Washington DC Truck Accident Attorney
Why Are Trucks More Likely to Cause Accidents?
Every year, approximately half a million trucking accidents occur on roadways
across the country. Around 5,000 accidents result in death, 98% of which
occur to the individuals in passenger vehicles. Trucks are more prone
to accidents than cars. Their sheer size alone makes driving them an inherently
more dangerous task, as there are larger blind spots and more difficult
maneuverability. The height of a trailer can also present a tipping risk.
Drivers, too, often become fatigued after long stretches of driving to
meet delivery deadlines, and may even drive longer than they are allowed
to in order to arrive at their destination faster. With all of these risk
factors, it is no wonder that so many truck accidents occur each year.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, don't wait to contact
a Washington DC injury lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP.
We can help you seek fair compensation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, remain calm and contact the police immediately.
When the police arrive, they can file a report detailing the accident
and record evidence that can be used to establish how and why the accident
occurred. This report, along with other evidence like witness reports
or the truck's “black box," can be used in your
personal injury claim.
You will also want to avoid giving statements about the accident to anyone,
specifically the truck driver's insurance company, who may be able
to use what you say to minimize your claim or deflect blame away from
the truck driver and onto you. To be safe, say as little as possible;
even the smallest statement can be spun to sound like an admission of guilt.
Do, however, make it a point to collect the following information:
- The truck driver's name
- License information
- Insurance information
- Employer information
Also be sure to take the names and contact information of any people who
witnessed your truck accident. The evidence they provide may be essential
to your case.
The Truck Driver May Not Be the Only Liable Party
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is one of the leading
causes of truck accidents in the United States. Fortunately,
trucking companies can be held responsible for the undisciplined driving of one of their employees if it can be proven
that the driver engaged in unsafe activities like drinking, texting, or
any other distracting activities.
Trucking companies can also be held accountable for an accident if it is
shown that the employee they hired had an unsatisfactory criminal or driving
record. Our DC personal injury attorneys can help you determine who can
be held liable for your accident and may be able to help you get the compensation
you need for damages, medical bills, and more.
Contact Simeone & Miller, LLP for a Free Consult
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Washington DC and have
sustained injuries, you may have questions about what to do next. You
may be aware that you are entitled to a claim, but may not know who can
be held liable or how the process works. This experience can be overwhelming
without having someone on your side who knows the law.
By retaining the services of an attorney, you can ensure your legal rights
are protected. When you’ve been wronged, we make it right. We work on a
contingency fee basis, which means that you don't pay unless we win your case. With over
1,000 happy clients, a Superb 10.0 Avvo Rating, and a listing in
Super Lawyers®, we have experience you can count on.
Experience our exceptional service for yourself – contact the Washington
DC personal injury lawyers at Simeone & Miller, LLP as soon as possible for a
free consultation.