Trucking Accident Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and disrupt lives. If you have been injured in a crash caused by a large truck in Washington, D.C., you deserve answers and just compensation. You should never have to struggle to pay the medical bills from an accident that you didn’t cause. If a negligent truck driver or trucking company harmed you, turn to a skilled truck accident attorney for help.

Dr. Michael Wilson, principal attorney of The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates, has years of experience representing accident victims in the Washington, D.C. area, including people injured in large truck accidents. Dr. Wilson is an accomplished Washington D.C. medical malpractice attorney and physician, which makes him uniquely positioned to take on difficult truck accident injury cases.

To learn more about how our law firm can fight for your best interests, contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Are Washington, D.C. Truck Accidents So Catastrophic?

Any motor vehicle accident can cause significant injuries. But accidents that involve large commercial trucks such as tractor-trailers and tanker trucks are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries for several reasons. For one, the relative size and weight of a large truck compared to smaller passenger vehicles make the truck especially dangerous in a collision. When loaded, commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which is roughly 15 to 20 times the weight of the average passenger car. This huge weight disparity significantly increases the risk of serious injury to occupants of smaller vehicles.

Trucks require more room to slow and stop compared to lighter vehicles. If a truck driver follows too closely or drives too fast for traffic conditions, the truck driver may cause a collision if cars ahead slow suddenly. The impact of large trucks that collide with other vehicles at highway speeds on I-95, I-395, or I-495 can cause severe or even fatal injuries.

Large commercial trucks are also not as maneuverable as smaller cars. Truck drivers have more difficulty turning quickly to avoid sudden obstacles and subsequent crashes. When truck drivers are inattentive or make faulty split-second decisions in emergency traffic situations, they can cause deadly accidents.

Trucks carry cargo that can cause an accident if the cargo is improperly secured and falls onto the roadway. Cargo spills can cause other drivers to swerve to avoid hitting the cargo, leading to an accident. If the cargo is hazardous or flammable, it can cause a fire or explosion in a collision. Commercial trucks that transport hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids are required to have higher amounts of liability insurance because of the serious harm an accident can cause.

What Are Common Injuries Caused by Washington D.C. Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are more likely to cause serious or fatal injuries, and no one is more vulnerable in a truck accident than the occupant of a passenger vehicle. More than 70 percent of all fatal injuries that occur in truck accidents are suffered by those in smaller vehicles. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash
• Back and neck injuries
• Herniated discs
• Fractured bones
• Lacerations and cuts
• Heat, friction, or chemical burns
• Internal bruising and bleeding
• Organ puncture or rupture
• Spinal cord injuries
• Partial or total paralysis
• Amputations
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What Compensation Is Available for Truck Accidents in Washington, D.C.?

The knowledgeable team at The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates can help you calculate the value of your Washington truck accident claim by evaluating:

• Your past and current medical expenses, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy
• Any future medical expenses you can expect to have as you recover from your accident-related injuries
• Incidental expenses related to your injuries, including costs of medical equipment, home accessibility modifications, and in-home care
• Repair or replacement costs for any vehicle damage caused by the wreck
• Lost income from missed time at work if you took time off to recover
• Lost future earning potential if you suffer a long-term disability that prevents you from returning to work
• Pain and suffering related to your injuries, such as physical discomfort, psychological trauma, and losses in quality of life

Washington, D.C., Truck Accident Statistics

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that 4,119 people died in truck accidents in the U.S. in 2019.

In truck collisions involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle, 97 percent of the deaths were occupants of the passenger vehicle.

Large trucks account for 5 percent of all registered vehicles but were involved in 11 percent of all motorcycle crash deaths.

A report by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) analyzing motor vehicle accidents in the District of Columbia, including truck accidents found:

• More than 2,400 traffic accidents involving large trucks occurred in a single year, accounting for more than five percent of all accidents in Washington, D.C.
• The DDOT noted that crashes involving “special vehicles” such as large trucks present an increased risk of severe or fatal injury.

How to Know If You Need Legal Help After a Truck Accident in Washington, D.C.

Many truck accident victims struggle with painful injuries and significant medical expenses after a truck crash. Accident victims may be overwhelmed trying to navigate the complex process of seeking compensation in a truck accident claim and dealing with uncooperative insurance companies.

You likely need the help of a seasoned Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer for help with your personal injury claim after a truck accident if:

• Your injuries required significant medical attention
• Your injuries are expected to cause long-term health problems
• Multiple people were injured, or anyone was killed in the accident
• Your injuries forced you to miss work
• Liability for the accident is disputed
• You need help evaluating how much your claim is worth
• The trucking insurance company tries to minimize your claim or denies your claim
• You are forced to take your claim to court to demand the compensation you need.

Contact a Washington, D.C., Trucking Accident Attorney Now

When you need help after a Washington, D.C. truck driving accident, contact The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates. We understand the difficulties truck accident victims face after a catastrophic truck accident, and our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help. We can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

Contact us today for a free initial case review to discuss the details of your claim. Don’t suffer from a catastrophic injury without help.

Visit Our Washington, D.C. Truck Accident Law Offices