Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be traumatizing. These vehicles are massive, meaning they can cause serious damage. If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, understanding the steps you must take to ensure your well-being and safeguard your rights is crucial. Please continue reading as we explore what you need to know about these matters and how a dedicated Prince George’s County Truck Accident Lawyer can guide you during this challenging time.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or 40 tons. As such, these kinds of trucks can certainly do more than their share of damage. Truck accidents are typically catastrophic because of their immense size, which can easily crush smaller vehicles in a crash. Several factors can contribute to a semi-truck accident in Maryland. Many of these factors can be attributed to driver error. The following include but are not limited to some of the main causes of trucking accidents:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigue
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance
What Steps Should I Take After a Semi-Truck Accident?
Following a semi-truck accident, taking immediate action is essential for your health and protecting your legal rights. First and foremost, your health should be your top priority. Even if you believe that your injuries are minor, it’s vital to have a thorough medical examination to ensure you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Victims often experience latent injuries with delayed onset symptoms. Prompt medical attention can prevent potential complications in the future and help you link your injuries to the accident which is crucial when pursuing legal action. Therefore, you should immediately call emergency services to report the accident and request medical personnel to the scene.
If circumstances permit, you should document as much of the accident scene as possible. Take pictures and videos of the damage to the vehicles involved, visible injuries, the conditions of the road, and any other relevant information. This can provide insight into the circumstances of the collision. After documenting the scene, you should gather contact information from the parties involved and any witnesses at the scene. Witnesses’ firsthand accounts of the crash can be crucial evidence in determining fault and establishing the facts of the accident. They can potentially back up your version of the events, which is especially important if there are discrepancies between claims.
Finally, one of the most important steps you can take after a semi-truck accident is to consult an experienced attorney. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means if the other party can prove that you contributed in any way to the damages you endured, you will be barred from recovering compensation. As such, it’s in your best interest to discuss your case with an attorney who can advise you on how best to proceed.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to guide you through this complex process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our firm today for more information.
