Recovering Compensation for Your Truck Accident Injury
Roads and highways in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area can be dangerous places, and truck accidents often mean injuries or fatalities. These accidents frequently result in significant injuries, property damage, and in some cases, death. The causes of these collisions can be complex and varied, but there are several common factors that are seen in metro area truck collisions. Understanding these common causes can help drivers make better decisions on the road and reduce the risk of an accident.
The most common cause of truck accidents in the District is driver error. When drivers fail to adhere to basic traffic laws, the results can be catastrophic such as the following:
- Fatigued driving: Long hours and tight deadlines often make it hard for truck drivers to get enough sleep before driving. The consequences of this include drowsy driving and greatly increased crash risks.
- Distracted driving: Texting while driving is illegal and yet some truckers find themselves unable to resist this temptation even when they know it’s dangerous. Other forms of distracted driving (such as eating or adjusting the radio) are also hazardous.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating and other forms of aggressive driving can be particularly dangerous when the driver involved is operating an 18-wheeler.
- Unsafe lane changes/merging: Trucks require much more time to change lanes safely or merge onto highways than smaller vehicles do – and drivers who take unnecessary risks in this regard can wind up causing serious accidents.
- Poor maintenance: When trucking companies fail to keep their vehicles properly maintained, it increases the risk of mechanical failure leading to a crash (such as brakes locking up).
- Inadequate training: Drivers should receive proper instruction on how to operate their trucks safely – and when they don’t, it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice and wind can all increase the danger of truck accidents – making it especially important for drivers to be extra cautious in such conditions.
- Overloading: When a truck is carrying more cargo than its capacity dictates, this increases the risk of an accident due to instability or unsafe braking/handling.
How a Washington, D.C. Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a big rig in the District, then it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer. A qualified attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to secure the financial compensation you may be entitled to for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages resulting from the accident. You have only three years to file a claim, but getting started as soon as possible is advised since witnesses can disappear as well as evidence that supports your case.
Contact Roeser Law Firm After Truck Accidents
You can reach the Roeser Law Firm at (202) 660-4070 to set up a free case review if you have been injured in a trucking accident caused by a negligent driver or carrier. If it is more convenient for you, you can also reach us online. A truck crash is a catastrophic event, and you need the assistance of an attorney to recover the compensation you deserve.
