The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that in 2021, there were 531,000 nonfatal crashes involving a large truck or bus and 5,340 fatalities.
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating types of motor vehicle accidents. A commercial truck’s sheer size and weight make it significantly more dangerous and damaging in a crash than with smaller vehicles. Victims of truck accidents can also face unique challenges when seeking compensation and justice. This is where having a Bowie truck accident lawyer in your corner can be indispensable.
Unfortunately, accidents are not uncommon in Bowie, where highways like U.S. Route 50 and Interstate I-495 see significant truck traffic every day.
At GDH Law, we are ready to help with your case.
Understanding Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents can be multi-layered and complex, requiring an understanding of federal trucking regulations and the ability to negotiate with large insurance companies with significant resources that typically focus on minimizing payouts.
Corporations with plenty of experience defending themselves against these types of accident claims often own these trucks. They employ aggressive lawyers and experienced insurance adjusters to protect their bottom line.
If you’re the victim of a crash involving a commercial truck, going up against these forces can be overwhelming. A truck accident lawyer has specific experience in handling these types of cases and possesses the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for you.
Medical bills pile up quickly, and victims may be left unable to work for months or years.
And, it’s not just the physical and emotional toll of your injuries, as there is often a legal battle to secure fair compensation, as trucking companies and insurers do everything possible to minimize their financial liability. This usually includes denying fault, minimizing the extent of your injuries, and even blaming you (the victim) for the crash.
This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate these challenges, protect your rights, and make sure that you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Bowie Truck Accident Lawyer
One of the key reasons to partner with a Bowie truck accident lawyer is that these accidents can often involve multiple parties, any or all of whom may be held liable for the crash.
For example, a truck driver, the company that owns the truck, the manufacturer, those who maintain the truck, and even the government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident happened – all of these could share responsibility. Determining who’s liable and to what extent is a complicated process that requires thorough investigation and a deep understanding of local and federal laws.
Federal regulations play a prominent role in commercial trucking. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules regarding driver conduct, hours of service regulations, vehicle maintenance, and more.
Violations of these rules often lead to accidents. For instance, if a truck driver exceeds the maximum number of driving hours allowable and causes a crash, your lawyer can use this violation of set regulations as evidence of the driver’s negligence. This is why your attorney will investigate whether any regulations were violated and use that information to build a stronger case on your behalf.
Your lawyer may recruit the help of expert witnesses in your truck accident case as well. These are experts like accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or specialized engineers who can provide crucial expert testimony about how the accident occurred, the extent of your injuries, and the effects that the crash, long-term, is likely to have on your life.
Your attorney will have a network of these professionals and know when and how to use them in your case.
Investigation
The first step that your lawyer will take is to thoroughly investigate your accident. This will involve gathering evidence from the accident scene, reviewing police reports, and getting eyewitness statements.
Another crucial step in this process is securing the truck’s electronic data recorder, often referred to as the “black box.” This device can reveal important information about the truck’s speed, braking, and the driver’s actions leading up to and at the time of the crash.
Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses can also help reconstruct the moments leading up to the accident.
Determining Liability
As mentioned earlier, there could be a number of parties responsible for your accident. Your attorney will analyze all available evidence to decide who should be held accountable.
Sometimes, a trucking company might be found liable because of negligent hiring practices, like failing to properly vet drivers or providing inadequate training. Other times, a maintenance company that failed to properly service the truck, leading to a mechanical failure, may also be found liable.
Calculating Damages
A critical ability of a truck accident lawyer is to calculate the full extent of your current and future economic and non-economic losses. This will involve not only your immediate medical bills but also future medical expenses, lost wages, decreased earning potential, pain and suffering, and even emotional distress.
Truck accidents can cause long-term or permanent disabilities that may require ongoing or even life-long treatment and care. This is why it’s crucial to be able to assess the full scope of your losses with accuracy.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies frequently attempt to settle a claim quickly with pressure tactics and lowball offers.
However, these rarely reflect the real value of your case or will adequately cover your expenses and losses. An experienced attorney knows these tactics and counter them when negotiating on your behalf, ensuring that any settlement offer is enough to cover your current and future needs.
If the insurance company refuses to agree on a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case before a judge in court.
Get the Help You Need for Your Truck Crash Case
At GDH Law, we understand that a truck accident can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye.
Our lawyers are experienced in handling truck accidents and can guide you through the process, protect your interests, and fight for maximum compensation. With their help, you and your family can focus on your recovery while they handle the legalities.
When you choose the right Bowie truck accident lawyer, you’re protecting your rights and gaining a trusted partner who will tirelessly fight for your best interests.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
