Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers

Representing clients injured in 18-wheeler accidents in Maryland

You have likely experienced the sensation, while driving alongside a large, commercial truck on I-695 or Route 70 (for example), of the tremendous power of a large, commercial truck as it barrels down the highway. Sometimes weighing in excess of 10,000 lbs., commercial trucks present a significant hazard to the smaller, passenger vehicles with whom they share the road. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 3,964 people killed in crashes involving large, commercial trucks and 95,000 people were injured in 2013. Of those people killed in crashes with large trucks, 71 percent of them were occupants of other vehicles.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we provide superior legal representation for clients who have been injured in a truck accident. We can also handle wrongful death lawsuits for those who have lost loved ones in a trucking accident. Our Baltimore truck accident attorneys know what it takes to get the best compensation possible for our clients. This allows you to concentrate on healing from your injury while we take on the legal challenge of obtaining compensation for you.

Frequently asked questions about Baltimore truck accidents

Q: What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

A: The vast majority of truck accidents are caused by driver error, which can take many forms including things such as distracted driving, drunk, drugged or drowsy driving, speeding and overloading the truck. Other factors that cause large, commercial truck accidents include road defects, faulty maintenance and defective truck parts.

Q: Why is a collision with a large, commercial truck more dangerous than a crash with a passenger vehicle?

A: Given the fact that commercial trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, they can cause significantly more damage if you should become involved in a crash with one. They are more difficult to maneuver on the roads and require a much longer braking distance than passenger vehicles.

Q: If I am injured in a truck accident, can I make a claim?

A: It is contingent on the circumstances of your case. Depending on the cause of the accident, the driver may not be the only party you can file a lawsuit against. Other possible parties who could be liable may include: the owner of the truck, the leasing company, the trucking company, the shipper, whoever loaded the truck, and the manufacturer of any defective parts or equipment that contributed to the accident.

Q: How much will it cost me to hire a Baltimore truck accident attorney?

A: At the outset, it will not cost you anything to retain a lawyer to represent you in an injury case. Your lawyer is compensated on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not actually pay any legal fees until they win compensation for you. At that point, your attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or verdict.

Q: What damages can I recover in a truck accident injury case?

A: If you prevail in a negligence lawsuit after a trucking accident, you may be able to recover damages for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional damages, disfigurement, diminished earning capacity, property damage and others.

Q: Is there a time limit on when I can file a lawsuit?

A: Yes. There is a statute of limitations in Maryland of three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, your case will go much more smoothly if you hire an attorney early in the process.

Q: What should I do if someone from the trucking company's insurance company calls me after the accident?

A: Do not answer their questions and never agree to record a statement about the accident. Politely refer them to your attorney. Call us before you answer any questions. We will protect your rights.

Baltimore Truck Accident Resources

After a crash with a tractor-trailer, delivery truck or other commercial vehicle in Baltimore, these official agencies and facilities can help you get records, check a trucking company and find care. If anyone is hurt, call 911 first.

Trucking Safety Agencies and Records

Commercial trucks must follow federal and state safety rules. These agencies keep the records that can show whether a carrier or driver followed them.

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Maryland Division: George H. Fallon Federal Building, 31 Hopkins Plaza, Suite 750, Baltimore, MD 21201, (443) 703-2360. See FMCSA field offices.
  • FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot: look up a trucking company by USDOT number, MC number or name to see its identification, size and safety record. Search SAFER.
  • FMCSA Complaint Center: report safety problems with a truck or bus company at complaint.fmcsa.dot.gov.
  • Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division: inspects commercial vehicles and enforces state and federal commercial vehicle laws, and operates 11 weigh and inspection facilities in Maryland. 410-579-5959. See CVED.
  • Federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR § 395.3): a property-carrying driver may drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour window, after 10 consecutive hours off duty. The driver needs a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and may not drive after 60 or 70 on-duty hours in 7 or 8 days. Read the rule.
  • Federal minimum insurance (49 CFR § 387.9): for-hire interstate carriers hauling non-hazardous property in vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more must carry at least $750,000 in public liability coverage. Some hazardous loads require $1 million or $5 million. Read the rule.

Police and Crash Reports

The crash report comes from the police agency that responded to your crash.

  • Baltimore Police Department (crashes in Baltimore City). Reports for crashes on or after January 1, 2011 are available only online through BuyCrash. For older reports, email [email protected]. Non-emergency: 311. See BPD police reports and find your police district.
  • Maryland State Police (if a state trooper handled your crash). Wait at least 10 days after the crash, then request the report from the barrack that took it or from the Central Records Division, 410-281-2700. There is a $4.00 non-refundable search fee. See how to request an MSP crash report.

Trauma Centers

The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) designates these Baltimore hospitals as trauma centers (see the MIEMSS list):

  • R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center (Primary Adult Resource Center): 22 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201
  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Level I adult trauma center): 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287
  • The Johns Hopkins Children's Center (Level I pediatric trauma center)
  • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Level II adult trauma center): 4940 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224
  • Sinai Hospital of Baltimore (Level II adult trauma center): 2401 W. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215

Courts

  • Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Civil Division: Room 462, Courthouse East (Cummings Courthouse), 111 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 333-3722. See the Civil Division page.
  • District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City: the Hubbard location is at 500 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-878-8900. The court has other Baltimore City locations, too. See the court directory.

In civil cases, the District Court of Maryland has exclusive jurisdiction over claims of $5,000 or less and shares jurisdiction with the circuit courts over claims above $5,000 up to $30,000 (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-401 and § 4-402(d)). The District Court does not hold jury trials (Maryland Judiciary). You can look up a case on Maryland Judiciary Case Search.

State and Local Agencies

  • Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, Victim Witness Division (if the crash leads to criminal charges, such as DUI or hit-and-run): 120 E. Baltimore St., 9th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 396-1897. See victim and witness services.
  • Maryland Insurance Administration (complaints about how an auto insurer handled your claim): 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202. Consumer hotline for auto and other property and casualty insurance: 410-468-2340. File a complaint.
  • Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (help for crime victims). Maryland law lets the Board consider injuries from certain driving crimes, including impaired driving and leaving the scene of a crash that injured someone (Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 11-801). 6776 Reisterstown Rd., Suite 209, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-697-9338. See CICB.

Disclaimer: We list these agencies, hospitals, courts and offices for general information only. Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is not affiliated with any of them. Listing them is not an endorsement, recommendation or referral, and none of them endorse our firm. We last verified the contact details in October 2026. They can change, so please confirm with the agency or facility before you visit. In an emergency, call 911.

Our Baltimore truck accident attorneys will fight for your rights when you have been injured

Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is one of Maryland’s premier personal injury law firm. We stand up for our clients when they have been injured in a truck accident. Please fill out our contact form or call 410-730-7737 to reserve a free consultation with an experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyer. Our Baltimore office is conveniently located just a short walk from the Inner Harbor.