team works with trusted medical professionals to thoroughly document your injuries and their impact on your life, building a strong case that's hard to dispute.
Shifting Blame onto You for the Accident
Insurance companies often try to shift some or all of the blame for the accident onto you. The insurance company might argue that you were speeding, distracted, or violated traffic laws. Our Maryland truck accident attorneys can gather evidence to prove the truck driver's or company's liability, protecting you from unfair blame.
Delaying the Claims Process
Sometimes, insurance companies use delay tactics, hoping you'll become frustrated or financially desperate enough to accept a lower offer. They might request unnecessary documentation, take an unreasonable amount of time to respond, or continuously ask for more information. These delays can be particularly stressful when medical bills are piling up. Our legal team knows how to keep the process moving forward efficiently, applying pressure when needed and ensuring all deadlines are met.
It's important to remember that insurance companies are not on your side, no matter how friendly they may seem. Their ultimate goal is to protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
This is where having a skilled Maryland truck accident lawyer becomes beneficial. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have years of experience dealing with insurance companies and their tactics. We know how to counter their strategies and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Our team will handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from saying anything that could be used against you later. We'll gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case to support your claim.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Maryland
If you've been involved in a truck accident in Maryland, taking the right steps in the aftermath can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Here's what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention
After a truck accident, seeking immediate medical attention is paramount. Even if there are no visible injuries or immediate pain, it's wise to get checked out by a medical professional.
Some injuries, particularly those affecting the neck, back, or internal organs, may not be immediately apparent due to the shock and adrenaline following an accident. A thorough medical examination can uncover hidden injuries and provide timely treatment.
Also, having a medical record of injuries is vital for any future legal claims. It establishes a clear link between the accident and the injuries sustained, which can be crucial when seeking compensation.
Follow the Treatment Plan
Adhering to all medical advice and treatment plans is key for physical recovery and the strength of any potential legal claim. Following prescribed treatments, attending follow-up appointments, and completing recommended therapies demonstrate the seriousness of the injuries sustained.
It also creates a documented trail of medical care, which can be used to support claims about the accident's impact on health and daily life. Ignoring medical advice or discontinuing treatment prematurely could be used by insurance companies to argue that the injuries were less severe than claimed.
Keep a Detailed Journal
Maintaining a journal after a truck accident can be incredibly valuable. This journal should document daily pain levels, how injuries affect routine activities, and any emotional distress experienced. Such detailed, personal accounts can provide powerful evidence of the accident's impact on quality of life.
This information can be particularly useful when calculating non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The journal entries can offer a compelling narrative of the recovery process and the challenges faced afterward.
Preserve All Receipts
Keeping meticulous records of all expenses related to the accident is key for building a comprehensive claim. This includes saving receipts for medical bills, medication costs, transportation to medical appointments, and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the accident.
These documents provide concrete evidence of the financial impact of the accident and can be used to calculate economic damages. Even seemingly minor expenses can add up, so it's important to keep track of everything, no matter how small.
Avoid Discussing the Accident
It's important to exercise caution when discussing the accident. Avoid talking about the incident on social media platforms or with anyone other than your attorney and medical providers.
Insurance companies and opposing legal teams may monitor social media accounts for statements that could be used to dispute or minimize claims. They could even misconstrue well-meaning posts about recovery or daily activities and use them against the claim. Maintain privacy and allow your legal representative to handle all communications related to the accident.
Reach Out to Our Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we're committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to truck accident victims across Maryland. Our team of experienced Maryland truck accident lawyers is ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Don't let the statute of limitations run out on your claim. Take action now to protect your future.
Contact Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Maryland truck accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need during this difficult time.
Call us now at (205) 957-4995 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Remember, you don't pay unless we win your case. Let our Maryland truck accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Your recovery is our priority. Your rights are our responsibility. Your future is our focus. Reach out to Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys - your trusted Maryland truck accident lawyers - today.