Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on the road, often leaving victims with serious injuries, extensive property damage, and an uncertain future. Because commercial trucking is tightly regulated and involves multiple parties, these cases are far more complicated than typical car accidents. Our Gaithersburg, MD truck accident lawyer understands how high the stakes are after a crash involving a commercial vehicle. Our clients often come to us with urgent concerns about liability, timelines, and the next steps. Below, we address the five most common questions about truck accidents so that you can pursue your personal injury claim confidently.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident is rarely straightforward. In many cases, the truck driver may be directly at fault for reckless driving, distracted driving, or violating federal hours-of-service rules. However, the trucking company can also bear responsibility for negligent hiring, inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or pushing drivers to meet unsafe delivery schedules.
Additionally, liability may extend to the company responsible for loading cargo if improperly secured freight contributed to the crash. Manufacturers of defective truck parts—such as faulty brakes or tires—can also be held accountable. Our team conducts detailed investigations, gathering black box data, maintenance logs, driver records, and witness statements to identify every liable party and hold them responsible.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Accident?
The moments after a truck accident are critical for your health and your legal claim. First and foremost, call 911 and seek medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor at the time. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away but can become life-threatening if left untreated.
If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact details from witnesses. Avoid making statements to the trucking company’s insurance representatives. They often attempt to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. Contact us as soon as possible so we can protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
Where Do Truck Accidents Commonly Occur In Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg is a hub for commercial traffic in Montgomery County, with several high-risk areas for truck accidents. Interstate 270 is a frequent site of collisions due to high speeds, heavy truck traffic, and frequent lane changes. Route 355 (Frederick Road) and the Intercounty Connector (MD 200) also see a significant number of crashes, especially during rush hours when congestion and aggressive driving are more common.
Industrial zones and warehouse districts in Gaithersburg also present dangers, as large trucks often navigate tight spaces and make wide turns that can catch other drivers off guard. We have handled cases from each of these locations and understand how road design, traffic patterns, and local trucking activity can play a factor in accidents.
When Should I Contact A Truck Accident Lawyer?
The best time to contact our truck accident attorney is immediately after the crash—ideally within the first few days. Evidence such as skid marks, surveillance footage, and the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data can disappear quickly. Trucking companies often have rapid-response teams on call to protect their interests at the accident scene, and without legal representation, you could be at a serious disadvantage.
By contacting us right away, we can send evidence preservation letters, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and begin building your case before the trucking company has time to control the narrative. Early legal action can make a substantial difference in your ability to recover fair compensation.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Severe?
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them capable of causing catastrophic damage in even low-speed collisions. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to about 4,000 pounds for the average passenger vehicle. This disparity in size and mass means that the occupants of smaller vehicles are far more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries.
Additionally, trucks have large blind spots, longer stopping distances, and greater difficulty maneuvering in emergency situations. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and mechanical failures are all more dangerous when operating a vehicle of this size. Our job is to make sure that the parties responsible for these risks are held accountable and that victims receive the financial recovery they need to rebuild their lives.
When It Comes To Truck Accidents, Experience Matters
At Antezana & Antezana LLC, we are more than just lawyers—we are a family-owned law firm founded in 2001 that values our clients and puts their needs first. Our personal injury firm has obtained over $30 million in settlements for our clients every year, and we bring that same dedication and care to every truck accident case we handle. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Schedule your free consultation today, and let us fight to secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
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