If you’ve noticed more tractor-trailers barreling down I-95 or clogging up Route 50, you’re not imagining things. Maryland’s commercial traffic has spiked—and so have the crashes that come with it. According to recent state data, truck-involved collisions rose sharply in 2024, with serious injuries and fatalities outpacing previous years.

For those of us in personal injury law, it’s not just a statistical blip. It’s a signal that Maryland needs both better enforcement on the roads and sharper legal strategies in the courtroom.

What’s Behind the Surge?

The rise in truck crashes isn’t about one factor—it’s a perfect storm:

More trucks on the road post-COVID, driven by e-commerce and regional logistics.

Driver shortages, leading to longer shifts and higher fatigue risk.

Increased speed and weight limits in some corridors, compounding the danger.

Distracted driving, on both sides—truckers and everyday motorists.

And while trucks make up less than 5% of Maryland’s traffic volume, they account for a disproportionate share of highway deaths.

Why Truck Accidents Are Legally Unique

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we handle a wide range of vehicle crash cases. But truck collisions? They’re a different animal.

Unlike your average fender-bender, truck cases involve:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loaders)

Federal regulations, including FMCSA hours-of-service rules and maintenance logs

High-value claims, due to severe injuries and property damage

These cases move fast—and so do the trucking companies. Their legal teams often show up at crash scenes within hours. That’s why our clients need immediate representation. Waiting a few days could mean lost black box data, overwritten dashcam footage, or manipulated maintenance logs.

Patterns We’re Seeing in 2025

This year, we’re seeing several trends shaping how truck accident cases unfold in Maryland:

More claims involving driver fatigue, especially on long-haul routes connecting Baltimore and D.C.

Greater emphasis on electronic logging devices (ELDs)—which can either help or hurt your case depending on how fast they’re preserved.

Rise in underinsured or minimally insured carriers, often subcontracted by larger logistics firms trying to cut costs.

All of this makes early investigation crucial. If you’re in a crash with a truck, take photos, get witness info, and seek legal help immediately—even if injuries aren’t obvious at first.

Maryland-Specific Legal Challenges

One of the hardest parts about litigating these cases in Maryland? Contributory negligence. If you’re found even 1% at fault, your recovery could be denied. That makes every piece of evidence—video, brake inspections, dispatcher records—mission-critical.

And with the state’s patchwork of urban highways, rural crossings, and narrow neighborhood roads, proving who did what (and when) gets complicated fast.

We’ve handled cases where visibility, weather, or improper cargo loading turned the case. Every angle matters. You need a lawyer who knows what to look for—and where to find it.

The roads aren’t getting any less crowded. And for those who find themselves on the wrong side of a truck’s blind spot, the legal landscape isn’t forgiving. That’s why we take these cases seriously—from day one.

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re adapting to the rise in trucking claims with faster investigations, deeper litigation resources, and a relentless focus on getting clients what they deserve.

Because when a truck goes off course, the damage doesn’t just happen on the highway—it ripples through lives. And someone needs to be there to help pick up the pieces.