When a Trucking Company's Lawyers Come for You, Come to Me

Commercial truck crashes are not ordinary personal injury cases. The moment that crash happens, the trucking company's insurer is already building a defense. I'm Mitchell Greenberg — federally licensed, 8× Super Lawyers designee, and the attorney who will match them at every level of the law.

Why Truck Crash Cases Are a Different Fight Entirely

Federal Regulations Create Liability Layers Most Attorneys Never Touch

Commercial trucking in Maryland operates under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations — hours-of-service limits, weight restrictions, driver qualification standards, and mandatory maintenance schedules. When a carrier violates those rules and someone gets hurt, those violations become evidence. I am licensed to practice in federal court and I know exactly how to use FMCSA compliance records against the parties who ignored them. Most solo practitioners don't work at this level. I do.

 

  • Hours-of-service log violations that prove driver fatigue
  • Maintenance records showing ignored mechanical failures
  • Carrier qualification files documenting negligent hiring
  • Weight and load compliance records tied to cargo companies
  • Federal safety ratings and prior violation history

You Deserve Support After a Crash

Car accidents happen fast—and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance adjusters, lost wages, and recovery, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. You’re not.

At The Law Offices of Robert S. Betnar, I represent clients across Luzerne County and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania who’ve been injured in motor vehicle accidents. I work directly with you to understand your situation, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

The Evidence in Your Case Has a Short Window

Commercial trucks carry electronic logging devices, black boxes, and event data recorders that capture speed, braking, steering input, and driver behavior in the moments before impact. That data is the spine of a strong truck crash case — and trucking companies know it. Federal regulations require carriers to preserve post-crash data, but that preservation window is narrow and the pressure to let it expire is real.

 

The moment you call me, I move to place the trucking company on formal legal notice to preserve every piece of electronic evidence, every driver log, every inspection record, and every communication related to your crash. Every day between the crash and that demand is a day the other side has an advantage. Don't give them more time than they've already had.

You May Have More Than One Party to Sue

One of the most common mistakes in truck crash cases is treating the driver as the only defendant. In commercial trucking, liability is frequently distributed — and pursuing only one party often means leaving significant compensation on the table.

 

The parties responsible for your injuries may include:

 

  • The truck driver — for negligent, fatigued, or distracted driving
  • The trucking company — for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressure to violate hours-of-service limits
  • The cargo loading company — for improperly secured or overweight loads that contributed to the crash
  • The maintenance contractor — for failing to identify or repair defective brakes, tires, or steering components
  • The truck manufacturer — if a mechanical defect played a role

 

I map every angle of liability before your case moves forward. If there are multiple parties responsible, I pursue each one. That is how you recover what your injuries actually cost you.

What I Bring to a Truck Crash Case in Maryland

I have been practicing personal injury law in Maryland since 1991. I am licensed in Maryland, Washington, DC, and federally — which matters in commercial truck crash cases where FMCSA regulations and interstate carrier law are in play. I have been recognized as a Super Lawyers designee eight consecutive times, placing me in the top 5% of Maryland attorneys as evaluated by my peers.

 

What that means for you in a truck crash case:

 

  • Federal licensing to pursue claims under FMCSA carrier regulations
  • Immediate evidence preservation demands served on the trucking company
  • Full liability mapping across every potentially responsible party
  • Direct involvement in your case — not handed off after intake
  • Bilingual staff for Spanish-speaking clients
  • Free consultation with no time limit — ask everything you need to ask

How a Truck Crash Claim Works in Maryland

Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard — one of the strictest in the country. If the defense can establish that you were even partially at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering anything. That is not a hypothetical threat. Trucking companies and their insurers use it as a strategy, and they have experienced legal teams whose job is to find it.

 

The process I follow is built around eliminating that exposure while building the strongest possible case for full compensation:

 

Step 1: Evidence Preservation

 

I immediately send legal preservation demands to the trucking company, carrier, and any related parties. Black box data, driver logs, GPS records, and maintenance files are locked down before they can be lost or destroyed.

 

Step 2: Liability Investigation

 

I identify every party whose negligence contributed to your crash — driver, carrier, cargo company, maintenance contractor — and build the factual and regulatory record against each one.

 

Step 3: Damages Assessment

 

I document the full scope of your losses: medical costs, lost wages, future care needs, and non-economic damages including pain, suffering, and the lasting impact on your daily life.

 

Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation

 

Most cases resolve through negotiation. When the other side won't offer what your case is worth, I take it to court. I have been in Maryland courtrooms for over three decades. I am not a settlement-at-any-cost attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Crashes in Maryland

  • Who is typically liable in a Maryland truck crash?
    Liability in a commercial truck crash often extends beyond the driver. The trucking company, cargo loading contractor, maintenance provider, and even the truck manufacturer may each carry a share of responsibility. Identifying every liable party requires a thorough investigation of FMCSA compliance records, driver qualification files, maintenance logs, and black box data — which is why experienced representation matters from day one.
  • How long do I have to file a truck crash claim in Maryland?
    Maryland's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the crash. However, if a government entity is involved — such as a state-contracted carrier or a municipality — notice requirements can be as short as 180 days. Do not assume you have time to wait. Evidence disappears and deadlines are absolute.
  • What is a black box and why does it matter in my truck crash case?
    Commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders that capture vehicle speed, braking force, steering input, and engine data in the seconds before a crash. This data can directly contradict a driver's account of events and establish negligence. Federal regulations require preservation after a crash, but that window is limited. A legal preservation demand must be sent immediately to ensure the data is not overwritten or lost.
  • Can I sue a trucking company directly, not just the driver?
    Yes. Trucking companies are often independently liable under a legal theory called respondeat superior — an employer can be held responsible for the negligent acts of its employees. Beyond that, carriers can be sued directly for negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, or pressuring drivers to violate federal hours-of-service limits. Suing only the driver frequently undervalues the case.
  • Does Maryland's contributory negligence rule affect my truck crash claim?
    It can. Maryland is one of a small number of states that still follows pure contributory negligence — meaning if you are found even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages entirely. Trucking companies and their insurers know this and will look for any evidence to assign partial fault to you. Building a clean liability record from the start of the case is critical, which is why how you proceed in the days immediately after a crash matters significantly.

You Have a Champion in Your Corner — I'm Ready to Fight

The trucking company already has a team working on your case. What you need is someone who knows the law at the federal level, moves fast to preserve the evidence, and will not back down when the other side pushes. That is what I do. Call or text me at 443-672-8529, or use the contact form below to start your free consultation. There is no time limit and no obligation — just answers.