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Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Cargo Truck Accident?

Cargo trucks are an important part of the American economy. They are used to haul the household goods, fuel, and food that we use every day. Although these vehicles are indispensable, they can be the cause of major, sometimes fatal, accidents.

If you or your loved one were injured in a cargo truck accident, the Regan Zambri Long cargo truck accident lawyers can help. We offer a free initial consultation with a seasonedtruck accident attorney who will discuss all your legal options. Call today to speak with a truck accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

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Do You Need a Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer?

The Regan Zambri Long cargo truck accident lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience. We are a nationally recognized firm because we take on large insurance and trucking companies with no fear. We have secured millions for our clients over the years, including a $15.2 settlement for a man who was in an accident with a dump truck. Our lawyers are routinely featured in Best Lawyers and the National Law Journal. We are deeply involved in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC communities and are looking to serve the DC Metro Area residents with their legal needs.

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$14M Personal Injury Settlement
$11M Personal Injury Settlement
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Trusted Cargo Truck Accident Attorneys

We understand that the truck accident you were involved in has changed your life forever. You are dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial distress. Our mission is to lighten your burdens and walk alongside you through the claims process. If you are looking for truck accident lawyers with trustworthiness, resources, and results, call the Regan Zambri Long truck accident attorneys today and schedule your free consultation.

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What Is a Cargo Truck?

A cargo truck is any commercial truck that is used to haul goods, whether it is food, liquid, gasoline, construction materials, equipment, or livestock. The term “cargo truck” is a large umbrella for any truck that hauls freight. A cargo truck can be a cargo van, moving van, box van, or delivery truck. However, it can also be a large truck, like a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler.

The trucks most often used in the DC Metro Area and across the United States are:

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What Are Common Types of Cargo Truck Accidents?

No matter what type of accident a commercial truck is involved in, it is extremely dangerous for passenger cars. The size and weight of the truck, especially when traveling at high speeds can make a deadly impact on a car. The most typical types of truck accidents are:

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when the cargo in a truck is not secured properly or overloaded, causing the weight of the trailer to shift unexpectedly. The FMCSA has strict regulations regarding cargo securement. The officials made the regulations much stricter in recent years. Cargo loaders, truck drivers, and trucking companies must use enough tie-downs to make sure the cargo does not shift during transport. Even with the stronger regulations, the rules are not always followed. When the cargo shifts in the trailer of a truck, it can cause the truck to roll over onto cars traveling near or it can cause a hazard in the roadway that is unavoidable to crash into.

Head-on Collisions

A head-on collision is when two vehicles crash into each other while traveling in the opposite way. These car accidents are common at intersections and when a driver crosses over into the opposing lane on a highway. The passengers in the smaller vehicle are prone to severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Many times, these accidents result in the death of one or more passengers.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the type of cargo truck traveling is a semi-truck or a tractor-trailer. This type of truck accident occurs when the trailer swings out that it is perpendicular to the tractor, making the shape of an L or a jackknife. When this happens, the truck may hit multiple vehicles on the road as the driver is trying to stop. Or, it can create a large hazard on the road that other vehicles crash into as they are driving. Jackknife accidents happen when the truck driver tries to slam on his brakes too quickly or does not know how to handle the truck while trying to come to a full stop.

Underride Accidents

An underride accident is when a smaller vehicle crashes into the side or the back of a large truck, like a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler. Commercial trailers sit higher off the ground than a passenger car does. The car may only reach the wheels of the commercial truck. The height of the truck creates a space that is big enough for a smaller car to slide underneath. When these accidents happen, the top of the car can be fully sheared off resulting in fatalities for the passengers in the car.

What Injuries Can I Sustain from a Cargo Truck Accident?

Unfortunately, injuries sustained from truck accidents tend to be more severe than regular car accidents. The extra weight of the truck creates a massive force during the collision that puts more stress and strain on the passengers in the car. Common injuries truck accident victims can sustain are:

These injuries can change the lives of truck accident victims. Recovery can take years if recovery is even possible. The medical expenses, lifestyle changes, and trouble working can send an individual or a family into terrible financial distress. This is why it is so important to call the Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyers to help you with your claim. Injuries resulting from a truck accident may need lifelong medical attention.

With a Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer by your side, we can secure enough compensation to offset all medical expenses related to the accident. Call today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney who can make sure your injuries do not break the bank.

What Causes Cargo Truck Accidents?

Cargo truck accidents are not always the result of something happening at the time of the accident. Many cargo truck accidents occur because of the decisions made days or even months before the accident. The most important thing to remember is that most of these causes are due to negligence. If it weren’t for someone else’s thoughtlessness, the cargo truck accident you were involved in probably would not have happened.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the top ten most common causes of cargo truck accidents are:

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Cargo Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are more complicated than car accident claims because of the multiple parties that can be held liable for the accident. Since truck companies and drivers must follow state and federal law, there are several layers to an accident claim. When it comes to cargo trucks, companies have high standards they must meet.

At-fault truck companies, truck drivers, cargo loaders

The recent FMCSA cargo securement regulations clearly state who is responsible for properly loading a truck before it goes out on the road. The trucking company, as well as the cargo loaders, have the responsibility to make sure the cargo on their trucks will not shift during the ride. The FMCSA limits the weight of the cargo load and increases the minimum number of tie-downs that must be used with each load.

Types of cargo the FMCSA regulates are:

  • Lumber
  • Logs
  • Concrete piping
  • Shipping containers
  • Metal coils
  • Automobiles
  • Heavy equipment and machinery
  • Paper rolls
  • Large boulders
  • Flattened or crushed vehicles

If your accident was caused by shifting cargo, your truck accident lawyer will investigate how it was loaded onto the truck. We will look at vehicle logs, the company’s records, maintenance logs, and cargo logs. If there are multiple liable parties (such as the truck company and the cargo loaders) we will hold each accountable and pursue damages from both parties.

At-fault construction companies, general contractors

Besides busy highways, cargo trucks can also be found at construction sites. While they are helpful and even necessary for completing a job, they can also cause terrible accidents at the site. If you were injured in a truck accident on a construction site, you may be able to pursue damages against the general contractor, construction company, or the property owner. If you were working on the construction site at the time of the accident, our lawyers will discuss workers’ compensation as well as a personal injury case.

At-fault inexperienced drivers and moving van rental companies

Finally, cargo truck accidents can be caused by individuals who do not have experience hauling heavy material. Moving vans and trucks are frequently used by inexperienced drivers who do not know how to load household items and heavy furniture properly. If you were in an accident with a moving van or truck that was caused by overloaded or shifting cargo, you may have grounds to file a claim against the individual driver or the moving truck rental company.

While you are not required to have an cargo truck accident lawyer during the claims process, your chances to secure maximum compensation greatly increase with a seasoned lawyer by your side. At Regan Zambri Long, we understand the federal and state laws. We will apply them to your case to make sure we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cargo Truck Accidents

Q: What damages can I collect from a truck accident claim?

A: There is no way to estimate the exact figure you’ll be able to collect from a truck accident claim. The number is dependent on the severity of your injuries and the damage to your property. However, the Regan Zambri Long truck accident attorneys will look to collect damages for the following:

Q: What are common FMCSA violations that can lead to truck accidents?

A: The FMCSA regulates many aspects of the trucking industry to avoid catastrophic collisions. If these regulations are not followed by the truck drivers and companies, it can lead to serious crashes. Truck drivers and companies should follow the following regulations to avoid truck accidents:

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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