Were you involved in a truck accident in Baltimore, MD? You may have a legal claim for compensation. Call WGK Personal Injury Lawyers at (410) 469-9349 to schedule a free consultation with our Baltimore truck accident lawyers.
The trucking industry is heavily regulated at both the state and federal levels to ensure the safety of drivers and the public. When a trucking company or driver breaks these rules, we know how to use the regulations to strengthen your case as much as possible.
Using our 80 years of combined experience, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients to date. Now, we’re ready to get to work on your claim. Contact our Baltimore personal injury attorneys today for a free initial consultation to learn more about your next steps.
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How WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Truck Accident Claim in Baltimore, Maryland
Truck accident cases in Baltimore, Maryland, can be especially complex when state and federal regulations get involved. These claims often entail extensive investigatory work, for instance, and not every law firm is qualified to help you fight for your compensation in these circumstances.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, however, understands this area of the law as well as anyone in the state.
When you hire our Baltimore personal injury lawyers, we can:
- Investigate your crash and collect evidence to determine what happened
- Identify every party that may share legal responsibility
- Work with accident reconstruction and trucking experts as needed
- Calculate all of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handle all of the communications and settlement negotiations
- Take your case to court if necessary
We’re confident that we can help you make the most of your claim, so contact our Baltimore truck accident attorneys today for a complimentary case review.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) creates and enforces rules for commercial trucks that operate across state lines. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents caused by factors such as fatigue, poor maintenance, and unsafe driving practices.
Key FMCSA rules include:
- Hours of service: Truckers can drive for up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs): Drivers are required to use ELDs to automatically record their driving hours and prevent the creation of falsified logs.
- Weight and size limits: The maximum federal weight for most trucks is 80,000 pounds, unless a special permit is obtained.
- Driver qualifications: Truck drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass regular medical exams.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Carriers must regularly test drivers, including those involved in serious accidents.
- Maintenance standards: Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they remain safe for operation.
Violating any of these rules can expose a trucking company or driver to legal liability in the event of a crash.
Maryland State Trucking Regulations
In addition to federal oversight, Maryland state law imposes further regulations on trucks that operate solely within state lines. The Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division ensures that drivers and companies follow these requirements.
Some important Maryland trucking rules regulate things such as:
- Weight and size limits: Trucks are generally limited to 80,000 pounds, 13 feet 6 inches in height, and 102 inches in width.
- Licensing and insurance: Companies operating within Maryland are required to have a valid registration and proof of financial responsibility.
- Route restrictions: Some state roads and bridges have weight limits and other restrictions for oversized vehicles.
- Hazardous materials: Drivers transporting hazardous goods must have special endorsements and adhere to labeling and safety standards.
Violations of these state rules can result in fines and may also support a personal injury case if the violation contributed to an accident.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Maryland?
You only have a limited amount of time to file a truck accident lawsuit in Maryland. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in the state is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your claim in court within three years, or you’ll likely lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.
However, note that there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim is a minor or if the injury wasn’t discovered right away, the deadline may be extended. On the other hand, claims against government entities have shorter deadlines and require additional notice to be filed.
As these rules can be confusing, it’s best to contact a truck accident lawyer in Baltimore as soon as possible after your crash. Your attorney can determine which deadlines apply and make sure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Truck accident cases require detailed knowledge of both state and federal trucking laws. If you or someone you love was hurt in a Baltimore truck crash, WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll investigate your accident to identify the violation(s) that occurred and fight for the full amount of compensation you need and deserve from them.
Call today or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyer.
