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Truck Accidents

Washington, DC Truck Accident Lawyers

Helping You Rebuild After A Serious Trucking Accident in Washington, DC

Being involved in an accident with a big rig, semi-truck, tanker, flatbed, or other commercial vehicle often leads to severe consequences. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or even more with an oversize vehicle permit. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, the outcome can be devastating, sometimes causing roofs to shear off or vehicles to be crushed. Some big rig accidents tragically result in fatalities.

The size and weight of a commercial truck create serious risks if the vehicle is not operated, loaded, or maintained correctly. At Fay Law Group, we represent people impacted by trucking accidents and their families. Our legal team uncovers truck driver and company negligence to help clients pursue the compensation needed to restore their lives and promote safer roads throughout the region. Our Washington, DC truck accident lawyers dedicate themselves to seeking justice for each client.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, Fay Law Group can help you. Call our Washington, DC truck accident attorneys at (202) 589-1300 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple parties and layers of responsibility, making them far more complex. Identifying the cause is critical for determining liability and seeking compensation.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Truck drivers, owners, trucking companies, loading crews, manufacturers, or shipping companies can all play a role in big rig accidents for any of these reasons.

What Are Common Injuries Caused By Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries because of the tremendous force involved. 

The following injuries occur frequently in truck accident cases:

Commercial Vehicles & Accident Scenarios in Washington, DC

Truck and tractor-trailer accidents in Washington, DC, may involve various types of commercial vehicles, each bringing different risks and challenges. Examples include flatbeds hauling construction equipment, tank trucks carrying hazardous materials, and delivery vehicles navigating city streets. Accidents can happen during turns at narrow DC intersections, merges along the I-495 Capital Beltway, or in downtown loading zones where tight spaces and limited visibility add danger. When a big rig or semi-truck collides with a passenger car, high speed or heavy cargo increases the risk of severe injury.

Trucking rules are meant to protect the public from avoidable harm, but not all companies or drivers observe them. Knowing the kinds of vehicles involved and how DC regulations apply enables our legal team to handle your particular case with the advantage of local insight and decades of experience serving the area.

How Do Trucking Laws Differ From Other Vehicle Accidents?

Trucking laws differ from those governing other vehicles because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets specific rules for large trucks. These rules regulate operations, loading, maintenance, and frequently apply to vehicles over 10,000 pounds or those hauling hazardous cargo.

Truck drivers must follow strict hours-of-service rules, limiting how long they can drive without rest breaks. They must also have regular medical exams, and federal law allows for random drug and alcohol screening.

These regulations are complex and vary based on factors such as truck size, weight, and cargo. To build a strong case against a negligent truck driver or trucking company, it is essential to have commercial truck accident attorney in Washington, DC, who understands all relevant federal laws and regulations.

What Steps Should I Take After a Trucking Accident?

Take specific steps after a trucking accident in Washington, DC, to protect your rights and strengthen your potential legal claim. 

As Washington, DC truck accident lawyers at Fay Law Group, P.A., we recommend:

  1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize safety. Move away from traffic if possible and check yourself and passengers for injuries. Seek medical care even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear.
  2. Call the Authorities: Contact the police to report the accident. Police will create an official report, which can later serve as vital evidence.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road, and visible injuries. Gather witness contact details and note the truck’s license plate number and company information.
  4. Exchange Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, contact info, insurance details, and employer. Offer your own details but avoid discussing fault.
  5. Preserve Evidence: Keep all paperwork connected to the crash, such as repair estimates, emails, and medical records. This evidence can be essential to your legal claim.
  6. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to truck accident attorneys in Washington, DC as soon as possible. An attorney at Fay Law Group, P.A. can help gather evidence, guide you through the legal process, and handle communications with insurers.
  7. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies often try to minimize claims. Let your lawyer manage interactions to help protect your interests.

The steps you take immediately following a crash can affect your ability to recover damages. For legal guidance, contact our trucking accident attorneys in Washington, DC, for a free case evaluation.

