When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer crashes into a passenger vehicle on Route 13 in Somerset County, the physics alone determine the outcome. Your sedan weighs roughly 3,500 pounds. The truck weighs up to twenty times that. At highway speeds, this isn’t a collision—it’s annihilation. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Somerset County, Maryland, you need to understand something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. The question is—do you have someone fighting for yours?
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on commercial trucking companies and winning. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been admitted to federal court since 1998 and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by catastrophic trucking accidents. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working inside the system—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once employed. We’ve handled cases involving Fortune 500 companies, navigated the complexities of federal trucking law, and secured seven-figure recoveries for clients who other firms turned away.
Somerset County sits on Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore, serving as a critical corridor between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic. Route 13—the Ocean Gateway—runs straight through Princess Anne and Crisfield, carrying a constant flow of commercial traffic. Seafood haulers rush fresh catches from the Port of Crisfield to distribution centers. Agricultural trucks transport soybeans and corn from the county’s farmlands. Tanker trucks service the region’s energy needs. Each one of these 18-wheelers is bound by federal safety regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When truck drivers and companies violate these rules on Somerset County roads, they put your family at risk—and they must be held accountable.
The Unique Danger of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Somerset County
Somerset County’s geography creates distinct trucking hazards you won’t find in urban centers. The mix of two-lane rural highways, narrow county roads connecting agricultural operations, and the heavy commercial traffic bound for the Port of Crisfield creates a perfect storm for catastrophic accidents. Trucks navigating the tight turns near Deal Island or traveling north toward Salisbury often face challenges that don’t exist on interstate highways.
The 80,000-pound maximum weight limit for commercial vehicles translates to devastating force in a collision. At 55 miles per hour—a common speed on Route 13—a loaded truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop. That’s almost two football fields. When a truck driver tailgates on the highway or fails to adjust for wet conditions on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge approach, they create deadly risks for Somerset County families.
The Federal Regulations That Protect Somerset County Drivers
Commercial trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules exist because truck accidents aren’t like car accidents—the stakes are higher, the regulations stricter, and the violations more dangerous.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler in Somerset County or anywhere else, they must meet stringent federal requirements. They must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a medical examination certifying physical fitness, and complete entry-level driver training. Under § 391.11, trucking companies must verify these qualifications before allowing anyone behind the wheel.
We investigate Driver Qualification Files in every Somerset County trucking case. When companies hire unqualified drivers—those with suspended licenses, failed drug tests, or insufficient training—they commit negligent hiring. We’ve seen cases where trucking companies skipped background checks and put dangerous drivers on Route 13. That negligence costs lives.
Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)
Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits with required 34-hour restarts
Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. This data is objective and tamper-resistant. When we represent Somerset County accident victims, we subpoena ELD records immediately. We’ve seen cases where drivers exceeded hours-of-service limits, falsified paper logs, or skipped mandatory rest breaks—direct violations of § 395.3 that prove negligence.
Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Federal rules mandate proper cargo securement to prevent shifting loads that cause rollovers. Under § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, and 0.5 g lateral forces. Tiedowns must meet specific working load limits based on cargo weight.
Brake systems face equally strict requirements under § 393.40-55. Every commercial vehicle must have service brakes on all wheels, properly adjusted brake systems, and functioning parking brakes. Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When we investigate Somerset County trucking accidents, we demand maintenance records going back months. Deferred brake repairs, ignored fault codes, and skipped inspections create liability.
Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
Under § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before every trip and submit written post-trip reports documenting any defects. Annual inspections by qualified mechanics are mandatory, with records retained for 14 months.
In Somerset County, where salt air from the Chesapeake accelerates corrosion and rural roads stress suspension systems, maintenance failures are particularly dangerous. We’ve handled cases where trucking companies sent trucks onto Route 13 with worn brake pads, cracked frames, or faulty lighting—all violations of Part 396 that put your family at risk.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents on Somerset County Roads
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab in a V-shape, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On Somerset County’s two-lane highways like Route 413 or Route 363, a jackknifed truck creates immediate catastrophic danger with nowhere for other vehicles to go. These accidents typically result from sudden braking on wet surfaces, worn brakes, or improper brake balance between tractor and trailer. Under § 393.48, brake system malfunctions that cause jackknifes constitute federal violations.
