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Tractor-Trailer Crash Statistics in Maryland

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Loni Liss

.Tractor-trailer crash accidents are a significant concern on Maryland’s roadways, contributing to a notable percentage of traffic-related fatalities and injuries. The state has made progress in improving highway safety. However, the number and severity of these incidents indicate that we must remain vigilant.

If you or someone you care about is injured by a careless truck driver or trucking company, you need a highly experienced truck accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process.

What are Maryland’s Tractor-Trailer Crash Statistics?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Maryland reported 891 truck accidents in 2023
Resulting in 19 fatalities
257 injuries

These figures highlight the disproportionate impact of large truck collisions, given the state’s extensive network of highways and its role as a major transportation hub on the East Coast.

What are the Contributing Factors to Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Several key factors contribute to the occurrence of tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland:

Distracted Driving: Engaging in activities such as texting or using in-cab technology can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of collisions.

Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs reaction times and judgment, leading to accidents.

Given the long hours and unreasonable expectations set for truck drivers by their employers, truck drivers have a heightened risk of turning to alcohol and drugs while operating commercial vehicles on the roadway.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), roughly 33% of truck drivers killed in trucking fatalities tested positive for drugs or alcohol.

Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time, especially when operating large vehicles that require longer stopping distances.

Aggressive Driving: Behaviors like tailgating and abrupt lane changes can provoke dangerous situations, particularly when truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules.

Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and road traction, making it challenging for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Blind Spots: Tractor-trailers have large blind spots, increasing the risk of accidents during lane changes if other vehicles are not visible to the driver. While truck drivers are trained to properly adjust their mirrors and check for their blind spots before changing lanes, many drivers fail to take the time to ensure that the lane next to them is clear of traffic.

Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, which can contribute to accidents.

What Makes I-95 High Risk for Tractor Trailer Accidents in Maryland

Certain highways in Maryland are more prone to tractor-trailer accidents due to factors such as high traffic volume, poor road design, and infrastructure limitations.

Interstate 95 (I-95), for example, is a central trucking corridor that has experienced a higher incidence of rear-end collisions, particularly in areas with narrow or nonexistent shoulders.

With major shippers transporting freight along the East Coast between major metropolitan areas, I-95 is a high-volume corridor for regular large truck travel.

Safety Measures and Legal Considerations

To enhance safety and reduce the occurrence of tractor-trailer accidents, several measures have been put in place:

Rear Underride Guards/Mansfield Bars: These are steel guards installed on the rear of trailers to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath in the event of a collision. Maryland law mandates their installation on certain commercial vehicles.

Unfortunately, the law does not require the installation of side underride guards, and many serious injuries and fatalities occur when small vehicles slide under a trailer from the sides in scenarios such as unsafe lane changes by truck drivers.

Despite legislative efforts to prevent side underride fatalities, the trucking lobby has prevented a legislative mandate requiring side underride devices that could reduce or prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.

Driver Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations limiting driving hours to combat fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents.

Vehicle Inspections: Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition, reducing the risk of mechanical failures.

Legal Recourse: Victims of tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland have legal avenues to seek compensation for injuries and damages, often involving complex litigation due to the involvement of commercial entities.

Why The Yost Legal Group Is Maryland’s Go-To Law Firm for Truck Accident Claims

When it comes to handling truck accident claims in Maryland, The Yost Legal Group stands out as a trusted advocate for victims and their families.

With decades of experience in personal injury law and a deep understanding of Maryland’s tractor-trailer crash statistics, our attorneys are uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of truck accident litigation.

We have successfully represented clients in cases involving serious injuries and wrongful death. Our experienced personal injury lawyers hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions.

Our commitment to client advocacy, combined with our comprehensive knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations. This makes us a leading choice for those seeking justice after a devastating tractor-trailer accident.

Maximize Your Truck Accident Compensation with The Yost Legal Group

Choosing The Yost Legal Group means partnering with a team that prioritizes your recovery and financial security.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Commercial truck accident victims in Maryland have access to high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.

Let us file your truck accident case. Our semi truck wreck attorneys will fight to recover damages for property damage, all medical treatment, and more.

A serious tractor-trailer accident can lead to a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other catastrophic injuries. Filing a lawsuit with an experienced legal team will help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our firm has a strong history of winning large settlements for truck crash victims. This shows our commitment to getting the best compensation.

