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Suing Truck AccidentIf you were injured in a collision with a commercial truck, your first concern is likely your recovery. But as the dust settles, you may ask a critical legal question: Can you sue a trucking company for a truck accident?

Depending on the facts, the answer is yes.

At Southern Maryland Law, our Maryland truck accident lawyers have helped injured clients throughout Waldorf, Lexington Park, and the surrounding counties for six decades. We understand how devastating truck accidents can be and know how to hold the right parties accountable.

In this post, we’ll explain when a trucking company can be held legally responsible and what steps you should consider when filing a claim.

How Trucking Companies May Be Negligent

Trucking companies are held to strict federal and state safety standards. They are responsible for their vehicles and drivers and for creating safe operating procedures that protect everyone on the road. When they fail in that responsibility, the consequences can be severe.

Below are some of the most common ways that trucking companies may contribute to an accident.

Inadequate Driver Training

Driving a commercial truck requires far more skill and knowledge than driving a passenger car. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that every driver they put on the road is properly trained—not just in basic operation but also in defensive driving, emergency procedures, and safe cargo handling.

When a company skips or shortens its training programs to get drivers on the road faster, a truck driver may not know how to respond to specific situations, which increases the likelihood of an accident.

Poor Hiring Practices

Federal regulations require trucking companies to thoroughly vet their drivers before hiring them. That includes reviewing driving histories, checking for drug or alcohol violations, and confirming that drivers are medically fit to handle the job’s physical demands.

When companies skip these steps or ignore red flags during hiring, they may put dangerous or unqualified drivers behind the wheel.

Hours-of-Service Violations and Driver Fatigue

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. So, federal law limits how long a truck driver can operate without rest. These rules are called hours-of-service regulations, and they exist to ensure drivers stay alert and safe.

Unfortunately, some companies encourage—or even pressure—their drivers to meet tight delivery deadlines by violating these rules. If a company fosters a culture of skipping rest breaks and pushing schedules beyond safe limits, it can be held directly responsible for any resulting crash.

Failure to Maintain Trucks and Equipment

Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their fleet. Commercial vehicles operate under intense pressure and require ongoing maintenance to remain safe, including brakes, tires, lights, coupling devices, and steering components.

If a company ignores routine maintenance or puts off needed repairs, it can lead to mechanical failures that cause catastrophic accidents. 

Maintenance logs are often key evidence in these cases, and at Southern Maryland Law, we know how to obtain them.

What Steps Should I Take to Sue a Trucking Company?

If you’re considering suing a trucking company for accident injuries, the process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. An experienced truck accident lawyer will guide you through each step. Here’s how the process typically works:

  1. You hire an experienced truck accident attorney;
  2. Your attorney investigates and builds your case;
  3. Your attorney sends a demand letter to the trucking company or insurer, asking for compensation for your injuries;
  4. You and your legal representative negotiate with the insurance company; and
  5. You may file a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t reached.

In Maryland, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to sue, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is essential to protect your claim.

Suing a Trucking Company for Accident Injuries? Talk to a Firm That Puts People First

At Southern Maryland Law, we’ve built our reputation by treating every client like a person, not a number. We know how intimidating it can be to go up against a large trucking company or national insurance carrier. That’s why we take the time to explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in every step of the process. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney and receive the kind of personal attention larger firms often can’t provide.

Our team knows how to build strong claims, gather evidence, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

If you’re wondering whether you can sue a trucking company for your injuries, contact Southern Maryland Law today for a consultation