Truck Accident Attorneys in Washington, D.C.

Motorists in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area regularly encounter large commercial trucks on the roads and highways. Unfortunately, these vehicles are sometimes involved in accidents with other motorists. Just as the driver of a passenger vehicle can commit an act of negligence that leads to a crash, so can a truck driver.

Whether the driver of the truck is a D.C. city public works employee or a private commercial driver, collisions between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks happen frequently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 2,640 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2021, about 9.3 percent involved commercial vehicles.

You and your loved ones can suffer severe, permanent injuries as a result of a truck accident in Washington, D.C. If you are in this situation, know that you have a dedicated advocate and ally in Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers. Our truck accident attorneys are committed to your welfare and well-being — our resourceful and talented team of Washington, D.C. truck accident lawyers is here to help you recover the damages and compensation you deserve.

Key Washington, D.C. Truck Accident Laws You Should Be Aware Of

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, understanding the legal framework around these incidents is critical to protecting your rights. Here are some important laws in Washington, D.C., that can impact your case:

Negligent Hiring and Entrustment

Trucking companies in Washington, D.C., have a legal duty to thoroughly vet their drivers before allowing them to operate large commercial vehicles. This includes reviewing the driver’s past driving history, criminal records, and performing drug and alcohol testing as required by federal law. Failure to conduct proper background checks can lead to liability for the trucking company if a driver causes an accident due to incompetence or unfitness.

Negligent entrustment holds companies accountable for placing unqualified or dangerous drivers behind the wheel. If a trucking company fails to ensure a driver is capable and safe, it may be held liable for any resulting accidents.

Hours of Service Regulations

In Washington, D.C., truck drivers are subject to federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are designed to prevent fatigued driving and ensure that truck drivers have adequate rest before operating a vehicle. Key provisions of these regulations include:

• Truck drivers may drive for up to 11 consecutive hours after taking 10 hours off.
• Drivers must take at least a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours.
• Drivers may not exceed 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight days, with an option to reset their workweek after taking 34 consecutive hours off.

These rules are enforced to prevent accidents caused by fatigued or overworked drivers. If a trucking company pressures drivers to exceed these limits, it can be held responsible for accidents that result from driver fatigue.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Washington, D.C.

Motor vehicle accidents are often caused by negligence, and truck accidents in Washington, D.C. are no different. When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to exercise reasonable care, they put others at risk. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in the area include:

• Speeding and Traffic Violations: Some truck drivers speed or engage in reckless driving to meet delivery deadlines. This behavior puts everyone on the road at risk. Trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles, so speeding or failing to obey traffic laws can result in serious accidents.
• Driving While Fatigued: Fatigue is a major issue for long-haul truck drivers, even with federal HOS regulations in place. Drivers who exceed these hours or fail to take proper breaks risk impaired reaction times and poor decision-making, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Unmanaged Medical Conditions: Commercial truck drivers must pass regular medical exams to maintain their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). If a driver has a medical condition that impairs their ability to drive, such as untreated sleep apnea, diabetes, or a heart condition, it can lead to serious accidents.
• Equipment Failures: Trucks travel thousands of miles every week, and regular maintenance is crucial to keep them operating safely. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to accidents if vehicles are not properly maintained.

Identifying the cause of your truck accident in Washington, D.C. is the first step in determining who is responsible for your injuries. At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident and hold all liable parties accountable.

The Complex Nature of Truck Accident Investigations

Unlike regular car crashes, truck accident investigations are multilayered and often involve multiple parties and federal oversight. These cases require a deeper dive into a wide range of documentation, from driver logs and electronic control module data to maintenance records and company training manuals.

For example, a trucking accident lawyer in Washington DC will request the truck’s “black box” data to evaluate speed, braking, and throttle use just before the crash. They may also obtain the driver’s hours-of-service logbook to assess potential fatigue, which is a frequent contributor to commercial vehicle accidents.

Moreover, federal regulations, such as those set by the FMCSA, impose specific operational rules on trucking companies, and violations of these can strengthen your claim. The average personal injury attorney might not understand how to analyze these highly technical factors. That’s why hiring a Washington DC truck accident lawyer with experience in federal motor carrier law is essential to your success.

Who Could Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident in Washington, D.C.?