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Physical and emotional therapy
Necessary home construction and buildouts
Future lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering

Seriously hurt in a tractor-trailer accident? Trust the best lawyers for truck accidents at The Yost Legal Group. We provide:

Experienced guidance
Unlimited resources
Relentless advocacy to achieve the best possible outcome
Fully integrated support team

How to Protect Your Rights After a Tractor Trailer Crash in Maryland

Tractor-trailer accidents in Maryland pose significant challenges to road safety, with various factors contributing to their occurrence.

Legislative measures and safety protocols have been implemented to address these issues. However, we still need ongoing efforts to further reduce these accidents.

Investing in infrastructure is essential. Enforcing safety rules is also crucial. Running public awareness campaigns helps too. These actions are all part of a plan to make roads safer for everyone.

Did you or a loved one suffer a serious injury in an accident with a big truck? Was the accident caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company? Call the trusted truck accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today.

Call us at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529) for a free legal consultation.

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Optetrak Patella Implant Device Exactech Recall

Posted on October 9, 2024October 9, 2024 by Loni Liss

A letter was recently sent to surgeons, hospitals, and healthcare professionals announcing the voluntary recall of the Exactech Optetrak Patella implant device.

The voluntary Exactech recall concerns Patella lots that were packaged without the ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) layer. Experts advised doctors not to implant these potentially harmful devices packaged in faulty packaging.

Medical professionals were advised to stop using the product immediately and set aside any that might be affected. They were instructed that healthcare professionals should report any adverse reactions or noticeable quality issues as patients come forward.

Our attorneys handle Exactech recall lawsuits nationwide. If you’ve experienced failure of an Exactech knee, hip, or ankle implant that was recalled, leading to revision surgery, we’re here to help.

Stay informed with the latest updates and insights on this page.

Don’t overlook your rights—contact our product liability lawyers at 800-967-8529 or online. You won’t incur any fees unless you receive financial compensation.

Exachtech Addresses Oxidation Risk with Packaging Recall

From 2004 to August 2021, Exachtech used two types of packaging materials in its process: (1) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Nylon, and EVOH, or (2) LDPE and Nylon without EVOH.

EVOH improves the prevention of oxygen permeation. Thousands of devices were packaged without using an EVOH oxygen barrier layer, which potentially causes unintended oxidation and early degradation of the affected device.

Given the potential for oxidation-related issues, Exachtech voluntarily recalled these lots as a precautionary measure.

The recall emphasizes the importance of surgeons regularly monitoring patients with affected devices for signs of wear and failure. The crucial issue is determining how many thousands of patients might suffer from device-related pain or failure, potentially needing revision surgery.

Stay Informed on Patella Device Recall and Risks

The lot-specific voluntary recall relates to Patella devices manufactured from 2004 through August 2021. These devices were marketed as Optetrak and cleared through 510(k): K932690, K933610, and K160484.

All healthcare professionals were instructed to review the following information and take any necessary actions. Then, the information advised diagnostic considerations, such as performing X-rays to evaluate the patient further if device failure is suspected.

Potential issues due to oxidation include:

– Accelerated device wear or failure

– Component cracking or fracture

– New or worsening pain

– Bone loss

– Swelling in the affected area

Key Information on Optetrak Device Failures

The recall names all of these knee replacement devices, which could necessitate revision surgery for patients.

Part Number Device Description Device Identifier

200-02-26 THREE PEG PATELLA 26MM 10885862039576

200-02-29 THREE PEG PATELLA 29MM 10885862039583

200-02-32 THREE PEG PATELLA 32MM 10885862039590

200-02-35 THREE PEG PATELLA 35MM 10885862039606

200-02-38 THREE PEG PATELLA 38MM 10885862039613

200-02-41 THREE PEG PATELLA 41MM 10885862039620

200-03-26 ONE PEG PATELLA 26MM 10885862039637

200-03-29 ONE PEG PATELLA 29MM 10885862039644

200-03-32 ONE PEG PATELLA 32MM 10885862039651

200-03-35 ONE PEG PATELLA 35MM 10885862039668

200-03-38 ONE PEG PATELLA 38MM 10885862039675

200-03-41 ONE PEG PATELLA 41MM 10885862039682

200-05-23 INSET PATELLA 23MM 10885862039835

200-05-26 INSET PATELLA 26MM 10885862039842

200-05-29 INSET PATELLA 29MM 10885862039859

200-07-26 ADVANCED PATELLA 26MM 3 PEG IMPLANT 10885862314260

200-07-29 ADVANCED PATELLA 29M 3 PEG IMPLANT 10885862314277

200-07-32 ADVANCED PATELLA 32MM 3 PEG IMPLANT 10885862314284

200-07-35 ADVANCED PATELLA 35MM 3 PEG IMPLANT 10885862314291

200-07-38 ADVANCED PATELLA 38MM 3 PEG IMPLANT 10885862314307

The Hidden Dangers of 510(k) Fast-Track FDA Approvals

Between 1994 and 2017, Exactech secured multiple 501(k) clearances from the FDA for its Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, and Truliant total knee replacement implant systems and components.

