Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers / Nation’s Top Rated Truck Accident Lawyers – Munley Law® / Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers

A collision with a commercial truck can change your life in an instant. Due to their massive size and weight, trucks can cause devastating injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Maryland, you may be entitled to significant compensation. But securing that compensation isn’t easy.

At Munley Law, truck accident litigation is one of our core practice areas. Our nationally recognized attorneys have a long track record of success in holding negligent trucking companies accountable. Whether you were struck by a tractor trailer outside of Baltimore, a garbage truck in Columbia, or a delivery vehicle in Annapolis, a truck accident lawyer can help you set things right again.

Contact Munley Law for a free consultation with a MD truck accident attorney. There is no fee for our services unless we win your case.

Do I need a Maryland truck accident lawyer?

If you were hurt in a crash with a large truck in Maryland, you don’t need just a personal injury lawyer; you need a truck accident lawyer. Many personal injury firms claim to handle truck accidents but few have the experience and the skills to be successful with these complex, heavily defended cases. Truck accidents are different from regular auto accidents or injury cases. Truck cases require in-depth knowledge of federal transportation and motor carrier regulations, industry practices, commercial vehicle technology, and more.

How a Maryland truck accident lawyer can help you

A truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and a long list of questions. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. A skilled Maryland truck accident lawyer can step in to handle every aspect of your case and ensure you’re not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.

From the very beginning, your attorney will launch a thorough investigation into the crash. That includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, examining the truck’s black box and driver logs, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. This detailed approach helps uncover the true cause of the accident and identifies every party that may be legally responsible — whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or a parts manufacturer.

An experienced lawyer also understands the complex federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry. These rules — such as hours-of-service limits, maintenance requirements, and driver qualifications — can play a major role in proving negligence and strengthening your claim.

Beyond gathering evidence, your lawyer will handle all communication with the trucking company and its insurance representatives. Trucking companies have powerful legal teams whose job is to limit the amount they pay. Your attorney will level the playing field by negotiating on your behalf and making sure you aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement.

When it comes time to determine how much compensation you’re owed, your lawyer will work with medical professionals, financial experts, and vocational specialists to calculate the full extent of your damages. This can include your current and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any lasting disability or disfigurement.

And if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be fully prepared to take your case to court. At Munley Law, we build every case with trial in mind. While not all personal injury lawyers have extensive courtroom experience, our board-certified civil trial lawyers are always prepared to bring your case before a jury if that’s what it takes to get you justice.

When to call a truck accident attorney

After a serious truck accident, time is not on your side. The trucking company and their insurer may begin building their defense within hours of the crash. That’s why it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you’ve suffered serious injuries, don’t wait. Some of the most critical evidence like black box data or driver records can be lost or intentionally destroyed within days or weeks. An attorney can act quickly to preserve this evidence and protect your rights.

You should also reach out if there’s any confusion about who is at fault or if multiple vehicles were involved. Truck accident cases often involve shared liability between several parties, and figuring out who is responsible requires legal knowledge and investigative resources.

Even if the trucking company offers you a quick settlement, it’s best to speak with an attorney before signing anything. What seems like a generous offer may not come close to covering your long-term medical bills, lost wages, or other losses.

Ultimately, the earlier you speak with a truck accident attorney, the better protected you’ll be. At Munley Law, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. If you’ve been in a truck accident in Maryland, don’t try to handle it alone. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What to do if you’ve been in a truck crash in MD

No one expects to be involved in a crash with a large truck. It’s a potentially catastrophic event that can upend your life in seconds and leave you feeling powerless. But, if it does happen to you, all hope is not lost. There are some things you can do to protect yourself and take back some control in the situation.

Take Video and Photos

If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial when proving fault and supporting your claim. If surveillance or dash cam footage exists, your lawyer can help secure it before it’s deleted or overwritten.

See a Doctor as Soon as Possible

Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries — such as internal damage, concussions, or soft tissue injuries — may not be obvious right away. Prompt medical documentation also creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries, which is vital for your case.

Do Not Talk to the Trucker’s Insurance Company

Soon after the accident, the trucking company’s insurance representatives may call you to ask for a statement or offer a quick settlement. Do not speak to them or sign anything without consulting a lawyer. Even a seemingly harmless comment can be used to weaken your claim. Never accept an offer of settlement without the approval of your own lawyer. Accepting payment from the truck driver’s insurance typically means you give up your right to seek additional compensation, even if your condition worsens.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are complex and require immediate legal action to preserve evidence, establish liability, and calculate the full value of your damages. At Munley Law, our nationally recognized truck accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and track record to take on large trucking companies and win.

What causes most truck accidents in Maryland?

Maryland roadways see thousands of truck accidents and dozens of fatal truck accidents every year. Truck accidents in Maryland happen for many reasons, often a combination of driver error, mechanical failure, and violations of safety regulations. With major trucking routes like I-95, I-70, and the Baltimore Beltway running through the state, heavy commercial traffic mixes with dense urban congestion and fast-moving highways, creating the perfect conditions for serious crashes.

