Understanding Trucking Accidents: Legal Advice and Key Steps
Trucking accidents are a serious concern for anyone sharing the road with large commercial vehicles. Annually, thousands of individuals are injured or killed in collisions involving tractor-trailers, flatbeds, dump trucks, box trucks, and car carriers. Due to their size and weight, these vehicles often cause more severe injuries compared to smaller vehicle accidents.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
A significant cause of trucking accidents is driver fatigue. Although truck drivers must follow strict federal and state safety regulations, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, some companies push drivers to meet tight delivery schedules. This pressure can lead to unsafe practices, including sacrificing rest for speed. When such negligence occurs, both the driver and the trucking company can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Legal Standards for Truck Drivers in Maryland
In Maryland, commercial truck drivers are held to specific legal standards. Lawyers handling trucking accident cases must be familiar with these regulations. Violations of these laws can be used to establish liability if an accident occurs.
Essential Considerations in Trucking Accident Investigations
Investigating trucking accidents involves unique aspects that can significantly impact the case:
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Many trucks are equipped with ELDs that record data such as driving hours, speed, and braking patterns. This information can be crucial in determining the cause of an accident.
- Black Boxes: Similar to those in airplanes, black boxes in trucks record detailed information about the vehicle’s operation. This data can provide valuable insights into what happened before and during the accident.
- Onboard Cameras: Many commercial trucks have cameras that record footage before and after a collision. This video evidence can be vital in showing what occurred and what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. It is important to request this footage promptly to ensure it is preserved.
Spoliation of Evidence
If a trucking company destroys or loses crucial evidence, courts can instruct juries on spoliation of evidence, which can have a significant impact on the case’s outcome. Promptly requesting the preservation of video and other data is essential to prevent this.
Seeking Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, it is crucial to seek help from a personal injury law firm with expertise in these cases. Innovate Injury Lawyers, led by Nirav Babu, has the experience and knowledge to handle the complexities of truck accident cases. Our team is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, medical expenses, and financial losses due to truck accidents.
Contact Innovate Injury Lawyers
For those affected by trucking accidents in Maryland, seeking legal advice promptly is essential. Contact Innovate Injury and Accident Lawyers for a free consultation. Call us at (301) 971-4874. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.