The FDA’s 510(k) clearance, known as “fast-track” approval, does not require manufacturers to prove a product’s safety and effectiveness.

This process, known as “premarket notification” or 510(k) clearance, only requires the manufacturer to demonstrate that the device is substantially equivalent to a pre-MDA predicate device.

Consequentially, the FDA can “clear” a new device for sale in the USA. Under the 510(k) process, the component parts used in the Exactech Optetrak Devices were either approved by the FDA or marketed without receiving either 510(k) clearance or full approval by the FDA.

Simply put, not enough product development and testing was done to ensure product safety. This can lead to patient harm and potential recalls, which is precisely what has happened.

Protect Your Rights Against Defective Medical Products

At Yost Legal Group, our priority is ensuring patient safety and achieving effective outcomes for patients with life-altering defective medical products. Our knee replacement lawsuit attorneys will help you file a lawsuit to seek compensation.

Collaborative efforts are essential for the success of actions against medical device manufacturers—especially those who continuously market harmful products.

Our law firm is dedicated to defending the rights of individuals against powerful corporations. Accordingly, when huge medical device manufacturers like Exactech continue to put profits before people, we step in to level the playing field.

Learn about your legal rights. We can file a product liability case on your behalf if you have a defective medical device. The Yost Legal Group is filing the current personal injury lawsuits:

Knee replacement recall
Shoulder replacement recall
Hip replacement recall
Exactech lawsuits

Empowering Patients, Challenging Corporations

If you or a loved one had knee replacement surgery in the past ten years and are experiencing pain, a clicking noise, swelling, or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor immediately.

Contact The Yost Legal Group for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-967-8529. Our personal injury law firm is committed to promptly and transparently addressing potential concerns. If you had knee replacement surgery and are affected by the Exactech knee recall, please contact us.

Hold Exactech accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Our legal team is committed to seeking justice and ensuring they change their ways. A product defect lawyer will file an Exacteck lawsuit on your behalf.

For more information or to discuss your case, call us at 1-800-967-8529 or click this link to request an appointment.

By pursuing an Exactech knee replacement lawsuit, you will help send a powerful message for change. You may qualify for a significant financial recovery.

At The Yost Legal Group, you never have to pay anything upfront. We only get paid after we settle your case. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due. Our personal injury law attorneys will provide legal representation with a free case evaluation.

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Consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events or quality concerns related to this recall to the FDA through the MedWatch reporting system. You can go online at the FDA Medwatch Website or call 1-800-FDA-0178.

Exactech Hip Replacement Lawsuit Update 2023

Posted on December 19, 2023July 10, 2024 by Loni Liss

Protect your rights by filing an Exactech Hip Replacement Lawsuit. Exactech is a global medical device company that creates orthopedic implant devices and surgical instrumentation for joint replacement surgeries. As a result of premature device failure, thousands of people require revision surgery or have developed serious health issues, such as Osteolysis.

If you or a loved one had any of the following surgeries, and the Exactech implant was used, you may qualify to file a claim against Exachtech.

– knee replacement surgery

– hip replacement surgery

– ankle replacement surgery

Did you have revision surgery for your hip replacement, knee replacement, or ankle replacement?

Did you receive a letter saying you require revision surgery?

Have you been diagnosed with Osteolysis after having hip, knee, or ankle replacement surgery?

Did you have hip replacement complications from the Exactech hip recall?

Protect yourself with the help of experienced Exactech lawyers

If you answered yes to any of the above, contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for a free, confidential consultation. We will answer your questions and inform you about the current Exachtech litigation. You may qualify to file a Hip Replacement Lawsuit.

Lawsuits have been filed against Exactech by victims seeking compensation for:

– past medical expenses

– future medical expenses

– pain and suffering

Exactech Hip Replacement Lawsuit Timeline

May 2023

Judge Donna Keim of Gainesville, FL, organized a special “science day” focused on Exactech implants. Two esteemed judges, Judge Nicholas Garaufis and Judge Marcia M. Henry from the Eastern District of New York, were invited to participate.

During this unique gathering, experts representing the plaintiff and defense sides of the Exactech lawsuit shared valuable insights on various aspects of the case.

Topics included the science behind hip and knee replacements, revisions, the materials used in the recalled Exactech implants, and the packaging materials. Additionally, other issues related to the recalled devices were also addressed.