• One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours behind the wheel can lead to slowed reaction times or even falling asleep while driving, especially when truck drivers violate federal hours-of-service rules. Fatigue can cause similar impairment to driving while under the influence of alcohol.
• Distracted driving is another major factor, with truck drivers sometimes using phones, GPS devices, or other equipment while in motion. Even a few seconds of inattention in a multi-ton vehicle can lead to devastating consequences.
• Speeding and aggressive driving also contribute to many Maryland truck crashes. Some drivers exceed speed limits to meet tight delivery deadlines, increasing the risk of jackknife accidents, rollovers, and collisions—especially in construction zones or during bad weather.
• Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is another major issue. When freight shifts unexpectedly or exceeds weight limits, it can cause a truck to lose balance, tip over, or spill debris onto the roadway. Poorly secured loads are especially dangerous on Maryland’s hilly or curving roads.
• Mechanical failure and poor maintenance—such as worn brakes, tire blowouts, or steering problems—are frequent causes as well. While trucking companies are legally required to inspect and maintain their vehicles, some cut corners to save time or money, putting everyone on the road at risk.
• Lastly, inexperienced or undertrained drivers can make critical errors, especially when navigating busy highways, merging lanes, or tight turns in cities like Baltimore or Silver Spring. In some cases, the trucking company may be held liable for negligent hiring or training practices.

Who is legally responsible in a truck accident case?

In order for personal injury victims to obtain compensation for their losses, you must know who is legally responsible. In a truck accident case, there can be multiple responsible parties, each with their own insurance policies and defense. Identifying all responsible parties is essential to recovering the full compensation you deserve.

The truck driver

The truck driver is often the first place to look. If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, driving under the influence, or otherwise acting negligently, they can be held personally liable for the crash. But in most cases, the driver is not the only party involved.

The trucking company

The trucking company may also bear legal responsibility. Employers can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their drivers under Maryland law. Additionally, if the company hired an unqualified driver, failed to train them properly, or pressured them to violate safety regulations (such as driving longer than allowed), they can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or management.

Cargo loaders

Cargo loading companies may be responsible if the crash was caused by an improperly loaded or unsecured load on a commercial truck. Shifting or unbalanced cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or spills that lead to multi-vehicle collisions.

Truck manufacturer or maintenance provider

If a mechanical failure contributed to the crash — such as brake failure, tire blowout, or steering malfunction — then the vehicle maintenance provider or truck manufacturer could be at fault. In some cases, the defect may stem from a flawed part, opening the door to a product liability claim.

Other drivers

In some cases, drivers of other passenger cars might have contributed to the truck crash that caused your injuries. For instance, if a passenger car cut off a large commercial truck, the truck driver might not have time to avoid a collision, leading to a multi-vehicle pileup. Your truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and every source of recovery for you.

Contributory negligence in Maryland

Many truck accident victims ask, “can I still receive compensation if the accident was partially my fault?” The answer is different in every state. Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence law, meaning that injured victims cannot sue for their injuries if they too were negligent and share part of the blame. In other words, if you were even slightly at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you may be barred from seeking compensation. Maryland is one of only a few U.S. states with this kind of law and it is frequently up for debate as to whether the law should change.

Because the contributory negligence doctrine profoundly affects victims’ ability to recover compensation for their damages, it is all the more important to have an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorney on your side. A lawyer can ensure you are not wrongfully assigned blame, and can fight for every dollar of compensation you deserve.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Maryland?

The time limit for filing a personal injury claim against a truck driver or commercial trucking company is called the “statute of limitations.” In Maryland, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is three years. This means you have three years from the date the truck accident occurred to file a lawsuit. Similarly, if the truck crash resulted in fatality, the victim’s family will have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.

It’s important to remember that filing a truck accident lawsuit is not the first step in the process; on the contrary, there are numerous steps that must be taken before a lawsuit can be filed in a Maryland court. This is why it is extremely important to contact a lawyer even if you don’t yet know if you have grounds for a claim. The consultation is free, and it can help set you on the right path from the start.

Damages in a Maryland truck accident claim

Truck accident injuries can leave victims and their families struggling financially. And aside from the immediate financial strain, you may also experience persistent pain, emotional distress, and changes to your overall quality of life. These changes can be temporary or permanent, depending on the type and severity of your injuries. You deserve to be compensated for these damages.

While your auto insurance will cover some of the losses you incur as a result of the accident, it may not be enough. You have the right to seek additional compensation from the at-fault party, particularly if your injuries are severe or life-changing. A truck accident lawyer will work with your doctors and other experts to calculate the lifetime value of your truck accident claim so that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve. This includes compensation for:

• Medical bills, hospital stays, follow-up appointments, surgeries, medications, and medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Lost earning power

You can also seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.

Damage caps in Maryland

In Maryland, there is no cap on economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages. However, Maryland does place a cap on non-economic damages. This limit is currently set at $890,000 and increases each year. Wrongful death damages are capped at 125% of the value of non-economic damages in a given case.

Get a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer

The road to justice starts with a single phone call. From there on out, you can rest assured that you’re not facing this difficult time alone. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney today. We do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation.