New Carrollton Truck Accident Attorney

Lawyer for People Injured in Crashes With Commercial Trucks in New Carrollton, MD

Tractor-trailer trucks often weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. When a vehicle of that size collides with a sedan or SUV, the people in the smaller vehicle will almost always suffer the worst harm. Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and amputations are tragically common in these crashes.

Truck accident claims can be much more complex than other types of car crash cases. Commercial trucking companies are required to follow detailed safety regulations, and they often carry large insurance policies. They may send investigators to the scene of a truck accident within hours. People who have been hurt in collisions with commercial trucks deserve to have the same level of legal representation.

At Kisner Law, our attorney knows how the trucking industry operates and how the laws that apply to truck drivers and trucking companies can affect truck accident cases. He has the experience needed to uncover safety violations, identify all parties that may share responsibility for an accident, and stand up to insurance companies as he works to obtain compensation for truck accident victims. He will provide attentive, compassionate support while fighting for an outcome that will address the full impact of a person's injuries.

Where Truck Accidents Happen Around New Carrollton

Large trucks pass through the New Carrollton area daily, carrying goods to warehouses, stores, and construction sites throughout Prince George's County and the Washington, D.C. region. The Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) carries an enormous volume of interstate freight, and it experiences frequent congestion. When traffic slows down suddenly, truck drivers may fail to respond correctly. On US Route 50, many trucks travel between Washington and Annapolis, and at the interchanges where the two highways, merging lanes and the requirement to make quick lane changes can increase the risks of side-impact and sideswipe crashes.

Collisions involving large trucks may also take place on local roads. Delivery trucks and tractor-trailers regularly travel on Annapolis Road and other routes serving the industrial and warehouse districts in the surrounding area. On these roads, a truck driver's mistakes can lead to serious injuries for other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

• Rear-End Collisions: A loaded truck needs much more distance to stop than a car. When a truck driver tailgates behind another vehicle, speeds, or looks away from the road, they may have no way to stop before slamming into another vehicle from behind.
• Rollover Accidents: A truck driver may take a curve or ramp too fast or overcorrect when swerving, which can cause a truck to tip onto its side. This may block several lanes of traffic or crush other vehicles.
• Underride Accidents: A smaller vehicle may slide under the rear or side of a commercial truck's trailer. This can crush the passenger compartment and cause serious or fatal injuries.
• Head-On Accidents: Driver fatigue, drug or alcohol use, or distracted driving can cause a truck to drift across the road and collide with approaching vehicles. These types of truck accidents are among the deadliest crashes on the road.
• Wide Turn Accidents: A truck driver will often need to swing left before turning right, and this can leave a gap that other vehicles may enter. If a truck driver does not check that the space is clear before turning, they may be responsible for causing a collision.
• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck's cab and trailer fold toward each other at a sharp angle, the trailer can sweep across traffic and strike multiple vehicles. These accidents can occur after hard braking on wet roads or other situations where truck drivers lose control.
• Decoupled Trailers: A trailer that separates from a truck will become an uncontrolled hazard. It may turn over or block several lanes of traffic, causing an accident that may involve multiple vehicles. Negligent maintenance of truck equipment may be responsible for these types of accidents.

Who May Be Held Responsible for a Trucking Accident

Unlike other types of car crashes, a truck accident may involve several liable parties. The driver may be at fault, and a trucking company may also be responsible for an employee's actions. Issues such as unrealistic delivery schedules, hiring a driver with a poor safety record, or failing to provide the proper supervision may demonstrate that a trucking company was responsible for a truck accident. A cargo loader may share blame for an overloaded or unbalanced trailer, or a parts manufacturer or repair shop may be liable for mechanical issues such as defective brakes or tires.

Contact Our New Carrollton, Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer

A collision with a commercial truck can result in devastating injuries. At Kisner Law, our lawyer and investigate a truck crash, uncover safety violations or other forms of negligence, and take legal action to hold a truck driver, trucking company, or other parties responsible for the injuries a victim has suffered. Contact our New Carrollton, MD commercial trucking accident attorney at 240-459-0097 to set up a free consultation and talk with our legal team about your options.