Rollover Accidents
Somerset County’s agricultural economy means tanker trucks hauling liquid cargo and flatbeds carrying heavy equipment regularly traverse local roads. When liquid cargo sloshes or shifts improperly—violating § 393.100 securement requirements—the center of gravity changes instantly. Rollovers also occur when truckers take curves too fast on narrow county roads or when tires blow out from poor maintenance. These accidents often crush smaller vehicles beneath the falling trailer.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most deadly trucking accident, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer, shearing off the passenger compartment. Despite federal requirements under § 393.86 for rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, many trucks on rural roads lack adequate protection. Side underride guards remain unmandated by federal law despite killing hundreds annually. On Somerset County’s dimly lit rural roads at night, underride accidents are particularly common and almost always fatal.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler following too closely on Route 13 cannot stop in time when traffic slows entering Princess Anne or approaching the Route 50 intersection. Under § 392.11, drivers must maintain reasonable following distances. Yet fatigue, distraction, or aggressive driving often lead to devastating rear-end crashes. The height differential means the truck’s bumper strikes the passenger compartment of the car ahead, causing traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Plays”)
Truckers making right turns from narrow Somerset County roads often swing left first to accommodate the trailer’s cut-in radius. Unsuspecting motorists in passenger vehicles may try to squeeze past on the right, getting caught between the turning truck and the curb. These accidents crush vehicles and cause amputations. Federal regulations under § 392.11 require proper signaling and safe maneuvering.
Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, one lane to the left, and two lanes to the right. When truckers change lanes on Route 13 without checking mirrors or using turn signals, they violate § 392.82 and § 392.11. Motorists from Crisfield to Princess Anne have been sideswiped or run off the road by trucks that simply didn’t see them.
Cargo Spills
Somerset County’s seafood industry means refrigerated trucks haul tons of fresh catch daily. When loaders fail to secure cargo properly—violating § 393.100—spills occur. Fish crates, ice, or equipment falling onto Route 13 create immediate hazards for following vehicles. Shifting cargo also causes rollovers when tankers take turns too quickly near the Chesapeake Bay.
Tire Blowouts
The combination of summer heat on Route 13 and heavy loads causes tire failures. When steer tires blow, drivers lose control instantly. Federal law requires minimum tread depths—4/32 inch on steer tires, 2/32 inch on others—under § 393.75. Yet we’ve seen Somerset County accidents caused by bald tires, improper inflation, or overloaded axles that exceeded tire ratings.
Brake Failure
Long hauls down the Eastern Shore without proper maintenance lead to brake fade and failure. Under § 396.13, drivers must verify brake condition before each trip. When truck companies defer maintenance to save money, they gamble with Somerset County lives. Complete brake failure on a downhill grade approaching the Tangier Sound Bridge creates unspeakable danger.
Every Party Who May Be Liable for Your Somerset County Accident
Unlike car accidents where fault usually lies with one driver, 18-wheeler crashes involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate every angle to maximize your recovery under Maryland’s contingency fee framework.
The Truck Driver
Individual liability attaches when drivers speed, text, drive fatigued beyond Part 395 limits, or operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Under § 382.211, commercial drivers cannot use controlled substances. We subpoena cell phone records, ELD data, and post-accident drug screens to prove driver negligence.
The Trucking Company
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers answer for their employees’ negligence. But trucking companies also face direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify CDL status, medical certifications, or safety histories
- Negligent Training: Inadequate instruction on hours-of-service rules or Somerset County specific hazards
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or patternsof unsafe driving
- Negligent Maintenance: Skipping required inspections under Part 396
Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years proving these violations in court. When companies prioritize profits over safety, we hold them accountable.
