A collision with a commercial truck on the Capital Beltway or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway can cause catastrophic injuries that a typical car accident never would. The size and weight difference between an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle means truck accident victims in Prince George’s County frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and fatal injuries. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers represents truck accident victims throughout Prince George’s County, including crashes in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Hyattsville, College Park, and Largo, and has recovered over $90 million for injured clients across Maryland.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Maryland?
Truck accident liability in Maryland frequently extends beyond the driver. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and Maryland law allow injured victims to pursue claims against multiple parties, depending on what caused the crash.
- The truck driver — for speeding, drowsy driving, distracted driving, or driving under the influence in violation of Md. Code, Transp. § 21-902
- The trucking company — for negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, or failing to maintain the vehicle
- The cargo loading company — for improperly loaded or unsecured freight that shifts during transit and causes a rollover or jackknife
- The truck or parts manufacturer — for defective brakes, tires, coupling devices, or other mechanical components
- A maintenance provider — for failing to perform required inspections or repairs
Identifying all responsible parties matters because trucking companies and their insurers carry policies often ranging from $1 million to $5 million or more. Each additional liable party may provide an additional source of compensation for your injuries.
Why Are Truck Accidents Common in Prince George’s County?
Prince George’s County sits at the intersection of several major freight corridors that carry heavy commercial truck traffic. The Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95), Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), Route 301, and Route 4 all see a high volume of tractor-trailers moving goods between the Port of Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and points south along the Eastern Seaboard.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck crashes account for a disproportionate share of fatal accidents relative to their numbers on the road. Rush-hour congestion on the Beltway through Largo, College Park, and Greenbelt forces trucks to share lanes with stop-and-go commuter traffic — a combination that leads to rear-end collisions, underride accidents, and wide-turn crashes at exit ramps.
If a truck accident on one of these corridors left you or a family member with serious injuries, an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and Maryland negligence law can identify the cause and the responsible parties. Contact Lebowitz & Mzhen to discuss your case at no cost.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident in Maryland?
Maryland allows truck accident victims to pursue economic damages for medical expenses, lost income, and future care costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. In fatal truck accidents, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904.
| Damage Category | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, future medical needs |
| Lost wages and earning capacity | Income lost during recovery and diminished future earning ability |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish |
| Wrongful death damages | Funeral costs, loss of companionship, lost financial support to survivors |
| Property damage | Vehicle replacement, personal property destroyed in the crash |
Truck accident injuries are often severe enough to require long-term or lifetime medical care. An attorney with engineering and analytical experience — like Vadim Mzhen, whose University of Pennsylvania engineering degree provides an analytical advantage in causation-heavy cases — can work with medical and economic experts to project the full cost of your injuries over your lifetime.
What Is the Filing Deadline for a Truck Accident Claim in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is three years from the date of the collision under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within three years of the date of death.
Truck accident cases demand faster action than the three-year deadline might suggest. Trucking companies are required to retain electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, and inspection records, but this evidence can be overwritten or lost if a preservation letter is not sent promptly. Black box data from the truck’s event data recorder may capture speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before the crash — but only if it is secured before it is overwritten by subsequent trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the trucking company, not just the driver?
Yes. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, a trucking company can be held liable for the negligent acts of its driver committed within the scope of employment. The company may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, negligent maintenance, or violations of FMCSA hours-of-service regulations.
What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases?
Truck accident cases involve federal regulations (FMCSA rules on hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading), multiple potentially liable parties, higher insurance policy limits, and more complex evidence including electronic logging data and truck black box recordings. These cases typically require specialized legal and technical expertise.
How long does a truck accident lawsuit take in Prince George’s County?
Truck accident cases filed in Prince George’s County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro can take 12 to 24 months or longer to resolve through litigation, depending on the number of defendants, severity of injuries, and complexity of the evidence. Some cases resolve through settlement negotiations before trial.
Talk to a Prince George’s County Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident claims involve layers of federal regulation, multiple corporate defendants, and insurance companies with teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers handles truck accident cases across Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland. Founding partner Vadim Mzhen brings an engineering background from the University of Pennsylvania to the analysis of crash causation and mechanical failures, while founding partner Jack Lebowitz draws on more than 30 years of exclusive plaintiff trial experience. Call (800) 654-1949 or contact the firm online for a free consultation. No fees unless you win.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is evaluated on its own facts and applicable law.