Truck Accident Lawyer DC

Wrongful Death Lawyer - DC

Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is a truck accident lawyer DC area motorists often call first if they sustain a serious injury in the crash. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is dedicated to helping personal injury victims recover damages from the responsible party so they can get the medical treatment they need without paying for it themselves. Call us today at 202-544-7200 to request a free case review with Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., a trusted DC truck accident lawyer.

When you choose, The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.,  please know that we have a knowledgeable team of lawyers, paralegals, and other staff members who are dedicated to investigating what happened, as well as prove negligence and the actions that led to the accident. 

During the Investigation, We May:

  • Review the police and accident reports
  • Interview any witnesses
  • Investigate the scene
  • Review the credentials of the truck driver
  • Analyze the log records and black box data
  • Determine if all laws and rules were followed
  • Call upon expert witnesses 

Having a lawyer to prove negligence is important, and can make a difference in the outcome of your case. When it comes to these kinds of cases, not only are there personal injury laws to consider, but also in-depth state and federal trucking regulations. These are broad and sometimes difficult to interpret without a legal mind. Our firm understands these laws, as well as how to litigate them. Rest assured we have the necessary resources to investigate what happened and to fight tooth and nail to get the results you are looking for. 

Truck Accident Claims Can Be Overwhelming

One of the services we perform at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is protecting the rights of accident victims. More often than not, victims of truck accidents face the deep pockets of trucking companies, truck manufacturers, and other parties who have a team of lawyers on retainer and little to no compassion for our clients. Their main goal is to make sure that the innocent victim does not get a dime for their damages. This is when the victim may be best served by hiring their own truck accident lawyer in DC — one who is as experienced as Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents occur quite frequently and are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries, like amputations, burns and traumatic brain injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents.

  • Distracted driving. Truck drivers have to spend long hours on the road, which become tedious after a while. Some drivers may try to distract themselves with various things, like texting on a cell phone, changing the radio station, eating or looking outside the window. Unfortunately, these actions can cause truck drivers to take their eyes and attention off the road ahead, which can cause an accident.
  • Speeding. Truck drivers are responsible for delivering various goods around the country and are pressured to do it on time. If they are behind schedule, they may be pressured to increase their speed to make their deadlines. Speeding can lower reaction times, increasing the chances of a collision. The faster a truck is traveling, the more severe injuries it is likely to cause in an accident.
  • Lack of training. Operating a commercial truck is much different than driving a passenger vehicle. That is why truck drivers should have extensive training before getting behind the wheel. However, as a DC truck accident lawyer can confirm, some trucking companies may skimp on training to save money. Truck drivers who don’t have the proper training are more likely to cause accidents.
  • Fatigue. As mentioned above, truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. After a while, this can take a toll on the body. Truck drivers who drive too many consecutive hours without proper rest may become fatigued. They may have trouble focusing on the road ahead and have lower reaction times. They may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
  • Inadequate maintenance. Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to continue running properly. However, some trucking companies may skimp on maintenance to save on costs. Unfortunately, this can cause an accident. For instance, if a truck’s brakes are worn out, the truck might have trouble coming to a stop.
  • Drunk driving. Truck driving can be a stressful job at times. Some truck drivers may turn to alcohol to cope. If they get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, they may have impaired judgment, lowered reaction times and reduced focus, which can all contribute to an accident.

.

How Truck Accidents Are Different Than Car Accidents

Many people still assume that truck accidents are quite similar to accidents only involving passenger vehicles. However, they are much different from one another. Here are some different ways truck accidents are different than car accidents.

  • Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Since commercial trucks are larger and weigh much more than passenger vehicles, they are more likely to cause serious damage in accidents. Even if the commercial truck was traveling fairly slow when it crashed into your vehicle, your car could still get totaled.
  • There may be multiple liable parties. In car accidents, the driver is usually the only liable party. However, if you are in a truck accident, multiple parties may be held responsible. In addition to the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturer and maintenance company may be liable. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Washington D.C. can help you identify all the liable parties so that you can maximize your compensation.
  • Injuries are more severe. As mentioned above, commercial trucks are a lot bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles. As such, they can create extra force in accidents and increase the risk of severe injuries, like amputation and traumatic brain injuries. Serious injuries like these may require long-term medical care, so you may require a higher settlement from the insurance company.
  • Truck drivers must follow more rules and regulations. Truck drivers are held to a higher standard than drivers of passenger vehicles. They have to follow more rules and regulations than other drivers. For example, truck drivers are only allowed to drive a certain amount of hours per day. If a truck driver drives more hours than permitted, he or she may likely be found at fault for the accident.
  • There will be multiple insurance companies. Since multiple parties may be held responsible for a truck accident, there will be several insurance companies to deal with. Each insurance company may try to minimize your settlement, complicating matters. That’s why it’s especially important to work with a lawyer who has experience dealing with multiple insurance companies.
  • Cargo can be hazardous. Commercial trucks transport a lot of cargo, which can be dangerous on its own. If it is not secured properly, cargo can fly off and cause more damage in an accident.

