Written by Award-Winning Attorney Larry Lapidus
Maryland truck accidents are more common than most people realize. Your Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer knows this all too well because most recently, there was an accident involving a cement truck that overturned in Prince George’s County, injuring five people in Fort Washington. Just weeks prior, it was a dump truck and tractor-trailer that collided in Largo, killing the dump truck driver.
The stories are heartbreaking, and in most cases, accidents like these could be avoided. So, what can be done now? The victims have one step to take that can make a huge difference in their future: they need to call Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Larry Lapidus.
Recent Truck Accidents in Maryland
If you think truck accidents in Maryland aren’t common, think again. At the time this article was published, it had barely been 24 hours since a box truck crash in Fort Washington killed one person and injured another. According to WJLA, “Shortly before 2:30 a.m., troopers with MSP responded to the area of Maryland Route 4 at Woodyard Road for a report of a two-vehicle crash in Clinton. MSP said the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle was pronounced deceased on the scene. They later identified the deceased as Joseph Henry Irick of Fort Washington, Maryland. The driver and sole occupant of the box truck was taken by ambulance to the University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.”
The crash is still under investigation, but the driver NOT at fault in this crash (or that driver’s family) should get a personal injury lawyer to handle settlement negotiations.
Why Get a Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you are injured in a truck accident in Maryland, you will most likely be offered a settlement from the insurance company of the truck driver at fault for the crash. But be careful! The insurance company knows that accident victims need money to pay their medical bills, so they may offer a settlement that seems attractive initially.
However, do you know that they DON’T want you to obtain the services of a Maryland truck accident lawyer to handle your case? The reason why is that when a victim chooses not to have representation from a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer, they are, in essence, choosing to rely on the “word” of the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Remember, the insurance company is NOT on your side. They want to pay you as little as possible.
The insurance adjuster could take different approaches to get you to take them at their word; they may be very supportive and kind or they may come off as bullies and try to intimidate you. However, now, you know better. And when you know better, you get a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer whom you know you can trust, and whose number one goal is to take care of you by way of securing a fair and reasonable settlement.
The insurance company, on the other hand, does NOT want to write you a check for a fair and reasonable settlement. In actuality, they don’t want to pay you anything at all. They are counting on you NOT knowing the laws and NOT knowing how much money you are entitled to because of your injuries.
How to Handle the Insurance Company
If involved in a collision when the other vehicle is at fault, remember that a police report will not be written unless an ambulance takes someone from the crash scene to a hospital or the police issue a citation to one of the parties. However, the police will write an “ Information Sheet” at the crash scene. If no police arrive, be sure to take photos of the license tags and any insurance cards available from the other vehicle drivers. If only the owner’s name appears on the card, ask to see a driver’s license and take a picture of that as well.
If the other driver admits fault, tell him /her that you appreciate their honesty and willingness to accept responsibility. Do not engage in any settlement discussions. Call the Lapidus Law Firm as soon as possible. Report the collision to your own insurance company even if you were not at fault. If the liability carrier for the at-fault party contacts you before you have had an opportunity to contact our firm, tell them that you are seeking legal assistance and DO NOT PROVIDE A RECORDED STATEMENT.
Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer
Larry Lapidus brings to you four decades of experience in handling Maryland Truck Accident cases. He is a personal injury lawyer who welcomes his clients into his office with a warm and friendly yet professional nature and truly cares about fairness, equality and respect. His hands-on approach to standing up for what’s right is likely the reason for his impressive track record in obtaining impressive settlements for his clients who have been involved in Maryland truck accidents.
You can be one of those clients as well. Call The Lapidus Law Firm today for a free consultation with a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer at (202) 785-5111. We are here for you, and we can help!
And don’t forget, we will fight to make it right.