Truck Accident Attorneys in Silver Spring, MD

8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1250 Silver Spring, MD 20910 | 301-450-5556 | Map & Directions
 

 

Seeking Justice for Silver Spring, MD Semi-Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents are among the most devastating events on the road. A truck may weigh many more tons than a normal passenger car, and the damage trucks can inflict in a crash can lead to catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even loss of life.

With its proximity to the nation’s capital and busy Interstate 495, Silver Spring unfortunately sees many truck accidents each year. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a trucking accident in Silver Spring, you may be facing a long road to recovery, mounting medical bills, and loss of income.

You don’t have to go through this alone! At Ashcraft & Gerel, our truck accident attorneys are experts when it comes to the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry, and they are prepared to advocate for your personal injury claim. Ashcraft & Gerel has proudly served Silver Spring since 1953. If you’ve been in a truck accident, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (301) 450-5556 for your free case review.
 

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What Should You Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Silver Spring?

The aftermath of a truck accident is stressful, but the steps you take can ensure your safety and help your legal case down the road. Here are some of the most important steps to take immediately after a truck accident:

Prioritize Safety: 

First and foremost, check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. If possible, move everyone involved away from traffic.

Document the Scene:

Obtain the truck driver’s name, contact and insurance information, driver’s license, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) numbers, employer details, and license plate number. If other drivers were involved, collect similar information from them. Take detailed photos of the scene, including damages to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

Identify Witnesses:

If there were witnesses to the truck accident, get their contact information and statements if you’re able.

Do Not Admit Fault:

Never admit fault. Do not discuss the details of the crash with others at the scene. Any admission of fault could hurt your legal case later.

Cooperate With Emergency Responders:

Provide accurate information to the police and other first responders. Police can provide important evidence in truck accident cases, so be sure to note the names and badge numbers of those present.

Document Your Losses:

Keep a record of any medical expenses, repair bills, and other costs incurred because of the accident. These records will be important in calculating your losses.

Hire a Truck Accident Attorney:

When it is safe to do so, contact the Silver Spring truck accident attorneys at Ashcraft & Gerel. Our team can help you make sense of this difficult situation and get the process started for getting you compensated for the accident.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 866-709-0505

Why Hire a Silver Spring Truck Accident Attorney?

Truck accidents are much more complex than accidents involving passenger cars. After a trucking accident, it is critical to have the very best legal representation on your side. Our team of Silver Spring truck accident lawyers have the experience and resources to investigate every aspect of the accident.

Trucking companies and their insurers will defend their bottom line. They have teams of lawyers dedicated to minimizing your compensation. Even if they offer you a quick settlement, it likely won’t come close to compensating you for the injuries, pain, and losses you have suffered.
This is where the expertise of a truck accident attorney becomes invaluable. Our team at Ashcraft & Gerel advocates for your rights, skillfully negotiating on your behalf to ensure you receive the rightful compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
 

 

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When Should You Contact a Silver Spring Truck Accident Lawyer?

If your accident involves multiple parties, substantial damages, or severe injuries that affect your ability to work, it is crucial to consult a truck accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected. The truck accident lawyers at Ashcraft & Gerel will help you navigate the complexities of your case, from dealing with difficult insurance companies to investigating the crash and hiring expert witnesses if needed.

Every accident is unique, and an experienced truck accident attorney can craft the best possible case for your unique situation. Our attorneys will make sure you feel supported at every step of the legal process. By choosing Ashcraft & Gerel, you gain a partner in these challenging times who will fight to get you fair compensation.

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What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?

When trucks collide with smaller passenger cars, the results can be catastrophic. Some of the common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

 

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Truck Accident in Silver Spring, MD?

Determining liability after a truck accident can be complicated, and it is possible for multiple parties to be at fault. A truck driver may be at fault if they broke traffic laws, if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they violated regulations restricting the number of consecutive hours that drivers can work. In some situations, the fault might lie partially or primarily with someone indirectly involved in the collision, including a mechanic who failed to replace a truck’s faulty brakes, or a manufacturer that provided defective truck parts. A dedicated attorney will be able determine who bears responsibility for the truck accident and take appropriate action against them on your behalf.

Maryland uses a comparative negligence system, which means that multiple parties can share liability for an accident. Each party’s degree of fault is assessed, and their compensation is adjusted accordingly. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be entitled to recover damages.

Depending on the circumstances of your truck accident, it may be possible to pursue multiple claims against any or all of the following parties:

The experienced truck accident lawyers at Ashcraft & Gerel can help you determine which parties should be held liable in your case.

What Truck Accident Evidence is Collected?

The evidence collected following an accident is crucial for proving liability for the accident and building the case that you deserve compensation for losses incurred.

Important evidence collected after a truck accident may include:

Our experienced Silver Spring truck accident attorneys will collect and analyze this evidence to help create the strongest possible case on your behalf.
 

 

What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance?

