A good Hagerstown truck accident lawyer will aggressively pursue the adverse driver so you may obtain compensation for your injuries. When you are in a truck accident, whether as a driver or a passenger, you may be able to recover for your damages. However, the viability of your claim depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, you must be able to prove the elements of your cause of action. The most common cause of action in a truck accident is for negligence. Although, you may also have a claim for civil assault and battery as well. But keep in mind, these claims require intentional conduct on the part of the defendant. So, while they can be more lucrative for you due to the availability of punitive damages, it is less likely to be available.
If you are hurt by a tractor trailer or semi truck, you need an experienced Hagerstown truck accident lawyer on your side. After a truck accident, your injuries may be life threatening. It could takes you months or even years to come to a full recovery. Of course, truck accident cases can even be fatal. Simplify the process. Take the research and the guess work out of the equation. Hire a top-rated attorney to go fight for you. Roger Gelb and his legal team are there for you every step of the way.
Watsontown Trucking Company is opening a new trucking operations center in Washington County. They are claiming 16 acres of land in Hagerstown. While this is great for the local economy, it spells trouble for other drivers. The reason is that trucking is a dangerous job. This does not mean Watsontown Trucking has more dangerous drivers than the typical trucking company. Rather, the fact that trucks are so large means a couple things. First, it means they are slower to come to a stop while traveling at high speeds due to their sheer weight. Second, there are generally wider blind spots for truck operators. While these drivers are professionals, it is notably more difficult to operate a semi-truck than a car. Moreover, these truckers may be returning to Hagerstown from a long haul across the country. This mean, when they are returning home at the end of a shift, they may be dealing with driver fatigue.
As the sixth largest city in Maryland by population density, truck accidents occur frequently in Hagerstown. Thus, it is imperative to drive prudently and defensive to avoid any negligent drivers. If you are in an accident and believe you have a viable claim, speak to a Hagerstown truck accident attorney soon.
You never have to go to trial. A Hagerstown truck accident lawyer will recommend to go to trial in some circumstances. However, it is always up to the client whether to proceed with suit or not. A prudent attorney should try to settle the case without trial. This saves time and expenses, and is generally beneficial for both parties if liability is clear. However, even if liability is clear, the defendant will not always accept responsibility. This is generally due to a stubborn defendant arguing with his or her insurance company. Or, another reason trial may be a better option is if plaintiff and defense counsel cannot come to a reasonable agreement of the damages in the case. Of course, the defendant’s insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible. Meanwhile, you are entitled to a certain amount of compensation for your injuries.
Ultimately, there are numerous avenues a plaintiff can take that are speedier than trial. But, trial is always an option. And in limited circumstances, it is the best option. If you get to that point, your Hagerstown truck accident lawyer will explain to you your options and the associated advantages and disadvantages of each.
Attorney Roger Gelb and his team of paralegals and clerks have handled thousands of cases in Maryland. Mr. Gelb joined the firm over 30 years ago, and continues to be recognized as one of the best lawyers who sue in D.C. and Maryland.