The Law Offices of Chaikin and Sherman, P.C.
Toll Free - 800.229.8384
Phone - 202.659.8600
Fax - 202.659.8680
More Questions about Truck Accidents
WASHINGTON, D.C., MARYLAND & VIRGINIA
1. What are the most common causes of trucking accidents?
- Driver fatigue
Probably the most common cause of truck accidents, it is estimated that driver fatigue is a contributing factor in up to 40% of all trucking accidents. - Intoxication
Truck drivers often turn to stimulants to fight off fatigue, but the results can be just as deadly as a sleepy driver. Alcohol is sometimes involved in truck accidents, as well. - Weather conditions
Rain, snow, and fog can cause poor visibility and slippery roads. Excessive heat and bright sunshine can contribute to fatigue. - Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
Trucks carrying too much weight or an unevenly distributed load are at an elevated risk of going out of control. - Equipment failure
Trucking laws require commercial truck to be inspected regularly, but brakes, tires, turn signals ad other equipment can still malfunction, resulting in an accident. - Lack of training or experience
Even though commercial truck drivers must have special training and pass difficult tests, real life driving conditions can be extremely challenging. Poor training and lack of practice can lead to poor decisions and failure to adhere to safety procedures on the road.
2. What is an underride accident?
Underride truck accidents are some of the most serious accidents that occur between large trucks and passenger vehicles. They happen when the hood, trunk, or engine compartment of a car slides underneath the commercial truck. This causes all of the impact to be absorbed by the occupant compartment of the smaller vehicle, often resulting in decapitation and other fatal injuries.
3. Are there any special requirements a person must meet in order to drive a commercial truck?
Yes, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required. In order to obtain a CDL, truck drivers must have special training and pass rigorous tests. The different classes of CDLs determine the sizes and types of trucks that a driver may operate. Drivers who operate certain types of truck or carry certain kinds of cargo are required to have even more training. Truck drivers who are involved in truck accidents, have traffic violations, or violate trucking laws, can lose their CDL.
4. Who is legally responsible for trucking accidents?
Trucking laws are complex, and the relationship between trucking companies and their drivers can vary. Parties may be held legally responsible in trucking accidents include:
- Trucking companies
- Truck drivers
- Truck manufacturers
Each situation is unique. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine who is responsible for your accident.
Recent Tractor-Trailer and Large Truck Accident Settlements
- $5.4 million expected lifetime payout obtained on behalf of a child severely injured when a tractor-trailer made a left turn in front of the vehicle in which she was a passenger.
- $3 million obtained by a woman who lost her leg from the knee down as a result of a collision with a utility truck that struck her vehicle head on after the truck was rear-ended.
- $2.4 million obtained on behalf of a pedestrian struck by a truck while she was walking in the crosswalk. The client sustained a brain injury.
- $1.75 million obtained on behalf of an 80 year old pastor of a community church who was in a car that was struck head-on by a truck that crossed the center line.
- $750,000.00 on behalf of a 54 year old woman who lost a portion of her arm when a tractor-trailer sideswiped her car, as she was returning from Ocean City, Maryland. She received the maximum compensation allowed, at that time, for pain and suffering in the State of Maryland.
- $600,000.00 on behalf of a woman whose vehicle was struck in the rear by a beverage truck. The client suffered a herniated disk in her neck but she had not had the suggested surgery performed at the time of the trial. This was the largest verdict rendered at the time in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia for an unoperated herniated disc.
- $600,000.00 obtained against the United States Postal Service as a result of the negligence of one of its truck drivers, who pulled out from a stop side in front of our client’s motorcycle. Our client suffered multiple fractures and third degree burns to his left lower extremity.
- $450,000.00 verdict by United States District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson to a man who suffered back and knee injuries after his van was struck in the rear by a United States Postal Service truck.
- $400,000.00 obtained on behalf of a man involved in a tractor-trailer underride case. The tractor-trailer was blocking the travel portion of the roadway when the client's car went underneath it, removing the entire roof of the car and causing the client to suffer head injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer truck accident in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC, please email or call our committed truck accident attorneys today. We are focused on obtaining justice for you - the victim.
