Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Truck Accident Attorney
Every day, the highways of Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland are traveled by 18-wheelers hauling goods up and down the east coast and across the country from the eastern shores of Virginia and Maryland to the west coast of the U.S. Statistics show that approximately 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year around the country and about 5,000 of these result in fatalities each year. Statistics further reveal that large trucks account for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes; 4% of all registered vehicles and 7% of all vehicle miles traveled. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the nearly 900 truckers who died in 2019 were among the 40,000 killed in all types of motor vehicle accidents and these fatalities represented just 1% of all injuries. The drivers of these big-rigs are obligated to follow all road safety precautions to ensure the safety of their fellow drivers and an act of negligence on their part can result in a serious accident. The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. According to The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles under-riding trucks in crashes. Truck braking capability is also a factor in truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers need 20-40 percent more distance than cars to stop, and this distance is even greater on wet and slippery roads or if brakes are poorly maintained. Truck driver fatigue is another known crash risk. Semis and large truck drivers are restricted to no more than 11 hours at a stretch by federal hours of service regulations, but unfortunately, studies indicate that many drivers violate the regulations and work longer than permitted.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in such a crash, the attorneys of Hilton & Somer, LLC are here for you. Contact our Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC Truck Accident Lawyer at 703-560-0700 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Since 1965, our lawyers have stood up for the rights of injured people in Virginia, Maryland and the DC Metro area. Our experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving semi-trucks and big rig accidents allows us to provide the level of guidance you deserve. We understand how judges and juries usually react to these matters, so we are able to provide you with a realistic assessment of the value of your case.
With that information, we will work with you to make the important decisions involved as we move forward. We will stand by your side through the process of settlement negotiations. If we are unable to reach a fair resolution in this manner, we will put our in-depth trial experience to work. We will vigorously argue for your rights in the courtroom. Our Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Truck Accident Attorneys are dedicated to getting you justice.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Truck Accident Lawyer
We handle all of our semi-truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that you are only expected to pay when we win your case. Whether your situation involves a crash caused by an unbalanced load on a truck, a big-rig swerving and causing a roll-over, or a jack-knifed trailer causing you to go off the road, we can help.To learn more about how our attorneys can help you, contact Hilton & Somer, LLC at 703-560-0700 for a free consultation about your semi-truck accident.
Virginia Truck Accident Claims at a Glance
- Two-year deadline. Most Virginia personal injury claims, including truck crash claims, must be filed within two years of the injury (Va. Code § 8.01-243).
- Federal safety rules apply. Interstate truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and cannot drive past the 14th hour on duty (49 CFR § 395.3). Violations are strong evidence of negligence.
- More than one party may be liable. The driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer can all share responsibility.
- Evidence disappears fast. Electronic logging device data, engine control module (black box) data, dispatch records and dashcam video should be preserved immediately with a formal preservation letter.
- Contributory negligence is a real risk. Virginia can bar recovery if you are found even slightly at fault, and trucking insurers know it.
Areas We Serve
Hilton & Somer is based in Fairfax, Virginia and represents injured clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland, including:
- Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Manassas, Annandale, McLean, Falls Church, Centreville, Leesburg, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, plus Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Culpeper Counties
- District of Columbia: Washington, DC
- Maryland: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill and College Park, plus Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick and Washington Counties
Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Virginia?
Most truck accident injury claims in Virginia must be filed within two years of the crash. Waiting is risky because trucking companies are only required to keep some driver records for a limited time, so evidence should be secured right away.
Who can be held responsible for a truck accident?
Liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company that hired, trained or supervised the driver, the company that loaded the cargo, maintenance providers, and the manufacturers of defective truck parts. Identifying every responsible party can increase the insurance coverage available.
What evidence matters most in a truck accident case?
Key evidence includes electronic logging device records of the driver’s hours, engine control module data showing speed and braking, maintenance and inspection records, driver qualification files, drug and alcohol test results, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
Are truck accident claims different from car accident claims?
Yes. Commercial trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carry larger insurance policies, and are defended by insurers who often send investigators to the scene within hours. The injuries are also typically more severe, which raises the stakes on both sides.
What if I was partly at fault for the truck crash?
Virginia follows pure contributory negligence, so if you are found even one percent at fault you can be barred from recovering. Trucking insurers frequently try to shift blame to the other driver, which makes an early independent investigation important.
