Truck Accident Liability and Commercial Vehicle Safety Issues

When a truck hits your car in Maryland, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The physical injuries, damage to your vehicle, and confusion about who is responsible are only the beginning. In my practice at SG Legal Group, I often see accident victims underestimate the complexity of commercial vehicle claims — and that mistake can cost them substantially.

This article explains who pays for your injuries after a truck accident in Maryland, why commercial vehicle cases are fundamentally different from ordinary car crashes, and how to navigate the insurance and liability maze effectively.

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Common Mistakes Victims Make After a Maryland Truck Accident

The first hours and days after a truck crash often determine the strength of your case. Unfortunately, I frequently see victims make the same costly mistakes:

• Delaying medical treatment. Many victims try to “tough it out,” hoping their pain will subside. Insurance adjusters later use those delays to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
• Failing to call the police. A police report provides an objective account of the scene, identifies involved parties, and can include witness information — all critical to proving liability later.
• Not collecting all relevant information. Commercial vehicles often have multiple layers of insurance coverage, including policies for the driver, trucking company, and sometimes a broker or shipper. Missing one of these entities can mean missing out on coverage.

I always tell my clients: after a truck accident, treat every step as evidence preservation. The sooner you secure the facts, the stronger your case will be.

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A Real Maryland Case Example: Misinterpreted Black Box Data

One case I handled involved a head-on collision caused by a truck turning left across my client’s path. The defense obtained the truck’s black box data and tried to spin it to show that my client was speeding and could have avoided the crash.

We retained an independent expert to analyze the raw data, and their interpretation completely discredited the defense’s theory. The truck driver had violated its duty to yield when making a left turn, and the data proved it.

Without our own expert, that case might have been lost. This illustrates a key point: commercial truck cases demand a deeper level of technical analysis than typical auto claims.

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Why Commercial Vehicle Cases Are Different

1. Multiple Parties and Layers of Insurance

A Maryland truck accident might involve several potential defendants — the driver, their employer, the vehicle’s owner, the freight broker, or even a maintenance contractor. Each may carry separate insurance coverage.

For example, a trucking company might have a $1 million policy, while the driver’s individual coverage adds another layer. Uncovering all available policies is crucial. I’ve seen victims accept quick settlements from one insurer, not realizing there were others responsible for additional coverage.

2. Federal Safety Regulations and Corporate Liability

Trucking companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern driver hours, maintenance, weight limits, and hiring standards. Violations of these rules can establish negligence in Maryland courts.

Common safety issues include:

• Driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits,
• Poor maintenance of brakes, tires, or coupling systems,
• Negligent hiring or supervision of unsafe drivers,
• Improper cargo loading that affects vehicle stability.

If a company failed to enforce safety compliance, liability often extends beyond the driver.

3. Commercial Insurers Play Hardball

In my experience, trucking company insurers act fast — not to help victims, but to minimize payouts. It’s common for them to make a lowball offer within days of the crash, hoping victims accept before learning the full extent of their injuries or coverage options.

I’ve also seen adjusters selectively interpret data or evidence to limit liability, such as distorting black-box readings or ignoring driver fatigue records. Having an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field immediately.

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Decisive Evidence in Truck Accident Litigation

While every case is different, dash-cam video remains the most decisive evidence I’ve encountered. It often captures the entire sequence of events, eliminating disputes about speed, distance, and fault.

Other powerful forms of proof include:

• Black box (ECM/ELD) data — records speed, braking, and driver hours.
• Maintenance and inspection logs — show whether the vehicle was roadworthy.
• GPS and dispatch data — confirm routes, timing, and driver compliance.
• Witness statements and police reports — establish independent corroboration.

Because trucking companies sometimes delay or “lose” these records, early legal intervention is critical to issue a spoliation letter preserving all electronic and documentary evidence.

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Contributory Negligence in Maryland Truck Accidents

Maryland follows one of the strictest negligence standards in the country — contributory negligence. This means that if a victim is even one percent at fault, recovery can be barred entirely.

In truck accident cases, defense attorneys often try to argue that the victim was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. For this reason, every piece of evidence — from dash-cam footage to skid marks — can make or break your case.

My job is to eliminate any suggestion of contributory negligence by securing objective proof and expert testimony that supports the client’s version of events.

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Venue Matters: Where Your Maryland Truck Accident Case Is Filed

Another key consideration is venue — the county or city where your case is filed. Maryland’s courts vary in jury composition and how they view injury claims. For instance:

• Baltimore City juries often understand the realities of urban trucking routes and may be more receptive to injury claims.
• Suburban or rural counties, such as Harford or Carroll, can be more conservative in awarding damages.

At SG Legal Group, my team and I carefully analyze venue before filing suit, ensuring the case is positioned where the facts and fairness align best for the client.

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What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Maryland

If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, the first 24 to 72 hours are critical. I recommend the following steps:

1. Seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you feel okay, internal injuries or concussions can take days to surface.
2. Call the police and get a report. This official record protects you from later disputes about fault.
3. Collect all information. Obtain the driver’s license, registration, insurance, and company name, plus the truck’s DOT number.
4. Take photos and video. Capture vehicle positions, skid marks, and visible injuries.
5. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurer until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
6. Contact a Maryland truck accident lawyer who understands the nuances of commercial vehicle litigation.

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How SG Legal Group Handles Commercial Vehicle Insurance Claims

At SG Legal Group, we approach commercial vehicle claims with the same precision as a full-scale investigation. My team immediately:

• Sends preservation letters to trucking companies and insurers,
• Retains accident reconstructionists and data experts when necessary,
• Identifies all potential insurance layers and corporate relationships,
• Manages every communication with insurers to prevent undervaluation.

Our goal is not just to prove liability, but to maximize your recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future impairment.

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Who Pays for Your Injuries When a Truck Hits Your Car in Maryland

Ultimately, liability depends on the facts — but in most cases, the trucking company’s commercial liability insurance pays for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.

If the driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment, the company is vicariously liable. If the company was negligent in maintenance or hiring, it may also be directly liable. And if multiple entities were involved (e.g., a freight broker or shipper), they can share responsibility under Maryland law.

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Conclusion

Truck accident cases in Maryland are never routine. Between multiple insurance layers, federal safety regulations, and contributory negligence defenses, these claims demand early legal action and experienced handling.

In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how quick investigation, proper medical documentation, and aggressive evidence preservation can turn a complex truck crash into a strong case for full compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck or commercial vehicle accident, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I will help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue the recovery you deserve.

📞 Call 410-344-7100 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact me directly.