If you have been involved in a truck accident in Baltimore, understanding how liability is determined is crucial to protecting your rights and securing compensation. Truck accidents tend to be far more complex than standard car crashes due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the number of parties involved, and the web of federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry.
At Holzman & Dickriede, our experienced Baltimore truck accident attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of commercial vehicle accident cases. We know how to investigate these collisions thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and hold them accountable for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they cause.
Why Liability Matters in Truck Accidents
In any personal injury case, establishing liability is essential. In truck accidents, however, multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash, each with its own insurance company and legal team working to avoid paying a claim. Without an in-depth investigation, you may never know the full extent of the negligence involved—or how many parties played a role in causing your injuries.
Truck accident claims also often involve higher damage because of the severe injuries these crashes can cause, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, multiple fractures, and permanent disability. With so much at stake, trucking companies and insurers often work aggressively to minimize their liability and deny or devalue valid claims.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Baltimore
Truck accidents happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes we see in the Baltimore area include:
- Driver fatigue due to violation of Hours-of-Service regulations
- Distracted driving, such as texting while behind the wheel
- Improper lane changes or failure to yield
- Speeding or reckless driving to meet delivery deadlines
- Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Overloaded or unsecured cargo
- Equipment failures, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts
- Poor weather or road conditions, often coupled with driver inexperience
Each of these scenarios may point to a different responsible party, which is why it is critical to examine every angle when determining liability.
Federal Regulations and Trucking Industry Standards
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to strict regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover everything from driver’s qualifications and vehicle maintenance to hours of service and recordkeeping. Violating any of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
For example, if drivers exceed the allowable hours behind the wheel without sufficient rest, their employer may be held responsible for pushing them to violate the law. Similarly, if a company fails to perform the required inspections or knowingly sends out a vehicle with bald tires or defective brakes, that clearly breaches their duty of care.
Our legal team has a deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations and how they apply in Maryland truck accident cases. We analyze driver logs, maintenance records, and inspection reports to uncover violations that may have contributed to your crash.
Preserving Evidence After a Truck Accident
Time is a critical factor in any truck accident case. Much of the most valuable evidence—such as black box data, driver logs, dash cam footage, and surveillance video—can be lost or destroyed if action is not taken quickly. At Holzman & Dickriede, we act fast to preserve this evidence by sending spoliation letters to the trucking company, requiring them by law to maintain all relevant records.
We also work with accident reconstruction experts, forensic engineers, and medical professionals to build a strong case that fully illustrates what happened, why it happened, and how it has impacted your life.
The Role of Insurance Companies
In truck accident cases, you may be dealing with multiple insurance policies and corporate insurers that are skilled in defending high-value claims. It is common for the truck driver, trucking company, cargo shipper, and other parties to all have separate coverage. These insurers will do everything they can to reduce their financial exposure, including:
- Denying fault outright
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before injuries are fully understood
- Blaming the victim (especially in Maryland, where contributory negligence rules apply)
- Disputing the severity of injuries or the necessity of medical treatment
Having a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Baltimore on your side ensures that you are not taken advantage of during negotiations. We handle all communication with insurers so you can focus on your recovery.
Damages Available in a Baltimore Truck Accident Claim
Victims of serious truck accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation. At Holzman & Dickriede, we pursue full damages for:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (for families who have lost a loved one)
We understand how to accurately calculate these damages and present them in a compelling way, whether in settlement discussions or in court.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede?
With decades of combined legal experience and a deep understanding of Maryland’s personal injury laws, Holzman & Dickriede is a trusted advocate for truck accident victims throughout the Baltimore area. We approach every case with a trial-ready mindset and are committed to helping our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
When you choose our firm, you will receive personalized attention from a dedicated attorney—not a case manager or call center. We provide honest guidance, frequent updates, and aggressive representation tailored to the specifics of your case. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting evidence before a jury, we fight for the best possible outcome every time.
And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Call a Baltimore Truck Accident Attorney Today
Do not wait to get the legal help you need. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, let our legal team step in and protect your rights from day one. Trucking companies move fast to protect themselves—you need someone moving just as fast on your behalf.
Call Holzman & Dickriede today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyer. We are here to answer your questions, investigate your claim, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Holzman & Dickriede – Baltimore Injury Lawyers
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