Science Day was a significant opportunity for the judge to deepen her understanding of the recalled devices and raise pertinent questions. Moving forward, regular case management conferences will be held by the judges as the discovery phase progresses in the Exactech lawsuits. This ensures a thorough and practical examination of the matter at hand.

March 2023

The FDA warns patients and healthcare providers who have used Exactech joint replacement devices between 2004 and August 2021. They communicated about the recall of specific devices manufactured during this period.

The recalled Exactech joint replacement devices, including knees, ankles, and hips, were found to have been packaged in defective packaging bags. These bags lacked an essential oxygen barrier layer, which serves to protect the devices from oxidation – a chemical reaction that can deteriorate plastics over time.

The consequences of oxidation can be severe, resulting in accelerated device wear/failure, as well as component cracking or fracture. These issues may ultimately necessitate corrective revision surgery. It is important to note that some of the recalled devices are also associated with an increased risk of revision surgeries and bone loss due to excessive device wear/failure.

The FDA urged patients and healthcare providers to be aware of this recall and take the necessary steps to address potential risks or concerns. It was advised to contact the appropriate healthcare professionals to discuss further actions, such as device replacement or additional monitoring.

January 2023

Exactech pushes for official coordination and consolidation of federal and state court litigations related to the Exactech implant recalls.

December 2022

A rapid increase in lawsuits related to the Exactech recall has been filed into the Exactech MDL 3044.

October 2022

Due to the volume of cases filed, lawsuits involving the recalled knee and ankle products were consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of New York. Similarly, many recalled hip and ankle products filed in Florida remain consolidated in the Florida state courts. Over a year later, over 850 lawsuits are pending in the MDL, and over 200 are pending in the Florida courts.

February 2022

To avoid paying patients what they truly deserve, Exactech chose early on to provide a settlement option upfront for its victims. Exactech retained the services of Broadspire, a third-party settlement administrator and risk management firm, to handle the claims reimbursement process.

Patients were encouraged to file a claim with Broadspire and obtain reimbursement for their out-of-pocket medical expenses only.

Essentially, Broadspire was hired by Exactech to lure victims in by appealing to people’s desire for quick money without the need for a lawyer. However, it is essential to remember that Broadspire is a risk management company whose sole purpose was to minimize the financial damage to Exactech.

The Broadspire settlement option only reimburses patients for medical expenses paid that insurance did not cover. This significantly reduces the amount of financial compensation Exactech will have to pay out.

Lost wages, related medical bills, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are not part of the calculus. A settlement through Broadspire will NOT compensate you for all of your damages.

Submitting a claim through Broadspire will impact your legal options against Exactech.

June 2021

Exactech issued recalls of its knee, hip, and ankle implant systems. They said defective packaging caused the polyethylene inserts to oxidize and deteriorate rapidly. This ultimately led to a premature failure of the devices.

At The Yost Legal Group, patients’ well-being is our top priority. We are here to provide support and guidance throughout this process. Please stay informed and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Get the compensation you deserve for a Defective Exactech Medical Device

If you or a loved one has an Exactech hip or knee implant and still need to file a claim against Exachtech, call one of our experienced Exactech lawyers for help. A product liability lawyer at The Yost Legal Group will fight to recover your maximum settlement.

Even if you have already received a settlement through Broadspire, we strongly advise you to speak with one of our knee replacement recall attorneys today.

Call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) or email us at info@yostlaw.com today for a free consultation. There is no fee or expense unless you recover.

If you had an Exactech knee replacement failure or revision hip replacement, we would file an injury claim for you. Our injury lawyers will review your medical records and analyze the premature wear of your medical device.

We will talk with you about your loss of “quality of life” because of your failed medical device and how it has impacted your life.

The Yost Legal Group has years of experience handling defective product cases. We will file an Exactech lawsuit and ensure your rights are fully protected. If you have a failed knee replacement or failed hip replacement, call us.

We will support your fight for justice and hold Exactech rightfully accountable for their defective products.

Why contact The Yost Legal Group personal injury lawyers

Our personal injury law attorneys have years of experience representing medical malpractice, product liability, and defective medical device claims. We are filing Exactech lawsuits against the manufacturer. The Exactech recall has affected thousands of patients.

An Exactech recall lawsuit will protect your rights to receive financial compensation to cover your pain and damages.

Our Exactech attorneys are here to explain the hip implant failure lawsuit and knee implant failure lawsuit. If you have had a hip revision surgery or knee revision surgery due to a defective Exactech implant, we are here to help.

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