How Trucking Companies Can Be Held Accountable for Accidents

Trucking companies can be responsible for crashes involving their drivers in several ways, especially if the company’s actions or negligence contributed. 

The main ways a trucking company can be held accountable include:

  • Driver Training: Trucking companies must train drivers to operate large vehicles safely. If a company skips proper training or lets an unprepared driver behind the wheel, that can lead to liability.
  • Oversight and Supervision: Employers monitor their drivers to ensure they follow laws and safety rules. This means reviewing hours, watching for signs of fatigue, and checking that drivers avoid common risks.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: A trucking company must maintain its vehicles in safe, working condition. Skipping inspections or neglecting needed repairs, like brakes or tires, can result in harm to others.
  • Safety Practices: Trucking companies should enforce rules that keep drivers from being overworked or overloading trucks. Ignoring these practices shifts blame to the company when an accident occurs.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Washington, DC Truck Accident Claims

In many states, including Washington, DC, courts look at comparative fault in truck accident cases. Each party receives a percentage of fault based on their responsibility for the accident.

  • Determining Fault: Investigators assign percentages of responsibility to each driver or participant. For example, both a speeding truck driver and a distracted driver might share some blame.
  • Impact on Compensation: The amount a victim can recover decreases by their share of fault. For instance, if you are 20% responsible, your damages may be reduced by that amount during settlement negotiations.

The Importance of Black Box Data in Truck Accident Investigations

Commercial trucks often contain event data recorders (EDRs), also called black boxes. These devices collect vital information about vehicle speed, braking, turning, seatbelt use, and what happened before and after a collision. Police officers and attorneys use these records to piece together how the accident occurred.

In Washington, DC, investigators sometimes request black box data quickly after a truck crash, especially on high-traffic routes. Securing this data promptly ensures it isn’t lost or overwritten. Access to this information helps legal teams construct a solid claim by providing an objective look at the moments surrounding a truck accident.

WHAT DOES A DC TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY DO?

A truck accident lawyer in Washington, DC helps people who have been injured due to the carelessness of truck drivers or trucking companies. Attorneys guard clients’ rights through comprehensive legal support. 

Some of the main services a truck accident lawyer provides are:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident scene to determine all potential sources of liability.
  • Gathering essential evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs of the crash site, truck maintenance logs, inspection certificates, and other relevant documentation.
  • Assessing damages by reviewing medical bills and calculating lost wages resulting from time away from work due to accident-related injuries.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies or defendants on behalf of the client to pursue a fair settlement.
  • Filing compensation claims when needed to recover damages for clients.
  • Representing clients in trials or hearings before judges or juries to advocate strongly for their interests.

At Fay Law Group, our experienced Washington, DC, truck accident lawyers are focused on fighting for the maximum compensation and fair justice you deserve. If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck crash because someone else was negligent, contact us for a conversation about your legal rights and next steps. We can offer the help you need.

HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS

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HOW CAN A TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY ASSIST YOU?

At Fay Law Group, our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Washington, DC, know the federal and state laws that apply to tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles. We guide you through your rights under these laws and investigate accidents thoroughly to determine who is responsible.

We pursue all parties at fault, whether the responsible party is a truck driver, trucking company, shipping company, or a manufacturer of defective vehicle parts. Our objective is to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, disability, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and related losses.

Fay Law Group’s legal professionals have built a strong reputation in Washington, DC, and throughout the region. Our history shows our commitment to fighting for injury victims’ rights, including taking cases to trial if needed. We do all we can under the law to help you seek justice after an injury caused by negligence.

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Get Started Today with a Free Consultation

To hold the right people or business accountable after your accident, identifying the cause is essential. This step matters for your claim, and our Washington, DC truck accident lawyers use their insight and resources to establish who is at fault and to show the full and fair value of your losses.

Call (202) 589-1300 to get more information regarding your options and rights after a truck accident in Washington, DC. We serve all of the District of Columbia and Maryland.

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