Truck Driving Regulations

All companies must follow strict regulations and procedures for driving hours and maintenance. The drivers of a truck are also held to a higher standard than regular drivers on the road. It is not uncommon for records to be falsified so as to protect the company and driver. Our lawyers know this and will look for discrepancies in records that may assist in proving negligence. 

In addition to investigating the records, we will also be ready to explore all potential negligence parties. This is something that can make truck accident cases unique as there are often more than one party involved, such as:

  • The trucking company
  • A truck parts manufacturer
  • The driver
  • The freight manufacturer or supplier
  • The freight loading company
  • The municipal road designer, maintenance contractor, etc.

Each defendant may have their own lawyer, or team of lawyers, to represent them. This can complicate the litigation process, from the discovery phase, to the depositions, to the courtroom proceedings. A truck accident lawyer DC residents rely on from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. has successfully handled a large number of complex personal injury cases.

In addition, federal, state, and local laws may affect the case in different ways, and a truck accident lawyer DC offers may not be as familiar with these different sets of laws as they should be. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. our legal team works hard to stay abreast of current and proposed legislation that can affect the outcomes of our clients’ cases. We will not be taken by surprise and we aggressively protect the best interests of our clients.

We will carefully review all points of your case to identify who may have been a contributor to the collision. Once we have done so, we can begin to build an aggressive, irrefutable case against all at-fault parties.

The Legal Process of Your Case

Truck accident cases are often complicated. By having a  truck accident lawyer in DC on your side, you can ensure your case is handled in the correct way. The following is a general overview of how your case may proceed:

Investigate Your Case — As soon as possible you should call a lawyer. This will allow him or her to investigate what happened in detail, and ensure the insurance company is giving you a fair evaluation of your losses. The more you wait the more you risk, so please do not delay. 

File a Claim — Once an investigation has been completed, and evidence gathered, a lawyer can file your claim. This claim will break down all of your losses owed to you – including economic and non-economic damages. 

Negotiate the Claim — A claim can be settled in several ways. Your lawyer will likely attempt to settle with the insurance company before it goes to court. This can be favorable as it saves time and legal fees. If a compromise cannot be reached, your case will be heard before a judge or jury. 

Litigation — This only happens when your case goes to court. Litigation involves several more steps and procedures that can be explained to you only if your own case requires it. 

Five Costs Economic Damages Can Cover

Economic damages refer to costs that are easy to calculate. These costs typically have an exact dollar figure, and five examples include: 

  • Medical Expenses — Whether the accident leads to a broken arm or traumatic brain injuries, no victim should have to pay for their own medical bills. Compensation for economic damages covers both current and future expenses and may include: 
  • Prescriptions 
  • Care in and outside the hospital 
  • Surgeries 
  • Physical therapy 
  • Property Damage

Trucks can generate a lot of force, and even a minor fender bender can leave your vehicle needing serious repairs. Economic damages can cover getting your vehicle fixed or may even cover you replacing your vehicle. 

Out-of-pocket Expenses

Out-of-pocket expenses are expenses you pay that aren’t directly tied to factors like medical expenses or property damage. While these expenses may not be directly tied to your personal injury, you should still be compensated for them. Some examples are: 

  • Towing services
  • Vehicle rentals
  • Storage costs
  • Transportation costs — such as using the bus or train to get to work, to see your attorney or doctor, etc. 
  • Child care — you may need to be away from home more often to receive treatment and may need to hire someone to care for your child while you’re away.
  • Personal care costs
  • Lost Wages — A personal injury may hamper your ability to work or force you out of work altogether. However, you might still have bills you need to pay in the meantime. Economic damages can cover your lost wages and pay for job training rehabilitation. 
  • Funeral Costs — Unfortunately, sometimes a trucking accident will lead to wrongful death. Not only is the passing of a loved one an emotional burden, but it can also sometimes cause a lot of financial stress. Economic damages can cover all the costs that go into a funeral. 

