At the Law Office of Robert Castro, our truck accident attorneys in Waldorf, Maryland understand how important the trucking industry is to our country’s economy.

Most of the freight in the U.S. transported by semi-trucks – with 18-wheelers hauling just over 70% of all goods throughout the country. That means the truck drivers, trucking companies, and other third parties play a major role in how many trucks on our roadways, and how long and safely they are operating.

When these parties place profits over safety, our Maryland residents are the ones who get hurt.

Last year alone, semi-truck collisions caused close to 120,000 injuries across the country, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were nearly 5,000 people killed in fatal truck accidents, which were up by 9% over the same period,

If you lost a loved one in a collision with an 18-wheeler, our Charles County wrongful death attorneys will help you pursue the negligent person, party, or combination of parties that are liable for your tragic loss.

When are Truck Drivers Responsible for Semi-Truck Crashes in Maryland?

Since truck drivers are typically the first line of defense to help avoid these often-catastrophic collisions, any negligence on their party can cause significant consequences for other drivers on our roadways.

The most common forms of truck driver negligence may include, but is not limited to:

• Fatigued driving
• Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
• Speeding and traveling too fast for the conditions
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving distracted

When are Trucking Companies Responsible for Truck Accidents in Maryland?

Trucking companies can be liable for trucking accidents that were caused by the negligent actions or inactions that fall within their responsibility – and when overlooked – lead to injuries or even death.

They may include:

• Hiring inexperienced drivers and failing to professionally train them
• Failing to conduct background checks or required medical exams
• Failing to ensure their drivers are following all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines – including logbooks requirements and hours of service mandates

Another Third-Party May Also Be Liable for Truck Accidents in Maryland

There are many moving parts to the trucking industry, which often leaves safety requirements in the hands of those other than the trucking company or truck driver.

They may include, but are not limited to:

• Cargo loaders

• Manufacturing companies that produce – or fail to recall – defective truck parts
• Maintenance crews who fail to service the trucks properly

If you have been injured in a truck accident, or have tragically lost a loved one to the same in Maryland, contact our experienced semi-truck accident attorneys in Waldorf at the Law Office of Robert Castro by calling 301.870.1200 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.