Depending on the specifics of your case, various individuals or entities could be held liable for the collision and any resulting damages. Common parties that may be responsible for a truck accident include:

• The Truck Driver: If the truck driver was speeding, fatigued, or driving recklessly, they could be directly responsible for the accident.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are required to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and their drivers are trained and qualified. If they fail to follow safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers, they can be held accountable.
• The Truck Manufacturer: In cases where a mechanical failure caused the accident, such as brake failure or tire defects, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may share liability for the accident.

Proving Fault and Liability in Washington, D.C.

To win your truck accident case, you’ll need to prove that the defendant or multiple defendants acted negligently. In Washington, D.C., the standard of proof in personal injury cases is a “preponderance of evidence”,  meaning your version of events is more likely true than not.

Proving liability often involves:

• Accident scene photos and surveillance footage

• Police and crash investigation reports

• Eyewitness testimony

• Truck maintenance and inspection records

• Hours-of-service logs

• Expert reconstruction of the collision

Your truck accident attorney in Washington DC will coordinate with medical professionals, engineers, and safety experts to build a clear narrative demonstrating how negligence occurred.  Whether due to driver error, poor vehicle maintenance, or failure to follow proper safety procedures.

Because trucking companies and their insurers act quickly to protect their interests, your legal team must respond just as fast. Delays can mean lost evidence or manipulated testimony. That’s why early legal intervention is so important in commercial trucking cases.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Washington, D.C.

After a truck accident, your actions can impact your ability to pursue compensation. Here are the steps you should take:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured, and report the accident to law enforcement.
• Document the scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, damages, and any visible injuries.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
• Avoid discussing fault or making statements about the accident to the other driver or law enforcement, except to provide factual details.
• Contact an experienced truck accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Types of Compensation Available to Victims

Truck accident victims often face massive medical bills, lost time from work, and long-term rehabilitation. A Washington DC truck accident attorney will calculate your damages by thoroughly evaluating both economic and non-economic losses. Here’s what you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all current hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future care like physical therapy or assistive devices.

• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your future earning capacity, these losses are factored into your claim.

• Pain and Suffering: Beyond physical injuries, truck accidents frequently lead to emotional trauma, PTSD, and loss of life enjoyment, all of which deserve fair compensation.

• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle, and possibly the cost of renting a temporary replacement.

• Disfigurement or Disability: If the accident leaves you permanently impaired, your attorney can seek higher damages to accommodate your altered lifestyle.

If you’ve lost a loved one, a Washington DC truck accident attorney may file a wrongful death lawsuit to pursue damages such as funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship. These claims are deeply emotional and financially impactful, which is why having compassionate and aggressive legal representation matters.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Washington, D.C.

Truck accident victims in Washington, D.C., may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. This can include:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses. Our legal team is dedicated to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the impact of a truck accident.

Why You Should Avoid Speaking to Insurers Alone

After a truck accident, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, hoping to record statements or offer fast, but low, settlements. Speaking with them without legal guidance can severely damage your claim.

These representatives are trained to minimize the liability of the trucking company. They may try to:

• Get you to admit partial fault, reducing or eliminating your compensation.

• Push you to accept a lowball offer before you fully understand your injuries.

• Use your statements out of context to challenge the severity of your pain or costs.

A truck accident lawyer in Washington DC serves as your frontline defense. They handle all communications with insurers, ensuring you’re not manipulated or undervalued. Your lawyer will also calculate the true value of your claim, not just based on your ER bill, but on long-term effects like chronic pain, reduced mobility, or inability to return to work.

In the aftermath of a traumatic truck crash, you deserve to focus on healing, not negotiating with powerful insurers. Legal counsel levels the playing field and ensures that your voice is heard, protected, and fully compensated.

Proven Success: Our Results Speak For Themselves

Our firm has a proven track record of securing favorable settlements and outcomes for our clients. We understand the financial and emotional challenges that follow a serious injury, and our primary goal is to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

WE OBTAINED $4,490,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

Our client, a professional, suffered catastrophic injuries when her SUV was struck head-on by a large truck. The driver’s negligence, combined with the company’s lack of proper training, led to the accident. We secured a significant settlement to help her recovery.

WE OBTAINED $500,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

Our client was on her way to work when a truck hit the driver’s side of her sedan. Our client’s vehicle became stuck under the front of the truck which caused the truck driver to drag our client’s vehicle approximately 500 yards before coming to a stop. This verdict includes a $50k for Loss of Consortium.

Do Not Delay in Contacting Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Washington, D.C., contact Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we’re ready to help. With extensive experience handling truck accident cases, our firm is equipped to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Visit our new office at 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004.