Six Examples of Non-Economic Damages Compensation

While economic damages often have an exact dollar figure, non-economic damages can be harder to calculate. The reason for this is that non-economic damages can be more subjective. Six common examples of non-economic damages compensation are: 

  • Pain and suffering 
  • A loss to one’s reputation 
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships 
  • Temporary or permanent disfigurement (including conditions like blindness)
  • Reduction or loss of sexual functions 
  • Emotional distress, including having PTSD

Five Factors That Determine Non-Economic Damages

There are five main factors for determining how much you can obtain from non-economic damages: 

  • How severe the intangible injury is
  • How long the injury is expected to last
  • How many areas the non-economic damage affects — for example, does it affect your ability to work, relationships, school, etc.
  • How much the intangible injury impacts your everyday life
  • Economic damages involved with the injury

Five Factors That Determine Non-Economic Damages Infographic

How Are You Paying for Your Medical Care?

When you need a truck accident lawyer Washington DC trusts, look no further than The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. We know that a truck accident has the potential to completely change your life, and we know that you shouldn’t pay out of pocket if your injuries were caused by the negligence of an irresponsible driver.

The accidents you can experience in a truck accident range from minor to severe. But in the case of a severe truck accident injury, chances are your accident was just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to learn more about the top 5 injuries you may experience in a truck accident, and see how a DC truck accident lawyer can help you get back on your feet.

  • Whiplash.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries you can experience in any kind of motor vehicle accident. When you’re caught in an accident with a truck, the impact is only amplified. Whiplash occurs when your neck makes a rapid back-and-forth motion, and leads to lingering pain and even a reduced range of motion. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after any kind of accident, especially since whiplash may not present itself until hours or days later.

  • Neck and Back Injuries.

Whiplash affects your neck and upper back, but there are plenty of other truck accident-related injuries that can affect your back as well. A bad enough impact can lead to potentially-permanent neck or spine injuries, or cracked or fractured bones that take weeks to set properly.

  • Burns.

There’s always a danger of burning yourself when you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, whether it’s because of some freshly-exposed engine components, or just because a hot coffee spilled onto your lap. In the event of a truck accident, the risk of burns is amplified. If a truck is hauling flammable fluid, it can make your accident especially dangerous – especially if the driver wasn’t paying attention. All the more reason to reach out to a DC truck accident lawyer.

  • Broken Bones.

As with any other car accident, broken bones are a very real possibility when you’re involved in a truck accident. In fact, because of the nature of a truck accident, more serious injuries happen more often. Even a minor accident with a truck can lead to serious injuries and broken bones – and those broken bones can prevent you from living your life normally. This can cause serious financial problems if you’re unable to work.

  • Brain Injuries.

Any head injury demands immediate medical attention. The brain is fragile, and even a minor concussion can be fatal. If you experience any kind of brain injury in a truck accident, there’s no telling how long it’ll take you to reach a new normal – if that’s possible at all.

DC Truck Accident Statistics

According to national statistics, there are almost 170,000 truck accidents every year, resulting in the deaths of approximately 5,000 people. The majority of those killed – 70 percent – are occupants in other vehicles. Pedestrians and bicyclists account for 10 percent.

Because of the massive destruction of these crashes, survivors of truck accidents are often left with catastrophic injuries and the financial impact on families can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our office to find out what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to.

Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., DC Truck Accident Lawyer

922 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20003

Our Network of Professionals Is on Your Side

When necessary, in addition to being the truck accident lawyer DC injured drivers choose, we have a network of industry experts available who can testify on behalf of our clients. This is especially helpful in truck accident cases because of their complex and technically complicated nature. We can call upon any of the following professionals to examine the facts of the case and help prove our case that our client is entitled to receive compensation from the liable parties.

  • Forensic accident scene investigator
  • Medical doctor
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Psychologist
  • Automotive industry specialist
  • Contact a Truck Accident lawyer DC Victims Trust to Fight for You

If you have sustained injuries from a truck accident, you need a skilled DC truck accident lawyer to aggressively advocate for you against large trucking companies and their insurance carriers who often try to minimize or completely deny a truck accident victim’s claim. A truck accident lawyer DC locals recommend from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can be reached at 202-544-7200 for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.

Get in Touch with the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. Today

At the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we understand how frustrating and frightening a truck accident can be. We also know that you deserve to be compensated in full for any damages caused by your truck accident. Insurance providers can be difficult to deal with, and the details of your accident can become hazy with time. However, with the right lawyer on your side, you can rest easy knowing that your accident will be investigated, and you’ll have a shot at serious financial compensation.

Don’t hesitate. Get in touch with the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today, and see how the right truck accident lawyer in Washington DC can help you get your life back on track.

Unfortunately, even if you are the most careful driver, you can be hit due to the negligence of a truck driver on the road. It is vital for commercial drivers to operate their vehicles carefully — and the majority of truckers do — but one small mistake can be detrimental for others on the road. As a seasoned truck accident lawyer Washington DC provides might attest, even minor commercial truck accidents can have tragic consequences for passenger vehicle occupants.