Maryland State Police continue their investigation into a fatal, two-car accident that occurred in the early morning hours of October 6, 2017. According to a report in The Garrett County Republican, a 28-year-old man was killed when he drove his Kia passenger vehicle into the rear section of a truck and became trapped underneath the trailer. The driver of the semi had pulled over on the shoulder of Eastbound Interstate 68 to inspect damage to an air hose, and was in the process of setting up emergency markers when the victim struck the trailer. When first responders arrived on the scene, the driver of the Kia was discovered to be deceased.
If you are an injured victim or the surviving family member of someone killed in a truck accident, you may assume that the process of seeking compensation is similar to auto collision cases in Maryland. However, there are a number of ways these incidents are far more complicated.
1. You will Sustain More Severe Injuries and Increased Medical Costs
A truck outweighs a passenger vehicle by up to 20 times the car’s weight, depending on the cargo and details of the cab section. Because of the size differential, injuries tend to be more life-threatening and traumatic. The risk of injury to the head, neck, spinal cord, and internal organs tends to be among the most devastating.
Of course, the more the traumatic the injury, the higher the cost of medical treatment will be. Emergency treatment, medevac, longer hospital stays, surgery, and other care is common – and these services come at a price. Ongoing care and recovery time for a truck accident victim can also be lengthy as compared to a car crash.
2. There are Larger Stakes with Insurance Coverage
Truck operators carry higher levels of insurance because of the potential for catastrophic injuries and property damage. The coverage can run in the millions, so insurance companies put their most experienced, skilled adjusters on truck accident cases to protect their bottom line. You can be sure these employees will make low-ball offers in response to your claim for compensation.
3. There is a Higher Incidence of Fatalities
Commercial truck accidents are more likely to result in death to individuals traveling in passenger vehicles, again due to the weight and size of the semi. Statistics show that, on average, large trucks are involved in around 3,000 to 5,000 fatal traffic incidents every year.
4. You will Need an Experienced Attorney
Filing a claim after a car collision can be relatively straightforward, but the legal issues are far more complex in Maryland truck accidents. The three factors mentioned above make these cases extremely complicated; plus, there are multiple parties involved, including the driver, trucking company, insurance companies, and others. It is critical to retain an experienced auto accident attorney to assist you through the process, especially if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit in court. For more information on truck and auto accidents, please contact attorney Michael A. Freedman to discuss your case.
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