Cargo Owners and Loading Companies
In Somerset County’s seafood and agricultural economy, cargo owners bear responsibility for proper loading. When a Crisfield seafood processor overloads a refrigerated truck or fails to secure pallets, they violate § 393.100. We pursue claims against shippers who demanded unrealistic delivery schedules or failed to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who perform brake jobs or tire replacements on commercial trucks must do so properly. When negligent repairs cause accidents—brake lines improperly installed, wheels incorrectly torqued—the maintenance company shares liability.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, faulty tire designs, or flawed steering components cause catastrophic accidents. Under product liability law, manufacturers of defective truck parts must compensate victims. We’ve litigated against major manufacturers when defective components failed on Maryland roads.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. When brokers hire Somerset County trucking companies with poor safety records, failed inspections, or inadequate insurance, they endanger the public.
Government Entities
While Maryland’s sovereign immunity rules protect government agencies broadly, exceptions exist for dangerous road conditions. When Somerset County roads lack proper signage, shoulder space, or weight limit enforcement, and when these defects contribute to accidents, municipal liability may attach. However, these claims face strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines than standard personal injury cases.
Why Evidence Disappears in 48 Hours—And What We Do About It
In Somerset County trucking cases, the evidence you need to prove negligence can vanish within days. We act immediately to preserve critical information.
Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data
Truck “black boxes” record speed, brake application, throttle position, and engine RPM in the seconds before impact. This data can be overwritten within 30 days—or immediately if the truck returns to service. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, demanding preservation of ECM data under threat of court sanctions.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
ELDs provide objective proof of hours-of-service violations. Under FMCSA regulations, carriers must retain ELD data for six months, but critical information can be lost if not secured immediately. We demand downloads before the trucking company can “lose” the data.
Driver Qualification Files
Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain files containing employment applications, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. These prove negligent hiring and training. We subpoena these records immediately—before they’re “accidentally” shredded.
Maintenance Records
Under § 396.3, carriers must keep repair records for one year. Brake inspections, tire replacements, and defect reports show patterns of neglect. We’ve seen cases where Somerset County trucking companies falsified maintenance logs to hide deferred repairs.
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage
Many trucks carry forward-facing cameras. Nearby businesses along Route 13 may have security footage of the accident. This footage typically records over within seven to thirty days. We canvass the area and send preservation demands to ensure this evidence survives.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Compensation
Trucking accidents in Somerset County cause life-altering injuries. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements because these damages demand substantial resources.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The force of an 80,000-pound truck striking a passenger vehicle causes the brain to impact the skull, resulting in contusions, hemorrhages, and diffuse axonal injuries. Moderate to severe TBI cases typically settle between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, accounting for lifetime care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. Victims may never return to work on the Eastern Shore’s farms or seafood processing plants.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis—whether paraplegia or quadriplegia—requires lifetime medical care. Settlement ranges from $4.7 million to $25.8 million depending on injury level and age. For a Somerset County worker supporting a family, these damages must cover decades of lost wages and round-the-clock care.
Amputations
When trucks crush limbs or underride accidents sever extremities, victims face prosthetics, rehabilitation, and permanent disability. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, ensuring they can afford advanced prosthetics and home modifications.
Wrongful Death
When negligence steals a loved one, Maryland law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover damages including lost financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Wrongful death settlements in trucking cases typically range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, though each case depends on specific circumstances.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions or fuel fires cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and years of treatment. These cases often involve claims against multiple defendants, including trucking companies, cargo owners, and equipment manufacturers.
Maryland Law: Critical Information for Somerset County Accidents
Statute of Limitations
In Maryland, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts at the date of death. While this seems generous compared to neighboring states, waiting compromises evidence and witnesses. Contact us immediately.
Contributory Negligence: The Maryland Trap
Maryland is one of only five jurisdictions maintaining pure contributory negligence. Under this harsh rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. Insurance companies aggressively argue comparative fault in Somerset County cases—claiming you were speeding, failed to yield, or drove distractedly.
This makes thorough investigation critical. We deploy accident reconstruction experts to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault. We use ECM data to show they were speeding. We use ELD records to prove fatigue. We leave no room for the contributory negligence defense to succeed.
