Fighting For Your Rights

Fairfax Truck Accident Lawyers With 30 Years Of Combined Experience

An average commercial truck is almost 20 times bigger and heavier than a regular passenger vehicle. That is why when a truck crashes into a car, the injuries sustained by those involved are usually devastating and may even result in wrongful death.

When you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, turn to our Virginia and Washington, D.C., truck accident lawyers. With more than 30 years of combined legal experience, Sethi & Sledd, PLLC knows how devastating a truck accident can be.

What Are The Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can be a result of various factors and have severe consequences. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road without proper rest can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities.
  • Distracted driving: Activities such as using phones or navigation systems, or eating can divert a truck driver’s attention, increasing accident risks.
  • Mechanical failures: Large trucks require regular maintenance, and any mechanical issues, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can lead to catastrophic accidents.
  • Improper cargo loading: Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift unexpectedly, causing the truck to become unbalanced, potentially resulting in a rollover accident.
  • Weather and road conditions: Poor weather conditions make it difficult for truckers to drive safely on slick or winding roads.

Awareness of these risks can help create safer roadways and reduce truck-related accidents.

FMCSA Regulations And Hours Of Service Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific regulations that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow to promote road safety.

The “hours of service” rule limits how many hours a truck operator can be on the road before taking a mandatory break. Unfortunately, many truck drivers and trucking companies violate this rule. When drivers push past these limits, fatigue can impair their judgment and slow their reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

Who Can Be Held Responsible In Truck Accidents?

In a truck accident, determining the responsible party can be complex as multiple parties may share liability. Potentially liable parties include the following:

  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Cargo loaders
  • Maintenance providers

However, if, during the investigation, the driver is found negligent due to behaviors like distracted driving or violating hours of service, they may be held responsible. Trucking companies might also bear liability if they push drivers to meet unreasonable schedules or fail to enforce safety regulations.

If improper maintenance or loading practices are found to be the cause of the accident, the responsible party might be the maintenance teams or loading companies.

What Are Some Common Injuries Following Truck Accidents?

We understand that semi truck accident injuries are often life-altering, and our clients suffer physical pain and emotional distress. Our firm knows that this is your life we are dealing with, so we are committed to giving your case our utmost attention. You can be sure that we will fight tirelessly to hold the truck driver, the trucking company, and any other negligent party liable for the damages related to your injuries.

When a truck collides with a regular-sized car, regardless of both vehicles’ speed, the collision is bound to result in serious injuries. Our skilled Virginia and Washington, D.C., truck accident lawyers have represented clients suffering from various injuries such as:

  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Rib and torso injuries
  • Amputated limbs
  • Wrongful death

Fighting For The Compensation You Deserve

Our personal injury attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience regarding the trucking industry’s state and federal laws. We are prepared to challenge any trucking company, including the big ones and their insurance companies.

Our firm is familiar with the hardships our clients face, including exorbitant medical bills, lost wages and even learning to cope with a permanent disability. That is why we work hard to get the maximum compensation every time. From our Reston office, we can provide representation to clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, as well as Washington, D.C.

Schedule a free consultation when you call 703-214-9671 – our truck accident attorneys in Reston are ready to listen.