If you’ve been injured in an accident, you might want to seek legal counsel from a Washington DC trucking accident lawyer. At Cohen and Cohen, P.C., we know that there are almost a half million truck accidents in this country each year that leave hundreds of thousands of victims seriously injured.
A trucking accident lawyer in Washington DC from our firm also understands that there are many complex federal and state regulations which are supposed to ensure the safety of all those traveling on the roads. Unfortunately, some truck drivers and trucking companies violate those regulations leaving to dangerous — and even deadly — truck accidents.
Trucking Accidents vs. Car Accidents
Although any motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious injuries, the size and weight of tractor trailers often leave smaller vehicles and their occupants suffering the brunt of the accident damage. This damage can be even more compounded if the tractor-trailer is transporting hazardous or flammable materials.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government agency that oversees trucking regulations. It establishes many rules that place safety restrictions on companies and drivers, such as limitations on the number of hours a truck driver can drive each day, how many days per week they are allowed to drive, weight limits for cargo, and rules regarding vehicle maintenance and inspection.
The FMCSA also requires tractor-trailer drivers to have special driver training and obtain their commercial driving license. There are many roads where the FMCSA or other municipal agencies set allowances for truck driver operations. These may limit the times of day that a truck may pass through the region, or they may forbid certain types of materials to be transported through.
A Washington DC trucking accident lawyer realizes that in many truck accidents, there is often a violation – or multiple violations – of FMCSA or other regulations which caused the accident to happen.
Common Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents
An experienced Washington DC trucking accident lawyer should be familiar with the factors that commonly cause truck accidents. These reasons may include one or more of the following:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or checking GPS
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Failure to maintain vehicle
- Fatigued driving
- Improper cargo storage
- Inexperience of truck driver
- Overloaded vehicles
- Speeding
Why Hire a Washington DC Trucking Accident Lawyer?
Injuries from trucking accidents are often serious and can leave victims facing long-term recovery. Tragically, many victims of truck accidents do not survive the crash. Trucking accident claims can be complex because there may be more than one at-fault party, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even a vehicle part manufacturer if faulty equipment contributed to the crash.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can advocate for the victim and their family and assist in getting the compensation they deserve. Damages for truck accidents can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium
Let a Trucking Accident Lawyer in Washington DC Fight for You
If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact a skilled Washington DC trucking accident lawyer from the law firm of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. Our firm has a well-deserved reputation for standing up to insurance companies and getting our clients the damages they are entitled to. Call a dedicated Washington DC trucking accident lawyer at (202) 759-7415 for your free consultation.