Damage Caps
Maryland caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at approximately $920,000 for 2024, with annual adjustments for inflation. However, there is no cap on economic damages—medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs are fully recoverable. Wrongful death cases have separate caps that apply per claimant.
Punitive damages—awarded when trucking companies act with actual malice or reckless disregard for safety—are uncapped in Maryland, though difficult to prove. When we find evidence that Somerset County trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road or destroyed evidence, we pursue punitive damages aggressively.
Federal Court vs. State Court
Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce, allowing removal to federal court. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas—and admission to Maryland federal courts—gives us flexibility to forum shop for the best venue for your Somerset County case.
Why Somerset County Families Choose Attorney911
25 Years of Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has the federal experience necessary to handle complex trucking litigation involving interstate commerce. When trucking companies try to move cases to federal court to gain advantage, we’re already prepared.
The Insurance Defense Advantage
Lupe Peña worked for years at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what triggers settlement offers, and when trucking companies are bluffing. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That insider knowledge translates to higher settlements for Somerset County victims.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the country. Specific results include:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after medical complications following a crash
- $2.5+ million in a commercial trucking accident case
- Millions more in confidential settlements against major carriers
Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing case against a major university—demonstrating our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.
Three Offices, Somerset County Service
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout the East Coast and beyond. We regularly travel to Somerset County to meet clients, inspect accident scenes on Route 13, and appear in Maryland courts. Geographic distance is never a barrier—we’re wherever you need us.
24/7 Availability—1-888-ATTY-911
Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. Our hotline—1-888-ATTY-911—is staffed around the clock. When a truck hits you on the way home from Crisfield or while commuting to Salisbury, call us immediately. We answer. We fight. We win.
Spanish Language Services
Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. For Somerset County’s Hispanic communities working in agriculture and seafood processing, we provide direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for experts, investigators, and court filings. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Somerset County Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Somerset County?
Call 911 immediately. Seek medical treatment even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks serious injuries. Document the scene with photos, including the truck’s DOT number on the door. Get witness contact information. Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before evidence disappears.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Maryland?
Three years from the accident date. However, waiting destroys evidence. We recommend contacting us within 48 hours while ECM data and skid marks remain fresh.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Maryland follows contributory negligence. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes hiring experienced counsel critical—we investigate aggressively to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.
Who can be sued in a Somerset County trucking accident?
Potentially the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider, parts manufacturer, freight broker, and truck owner. We investigate all angles to maximize recovery.
What is a spoliation letter?
A legal notice sent within 24 hours of hiring us, demanding preservation of ECM data, ELD records, maintenance logs, and driver files. Destroying evidence after receiving this letter results in court sanctions.
How much is my case worth?
Depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Commercial trucks carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered millions for catastrophic injuries.
What if the trucking company is from another state?
We handle interstate commerce cases regularly. Ralph Manginello’s dual licensure in Texas and New York, plus federal court admission, allows us to pursue out-of-state carriers effectively.
Do I need to pay upfront for a lawyer?
No. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
Can I get a settlement if the truck driver fell asleep?
Yes. Fatigued driving violates 49 CFR § 392.3. We use ELD data to prove hours-of-service violations and establish negligence.
What if my loved one was killed in a Somerset County truck accident?
Wrongful death claims allow recovery for lost income, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Call us immediately to preserve your family’s rights.
The Clock Started When That Truck Hit You
Somerset County’s roads—Route 13, Route 413, the roads connecting Princess Anne to the waterfront—see heavy commercial traffic daily. When negligence turns that traffic deadly, you need immediate legal intervention.
The trucking company already has lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already calculating how little they can pay you. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene.
What are you doing?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’ll send spoliation letters today to preserve the ECM data, ELD logs, and maintenance records that prove negligence. We’ll meet you at your Somerset County home or hospital. We’ll handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.
You’re not just a case number to us. As client Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.” We don’t settle for less than you deserve. We’ve spent 25 years proving that.
Somerset County families deserve Somerset County advocates who understand Eastern Shore roads, Maryland’s contributory negligence laws, and the federal regulations governing the trucks that traverse our community.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Today.
