Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Washington DC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Washington DC?

  311 is the non-emergency contact number for the Metropolitan Police Department. People from outside the District can call (202) 737-4404 to reach the 311 Call Center Operation.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Washington DC?

  Copies of police reports for truck accidents in Washington, D.C., can be obtained from the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters, located at 441 4th Street, NW, 7th Floor. Police report requests via email can be made at mpd.public-docs@dc.gov.

• Where in Washington, D.C., are the most dangerous intersections for truck drivers and other motorists?

  The intersections in Washington, D.C., where motor vehicle accidents frequently happen include Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue, which was named by Time Magazine as the most dangerous intersection in the District. Another heavily trafficked crossroad that frequently experiences pedestrian and vehicle accidents is Florida Avenue and New York Avenue NE. Accidents are also common on 14th Street due to the use of the designated bike lane by rideshare vehicles.

• Are there additional rules that truck drivers must follow in Washington, D.C., in addition to federal rules?

  Washington, D.C., limits what streets semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles can use, though trucks are completely barred from only a few streets. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also maintains rules to prevent or reduce the incidence of motor vehicle accidents, including limiting the number of hours truck drivers can drive, tracking break and driving time, and checking cargo weight.

• How does the contributory negligence rule in Washington, DC, affect truck accident claims?

  A truck accident claim in Washington, D.C., can be rejected by the court if the at-fault driver invokes the contributory negligence defense. If the plaintiff contributed to his own injury, this is referred to as contributory negligence. A pedestrian struck by a truck while using his phone at a red light may have his personal injury claim dismissed because he should have been paying attention at the time of the accident.

• Do truck accident victims in Washington, D.C., always need an attorney to file a claim with a commercial trucking insurance company?

  Individuals injured in truck accidents in Washington, D.C., do not always require the services of an attorney at any stage of a personal injury claim. Victims, on the other hand, should avoid directly negotiating with an insurance company because insurers strive to limit compensation for any single claim. The insurance provider for a trucking company is also used to dealing with high-stakes claims and high-value settlements.

• How do truck blind spots contribute to motor vehicle accidents in Washington, D.C.?

  Truck blind spots play a role in catastrophic truck accidents in Washington, D.C. Blind spots are spaces that cannot be seen in a truck's rear or side view mirrors. The blind spots around a truck trailer's left rear, right front, and back are quite large. A car that moves into a truck's blind spot is usually invisible to the truck driver, resulting in a collision.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.