Drivers in Maryland are required to insure their vehicles. Maryland state law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Failure to insure your vehicle can mean heavy fines plus administrative fees that add up daily. Your license could be suspended or revoked, and you might even face up to two years in jail.

Even if you do not have insurance, you can still pursue a claim against the liable party. We can help you decide the best path forward to get the compensation you deserve.

What if You Are Hit by an Uninsured Truck Driver in Silver Spring, MD?

Accidents involving uninsured, negligent truck drivers are complex, but our attorneys can help you determine the best course of action to obtain compensation for your losses. It may be possible to pursue a claim against the trucking company or the truck driver’s personal assets.

If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own insurance policy, you can also file a claim with your insurance company. This coverage is designed to compensate you for damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

What Damages Can You Pursue After a Silver Spring Truck Accident?

The injuries sustained in a truck accident can be serious and lifelong, and they may be mental as well as physical. You deserve to be compensated for immediate losses and medical bills as well as those you may incur as part of ongoing treatment and disability. The types of damages you can pursue after a trucking accident may include:

✓  Medical Costs:

✓  Lost Wages:

• Including benefits, sick leave, bonuses, and vacation time

✓  Property Damage

✓  Transportation Costs

✓  Legal Fees

✓  Non-Economic Damages:

✓  Wrongful Death Damages:

✓  Punitive Damages:

• Applicable in cases of fraud, malice, or willful misconduct by the wrongdoer

✓  Reduced Earning Capacity:

• If injuries prevent you from returning to work or earning your pre-injury income

✓  Reduced Quality of Life:

• If you suffer permanent impairment

✓  Scarring and Disfigurement

Our skilled team of truck accident lawyers at Ashcraft & Gerel will fight to get you just compensation for your financial losses, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?

Determining an average settlement for a truck accident is challenging, because the amount of a settlement can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, liability, insurance coverage, and the unique circumstances of each case.

Truck accidents often result in more substantial settlements compared to accidents involving smaller vehicles due to the potential for more severe injuries and damages. Our Silver Spring truck accident attorneys will evaluate the details of your unique case and pursue the maximum compensation through negotiations with the responsible parties or, if necessary, through litigation.
 

 

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Silver Spring Truck Accident Case?

The length of time it takes to settle a truck accident case will depend on the specific aspects of the case and whether a settlement can be made with the insurance company or a lawsuit must be filed. Cases involving minor injuries, property damage, or clear liability may settle within a few months, while cases involving a lawsuit can stretch on for years. Our team of truck accident attorneys at Ashcraft & Gerel can assess your case to estimate how long settlement negotiations might take, so that you can decide whether to pursue discussions with the liable parties’ insurance or move forward with a lawsuit.

What Causes Most Silver Spring Truck Accidents?

Most truck accidents in Silver Spring are the result of human error, negligence, or adverse driving conditions. These may include:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Tired or fatigued drivers
• Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Speeding
• Failure to obey traffic signals
• Improper trailer loading or unsafely loaded cargo
• Overweight trailers or overloading beyond legal weight limit
• Faulty truck components or defective vehicle parts
• Neglected maintenance or improperly maintained trucks
• Unsafe lane changes or merging
• Poor weather conditions

 

How Is a Truck Accident Different From a Car Accident?

While any vehicle accident can be serious, accidents involving trucks can be particularly devastating due to their sheer size in relation to passenger cars. Tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most passenger vehicles weigh below 4,000 pounds. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that truck accidents resulted in 287,000 property damage claims, 77,000 injuries and 4,321 deaths in a single year.

Furthermore, truck accidents typically involve many more parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, truck owners, and insurance companies. The complex nature of truck accidents demands an experienced legal team that is well-versed in both multi-party liability cases and the various regulations governing the trucking industry.

What Are the DOT Regulations for Truck Drivers?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates a comprehensive set of rules and regulations with which all commercial vehicle owners must comply. These include:

• Mandatory rest after 70 hours of driving in a week for 34 consecutive hours.
• Restriction on working more than 70 hours in eight consecutive days.
• Limitation of working up to 11 hours within a 14-hour workday.
• Adherence to federal weight limits for trucks.
• Requirement of hazmat certification for transporting hazardous materials.
• Maintenance of a work logbook.
• Undergoing a physical exam every two years.
• Abstaining from alcohol or behavior-impairing substances for eight hours before driving.
• Undergoing drug and alcohol screening.
• Adherence to vehicle inspection and maintenance protocols.
• Ensuring cargo securement.
• Obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses and permits.

 

 

Our Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready To Serve Your Case in Silver Spring, MD.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Silver Spring, Ashcraft & Gerel is here to help. The aftermath of a truck accident can be a frightening and overwhelming time, and we want you to know that you can count on us to advocate and fight for you.. Every truck accident case is unique, and our team understands that you may have questions about your best path forward. Call us today at (301) 450-5556 to schedule your free case review, and trust us to get you the compensation you deserve!

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Silver Spring, MD

At Ashcraft & Gerel, our attorneys are experienced in all types of truck accidents, including:

 

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