Truck accidents are some of the most violent and catastrophic motor vehicle accidents. Injuries caused by truck accidents are highly likely to be debilitating, disabling, and fatal. Commercial vehicle drivers, as well as the trucking companies that employ them and the manufacturers who provide the truck parts, have a responsibility to exercise care and prevent unsafe situations.
The truck accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm in Washington, DC, are experienced in going up against big trucking companies who protect their own interests while you are left suffering the consequences. If you have been seriously injured following an accident with a tractor-trailer, please contact Cochran Firm DC today to schedule a consultation.
The legal process to recover compensation for your injuries and damages can be complicated, especially in trucking cases where a web of federal regulations and state law can create traps for the unwary. Our experienced trucking accident lawyers can guide your case from beginning to end with the experience to understand the longer-term implications of each step in the process. The attorneys of The Cochran Firm, DC have recovered millions for injured victims and have received significant media coverage and legal industry attention for achieving remarkable verdicts and settlements.
We can help with cases relating to:
Yes, hiring a truck accident attorney in Washington, DC is not only worth it, but necessary if you want to protect your rights and secure full compensation. Trucking accidents differ significantly from regular car crashes, as they involve federal regulations, high-value insurance policies, and intricate liability issues. Without experienced legal representation, victims are often left with settlements that fall far short of covering their losses. When you're injured in a truck crash, you're up against a large network of insurance adjusters and legal teams working to minimize payouts. An experienced truck accident lawyer will:
With an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side, you have a professional who has been through the process before and will work tirelessly to defend your rights. At The Cochran Firm DC, our trucking accident attorneys can analyze medical records, review and dispute the trucking company and insurance company’s claims, hire and consult expert witnesses to bolster your claims and to reconstruct the accident, interview witnesses, negotiate with the insurance company, and navigate the legal process.
Gathering the right evidence is crucial for proving your claim that someone else’s negligence caused the accident. A truck accident attorney can assist you in collecting everything needed to clearly show what happened and why you're entitled to compensation. The evidence will likely include:
Along with the support from your attorney, there are several important steps you should take to gather the right evidence:
By taking these steps, you’ll strengthen your claim and be better prepared for the legal and insurance processes ahead.
There are many moving parts in a truck accident claim – federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration promulgate rules governing the trucking industry, state laws may govern liability of each driver, and case law may govern the specific circumstance of your accident. In addition, there may be many individuals, companies, and other parties who are involved in your truck accident claim, such as the 18-wheeler driver, the truck leasing company, the insurance company, the driver’s employer, the owner of the truck trailer (often different from the owner of the truck), the maker of the truck or its components, and your insurance company. An experienced truck accident lawyer can marshal the applicable legal rules and regulations, approach and negotiate with the various parties, and design a litigation plan with the goal of securing you the highest possible compensation.
Commercial vehicle drivers, the companies that employ them, and the manufacturers who supply truck parts all share a responsibility to ensure safe operation on the roads. Depending on the circumstances of your collision, multiple parties may be held legally accountable for the resulting damages. A truck accident lawyer builds a strong case by identifying all liable parties. These may include any of the following:
The Truck Driver: Responsible for driving safely, following traffic laws, and avoiding reckless behavior such as speeding, fatigue, or impaired driving.
The Trucking Company: Accountable for hiring qualified drivers, enforcing safe driving practices, properly maintaining vehicles, and complying with all federal safety regulations.
The Truck Manufacturer: Liable if a defect in the truck’s design or mechanical components (like brakes or tires) played a role in the crash.
Cargo Loaders or Shipping Contractors: May be responsible if improperly secured or unbalanced cargo contributed to the accident.
Government Entities: Liable when poor road conditions, faulty signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to unsafe driving conditions.
Truck drivers and companies involved in interstate commerce must follow stringent safety guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These federal trucking regulations cover critical aspects such as:
Violations of these FMCSA regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in a truck accident case. If the driver or their employer failed to comply with these rules, they may be held directly responsible for any injuries caused by their noncompliance.
From negligent drivers to trucking corporations that ignore safety regulations, you can ensure all parties are investigated and held accountable by working with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
18 wheeler and other large commercial trucks can cause serious injuries to other drivers on the road. If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident, it may be because the driver was negligent or the vehicle was improperly maintained.
Truck Accident Contributing Factors
Some of the causes of tractor-trailer accidents are the same as causes of car accidents, but trucks weigh more than 10,000 pounds. Because of their size and weight, tractor-trailers are especially dangerous in the event of an accident and can even lead to wrongful death.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
Negligent truck drivers can cause accidents when they operate these huge vehicles carelessly. Accidents can also occur because of a truck’s faulty components, including defective products like tires and brakes. Additionally, truck drivers can drive improperly and become overly fatigued as a result of demanding schedules imposed by the trucking company.
As a driver or passenger in a much smaller vehicle, you can be left with serious injuries after a truck accident, including:
If you are unable to perform your job duties because of your injury, you may be facing a lifetime of lost wages. Injuries of this magnitude are also expensive to treat, and these medical expenses can continue indefinitely for as long as you need treatment.
If you were in a serious car accident involving a truck or 18-wheeler, you may be eligible to file a truck accident lawsuit. There are a variety of different legal claims that are often made against trucking companies.
Suffering an injury from a truck accident can completely change your life. Thankfully, you may be entitled to different types of compensation to help you heal and move forward. Here’s a breakdown of the damages you might be able to claim:
Injuries from a truck accident often require extensive medical treatment. This can include:
A major injury could keep you from working, either temporarily or permanently. You may be able to recover compensation for:
Truck accidents can cause significant physical pain and suffering. Compensation can be awarded for:
Beyond physical injuries, truck accidents can lead to severe emotional and psychological trauma. Potential compensation covers:
If you tragically lost a loved one in the accident, you might be eligible for damages related to:
Understanding the types of damages you can claim is a great first step in your recovery.
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Instead, your attorney only collects a fee if they successfully recover compensation through a settlement or verdict. This fee is typically a percentage of the final recovery. This depends on the case and whether it goes to trial.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer on a contingency basis allows injury victims to access legal representation without the financial risks. It also ensures that your attorney is motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The value of a truck accident settlement in Washington, DC can vary widely based on the severity of the injuries, the degree of fault, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. Many truck accident settlements in DC can reach six or seven figures, especially in cases involving serious injury or wrongful death.
Truck accident cases involving serious injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures often reach higher settlement amounts.
Washington, DC trucking accident claims are further shaped by local laws and comparative negligence rules. An experienced truck accident attorney in Washington, DC, can accurately calculate damages and negotiate aggressively with insurers or pursue litigation if necessary.
Choosing the best truck accident lawyer in Washington, DC requires more than just a quick internet search. You want to find a lawyer with the right combination of experience, specialization, and local knowledge to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. Here are five keys to help you identify the right attorney for your case:
When an accident occurs because of someone’s carelessness, you – the responsible driver – should not have to pay for the cost of your injuries. Additionally, the negligent behavior or practices of the person or company responsible for the accident should be stopped.
If you or a family member was seriously injured in an accident involving a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, please contact The Cochran Firm, DC to receive a free, confidential case evaluation. All initial inquiries carry no obligation.
In order to maximize your chance of a successful recovery, we recommend contacting us as soon after the accident as possible. The law requires that truck accident claims be filed within a certain period of time, and if that time has already expired, you may be ineligible for compensation.
