Washington, DC Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial Truck Accidents Leading to Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are sudden injuries that cause damage to the brain. They are usually a result of a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. Motor vehicle accidents make up nearly 20% of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States, affecting 1.4 million people per year. The difference of the weight and size of a commercial truck versus a regular car greatly increases the risk of a TBI for drivers and passengers in cars when they collide with commercial trucks.

Mild traumatic brain injuries can affect the victim’s brain temporarily, causing headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, problems with speech, or loss of balance. More severe traumatic brain injuries can result in torn tissues, brain bleeds, or bruising and cause long-term debilitations and even death.

It is absolutely essential to seek medical attention following a truck accident in Washington, DC – severe traumatic brain injury symptoms do not always present themselves right away. In fact, symptoms can take a few hours or days to appear after the initial blow. There are several symptoms, both physical and cognitive, to look for following a severe traumatic brain injury. Victims should look for the following:

Physical Symptoms

• Loss of consciousness for minutes or hours
• Headache
• Vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Clear fluid coming from the victim’s nose or ears
• Inability to wake up from sleep
• Weakness or numbness in fingers or toes
• Loss of coordination

Cognitive Symptoms

• Confusion
• Agitation
• Combativeness
• Unusual behavior or personality change
• Slurred speech
• Coma

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to severe complications that can lead to permanent disabilities. The victim can suffer altered states of consciousness, such as coma or a vegetative state, which is when a person is unaware of their surroundings, but can still open their eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move. A minimally conscious state can be a sign of recovery for a commercial truck accident victim, displaying signs of minimal awareness. Finally, brain death is when a truck accident victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury has no measurable activity in the brain or brainstem. Most of us know this term as “brain dead,” which is considered irreversible.

Other complications traumatic brain injury victims can sustain are:

• Hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain that builds pressure and swelling in the brain)
• Infections
• Blood vessel damage
• Vertigo
• Facial paralysis
• Loss or altered sense of smell or taste
• Loss of vision or double vision
• Swallowing problems
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ear
• Problems with memory, learning, reasoning, judgment, or concentration
• Functional problems, like difficulty multitasking, organization, planning, and decision-making
• Communication problems, like difficulty understanding speech, organizing thoughts and ideas, or participating in conversations
• Behavioral changes, like lack of self-control, lack of awareness, risky behavior, difficulty in social situations, or verbal outbursts
• Emotional changes like depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and anger
• Sensory problems like persistent ringing in the ears, blind spots, a bitter taste, skin tingling, pain, or itching

We at Regan Zambri Long understand the long road to recovery you are facing. Traumatic brain injuries do not just affect the victim, but also deeply affect the victim’s family. The medical bills from traumatic brain injuries can send a family into financial ruin. Reach out to a Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer as soon as possible – we will work to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

Commercial Truck Accidents Leading to Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries are common following a truck accident and the second-leading cause of paralysis in the United States. Common types of paralysis are:

• Diplegia: Paralysis that affects multiple limbs or areas on both sides of the body (i.e. both arms or both legs).
• Hemiplegia: Paralysis that affects multiple limbs or areas on just one side of the body (i.e. your arm and leg on the same side of the body).
• Monoplegia: Paralysis of only one limb.
• Paraplegia: Paralysis that affects both legs and sometimes the torso.
• Quadriplegia (tetraplegia): Paralysis that affects all limbs. Victims of quadriplegia have little to no movement from the neck down.

Symptoms of paralysis can range from weakness in the muscles to balance problems, and difficulty speaking or eating. A number of physical complications can arise from paralysis including blood clots, pneumonia, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, bedsores, and sepsis. Paralysis accident victims also face emotional trauma and can suffer depression and anxiety following the accident. If you or your loved one suffered a serious spinal cord injury from a commercial truck accident in Washington, DC, a Regan Zambri Long commercial truck accident lawyer can work to recover damages for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment

There is no need to go through this alone. Contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation with a compassionate lawyer who will discuss all legal options for you and your family moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accidents in Washington, DC

Q: Can I make a claim on behalf of a family member who died in a commercial truck accident?

A: Yes. When a family member makes a claim on behalf of the deceased it is called a wrongful death claim. When family members are faced with a sudden death as a result of a negligent act, they have rights to compensation. The Regan Zambri Long commercial truck accident attorneys will work to secure compensation for the medical costs incurred trying to save your loved one, funeral costs, and loss of consortium, which is when a family member is deprived of the benefits of a family relationship. If you lost your loved one in a DC commercial truck accident, reach out to a Regan Zambri Long lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your next steps.

Q: Do commercial trucks and cars have to follow different laws?

A: Yes. While passenger vehicles have to follow state laws, commercial truckers have to follow state and federal regulations. This is why it is essential to have a Regan Zambri Long commercial truck accident attorney by your side – our attorneys are experts in both DC and federal law and will use their knowledge to secure the highest amount of compensation possible for your claim. The regulations commercial truck drivers have to follow are:

• Keeping a log of their hours of service, which is limited to a 14-hour driving window. Once that limit is reached, the driver must stop for the day.
• Commercial trucking companies must properly maintain their trucks, ensuring they are in pristine condition before sending them out on the road.
• Electronic logging devices must be in every commercial truck to make sure the drivers are adhering to the hours of service regulations.
• Commercial trucks must travel only on the designated truck routes within DC.
• Trucks must be within the size and weight capacity allowed in DC.
• All entry-level drivers must be properly trained before they are allowed to make solo trips.
• Cargo must be properly loaded in order to avoid cargo from falling off the trailer, or causing the truck to roll over.

Q: How common are truck accidents in Washington, DC?

A: In 2017, large tractor trailers and trucks accounted for 506 of the truck accidents in Washington, DC. Across the United States, truck accidents are on the rise. In 2017 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported over 300,000 reported injuries from truck crashes. Since Washington, DC has other methods of commuting like public transportation and walking, the District can boast a low number of deaths due to auto accidents. However, when commercial truck accidents do occur, their consequences can be disastrous for the victim and the victim’s family.

Q: How can a Regan Zambri Long commercial truck accident lawyer help my claim?

A: Commercial truck accidents can get very complex very quickly. Truckers are often backed by large companies with aggressive insurance providers who will try to prove the accident was your fault in order to not have to compensate you for your injuries. Insurance adjusters are notorious for manipulating information in order to get you to accept a low settlement. We, at Regan Zambri Long PLLC, know all the tricks in the book and will not allow a trucking company or insurance provider to get away without being held accountable for their negligence. Our commercial truck accident lawyers will work with local police, accident reconstructionists, medical personnel, and other legal experts to determine who is at fault for your accident. Then, they will prosecute the negligent parties to the fullest extent of the law. Nothing can change what happened to you or your family member, but the Regan Zambri Long commercial truck accident lawyers will work tirelessly to provide you with a sense of justice and the compensation you are owed.