Tractor-trailer collisions are terrifying, and can often have catastrophic injuries. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 2,695 occupants of other vehicles were killed and 64,000 were injured in collisions with large trucks in 2011 — whereas only 635 truck occupants were killed. This disparity in fatalities is due to the sheer size of a truck compared to a passenger car.

There are laws that protect victims of vehicle crashes by allowing them to receive monetary damages for their losses. If you suffered injuries from a crash with a large truck, there are many people who may be liable to pay your compensation. Since the trucking industry is regulated by the federal government, there are potentially many parties that play a role in getting a truck on the road and, as such may share the fault for your accident.

When fighting for compensation after a truck accident under Maryland personal injury law, victims must prove one or more other parties acted negligently and directly caused the accident. The following are some of the parties, and their potential negligent actions, that may result in their liability in a truck accident:

  • The truck driver — Negligent acts may include speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, unlawful turning, tailgating or driving under the influence
  • The manufacturer — Negligent acts may include failing to maintain products or providing wrong or inadequate parts
  • The trucking company — Negligent acts may include failing to perform background checks on drivers, making bad schedules and improperly training drivers
  • The loading company — Negligent acts may include improperly loading heavy cargo or loading too much cargo, making the truck harder to maneuver

If you were injured in an accident with a large truck, call an auto accident law firm in La Plata to help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.