Maryland Truck Accident Laws

When it comes to truck accidents in Maryland, the legal landscape is unique compared to regular car accidents. Maryland truck accident laws play a critical role in determining liability and compensation for the parties involved. Given the significant size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often result in severe injuries and damages. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, it’s important to understand how Maryland’s legal framework applies and how you can pursue your rights.

Truck accident cases often differ from typical car accidents due to the involvement of commercial drivers, federal regulations, and multiple liable parties. Maryland’s truck accident laws include both state regulations and federal rules, such as those imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which governs various aspects of commercial trucking.

Federal Regulations And State Laws

Federal regulations, such as the Hours of Service rules, dictate how long truck drivers can be on the road before taking mandatory breaks. These rules are intended to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. In addition, trucks are subject to strict maintenance requirements, ensuring that vehicles remain safe for use on Maryland highways. Violations of these regulations can be critical in establishing liability after a truck accident.

Maryland truck accident laws also impose specific requirements on commercial trucking companies operating within the state. These requirements include maintaining proper insurance coverage, meeting safety standards, and ensuring that drivers hold the necessary commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). If these regulations are violated, it can significantly affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. Truck accidents can also involve multiple parties, such as the trucking company, the driver, and sometimes even the vehicle’s manufacturer, making it essential to identify who is liable under Maryland’s laws.

Determining Liability

Liability in a truck accident is not always straightforward. Maryland follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which can complicate personal injury claims. Under this doctrine, if an injured party is found to be even partially at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This strict standard makes it crucial for us to gather solid evidence to support your claim.

To establish liability, we often need to investigate the circumstances of the accident, including reviewing driver logs, truck maintenance records, and any potential violations of FMCSA regulations. Truck Law can help identify the necessary evidence to build a strong case and hold the appropriate parties accountable.

Insurance And Compensation

Maryland truck accident laws require commercial vehicles to carry higher insurance coverage than regular vehicles due to the potential for severe damage. To register a vehicle in Maryland, you must have liability insurance from a company licensed in the state, covering at least $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for injuries to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage. Return your license plates to the MVA before canceling your insurance. Moving out of state requires notifying the MVA with specific documentation. If uninsured, fines start at $200 for the first 30 days and increase by $7 per day, with a maximum of $3,500 annually. Failure to respond may result in penalties, including registration suspension and income tax interception. However, pursuing compensation can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple insurance companies. Trucking companies and their insurers often seek to minimize payouts, which is why it’s important to have legal representation experienced in handling these complex claims.

Damages you may be entitled to include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The higher insurance limits for trucks can provide additional coverage, but the claims process may require negotiations or even litigation to reach a fair settlement. Our team is prepared to advocate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

Statute Of Limitations

In Maryland, there is a strict time limit for filing a truck accident lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three years from the date of the accident. This means it’s important to act promptly to protect your rights. Failing to file within this time frame could prevent you from seeking compensation altogether.

Additionally, if your claim involves a government entity, such as when a state-owned vehicle is involved in the accident, there are additional notice requirements that must be met within a much shorter time frame—sometimes as little as 180 days. It’s essential to keep these deadlines in mind to preserve your ability to file a claim.

Contact Us

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Maryland, it’s important to understand your rights under Maryland truck accident laws. The legal process can be complicated, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Truck Law, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal system and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss your case.

For more detailed information on Maryland’s truck accident laws, you can visit the Maryland General Assembly’s website.