Data has shown that a full-loaded 18-wheeler truck can weigh, more or less, 80,000 pounds. Data has also shown that a fully-loaded 18-wheeler truck requires, more or less, 40 percent more space to make a stop than a standard passenger van. For these reasons, when a truck accident occurs, the injuries and damages can be extreme, and sometimes fatal. Read on to discover what proof is helpful for your 18-wheeler accident claim and how one of the seasoned Howard County truck accident attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can help you with this.
What are the causes of 18-wheeler accidents in the state of Maryland?
18-wheeler truck accidents can occur due to hazardous road conditions or severe weather conditions. However, more often than not, they are due to truck driver negligence. Examples of such negligence include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Failing to leave adequate space to break.
- Failing to proceed with caution when making a turn.
- Failing to check large blind spots before changing lands.
- Failing to obey traffic signals and signs before crossing an intersection.
- Failing to drive under the speed limit.
- Failing to have adequate training before driving on the Maryland roads.
- Texting while driving.
- Navigating a GPS while driving.
- Driving in the wrong direction or on the wrong side of the road.
- Driving while fatigued.
- Driving while intoxicated.
- Having uneven weight distribution in the trailer.
What proof is needed to recover damages after my 18-wheeler accident?
For your 18-wheeler truck accident claim, you will need to prove the following as true:
- A truck driver was driving negligently on the Maryland roads.
- You were involved in an accident with this truck driver.
- You suffered injuries and damages due to this accident.
And to prove the above as true, you must collect enough proof. Examples of what to gather include the following:
- A copy of the police report documented at the scene.
- Photos/videos of your injuries, damages, road hazards, etc.
- The contact information of the truck driver.
- A copy of your medical documents that specify the cause and seriousness of your injuries.
- A copy of your medical bills that specify the total cost of your current and future treatments.
What is the statute of limitations for an 18-wheeler accident claim?
Like any other state, there is a deadline, otherwise known as a statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim such as your 18-wheeler truck accident claim. Specifically, in the state of Maryland, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of your accident. Failure to do so will result in your being permanently barred from suing.
If you are ready to bring your case forward, reach out to one of the competent Howard County auto accident attorneys today.
