Rockville, Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Providing Legal Support for People Injured in Commercial Truck Accidents in Rockville

Collisions involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can be devastating. Large trucks often weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and when they collide with other vehicles, drivers or passengers are likely to suffer severe injuries that can have life-altering consequences. Even a minor mistake by a truck driver can lead to a catastrophic crash, and in these situations, injury victims will need to understand their legal options.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our personal injury lawyers know how difficult it can be to move forward after being seriously injured. We also understand how confusing the legal process can be in cases involving commercial truck accidents. With our experience handling these types of cases and our understanding of the legal issues that will need to be addressed, we can help you take the correct steps to recover financial compensation for your injuries and losses.

We will treat you with compassion and respect, making sure your needs and concerns are addressed. With our help, you can get through this difficult experience, address your financial needs, and avoid difficulties in the future.

Negligence Leading to Commercial Truck Accidents

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and large trucks can occur for many reasons. These cases may involve negligence by a truck driver, a trucking company, or other third parties. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours to meet strict deadlines. Federal regulations limit driving hours for commercial drivers, but these restrictions are not always followed. Truck drivers who drive for too many hours or who do not get enough rest are likely to experience drowsiness or fatigue. Effects of fatigue, such as delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, can lead to accidents.
• Traffic Violations: Reckless driving, speeding, failure to yield, improper lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals are common factors in truck accidents. Truck drivers who drive aggressively or fail to take care to protect the safety of others may be responsible for causing accidents.
• Drug and Alcohol Use: Intoxicated driving is always dangerous, but truck drivers who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to inflict serious injuries in collisions.
• Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo: Items that are not properly secured or balanced can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or lose control. Overloaded trucks place additional stress on tires, brakes, and other systems, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure. Loose cargo may fall onto the road, damaging other vehicles and injuring drivers or passengers.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucks must undergo regular maintenance to ensure that they can operate safely. Issues such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or problems with steering may occur due to improper maintenance or defective parts, and they may cause drivers to lose control and collide with other vehicles.
• Poor Training or Inexperience: Operating a commercial truck requires special skills and training. Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers may not know how to handle emergencies, difficult weather conditions, or hazardous roads.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, poorly maintained roads, or missing signs can contribute to truck accidents.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Unlike typical car accident cases, truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may share liability. Determining who is responsible requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. Our lawyers can gather evidence and identify the liable parties, who may include:

• Truck Drivers: Drivers may be held responsible for accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, or other violations of traffic laws and federal regulations.
• Trucking Companies: Trucking companies may be liable if they encourage unsafe practices, such as unrealistic delivery deadlines that lead to driver fatigue. They may also be liable if they fail to properly train or supervise their drivers or if they hire drivers with poor safety records.
• Maintenance Providers: If a truck's brakes, tires, or other systems fail due to inadequate inspections or maintenance, mechanics or service companies may be held liable for an accident.
• Parts Manufacturers: Defective truck components, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems, can cause accidents. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held responsible.
• Cargo Loaders: When improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is to blame for an accident, the party responsible for loading the truck may be held accountable.
• Local or State Governments: When poor road conditions or dangerous intersections contribute to an accident, government agencies may share liability.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Truck Accident Attorneys

You do not need to deal with the effects of a truck accident on your own. With the skilled lawyers from the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder on your side, you can take steps to make sure you will be fully compensated for your injuries. Our team believes in providing compassionate legal representation while working to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us by calling 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation today. We provide legal help to clients who have been injured in truck accidents throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.