Call Us Now
202-463-3030
Schedule a Free Consultation
Rear-end truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on our roads, often resulting in life-altering injuries or death. The massive difference in size and weight between a truck and a passenger vehicle can cause catastrophic damage even at relatively low speeds. At Regan Zambri Long, our experienced DC truck accident attorneys understand the complex factors contributing to these crashes and fight aggressively to hold negligent parties accountable.
Don’t let trucking companies and their insurers minimize your claim. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for rear-end truck accident victims and their families. We know how to build compelling cases that demonstrate the full extent of your damages and secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end truck accident, contact our experienced legal team today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options while you focus on recovery.
Complete this form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible
A rear-end truck accident can be incredibly serious, resulting in severe or even life-threatening injuries. By seeking legal representation early on, your case is much more likely to succeed.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, 4,014 people died in large truck crashes in 2020. When comparing what types of accidents caused the most fatalities, 23% of the fatalities involved the front of the passenger vehicle striking the rear of the large truck.
Many rear-end truck accidents occur because of the truck’s braking capability. A tractor-trailer requires a greater distance to stop than cars, but with bad weather conditions, defective truck equipment, or poorly maintained brakes, more distance will be necessary to stop.
Another main factor of a rear-end truck accident is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often drive long hours with little to no sleep. Although there are federal regulations that prevent truck drivers from being on the road for a certain number of hours, truck drivers often ignore these regulations in order to meet deadlines or are told by the trucking company to keep driving.
Other causes of a rear-end truck accident include:
How much money you can get for a rear-end truck accident comes down to a variety of factors. Your truck accident lawyer will be able to review your economic and non-economic damages to see how much money you can get for a rear-end truck accident.
In general, the following factors can impact how much compensation you may receive:
Since each truck accident case is different, there is no average settlement amount you can receive from a rear-end accident case. However, some victims receive anywhere from thousands of dollars to six- or seven-figure settlements.
Most rear-end truck accidents are settled out of court. However, that doesn’t mean that the process will conclude in mere weeks.
A rear-end accident settlement can take months to years to settle depending on the factors of the case.
Should your claim go to trial, the amount of time taken to reach a settlement or a verdict will extend.
In addition, if you suffer severe injuries including back and neck injuries, chronic physical pain, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, etc., and need to undergo physical therapy after the accident happened, you likely will incur future medical costs to recover.
Depending on the state you are in when involved in a rear-end collision, will ultimately determine who pays for the damage.
The bottom line comes from liability distribution.
Your insurance company and the insurance companies of the truck driver and trucking company may come forward and foot some of the cost for damage and medical treatment depending on who is the at-fault driver.
However, if wrongful death occurs, or the insurance policy has limits, you may need to sue the driver themselves.
Remember, the insurance company will likely try to minimize your suffering to settle at a lesser amount, sometimes classifying it as insurance policy limits, diminishing your catastrophic injuries.
Further, if you are without legal representation, the insurance company may try to settle quickly to get you locked in at a lesser amount and to end your ability to sue in the future.
You hold insurance so if you are involved in an accident, you have financial coverage for your losses.
However, insurance adjusters will seize on the opportunity to settle early if they know you are without legal representation.
Securing a personal injury attorney for your truck accident claim will offer you added protection by establishing an attorney-client relationship.
While the rear vehicle is often presumed at fault in most rear-end collisions, truck accidents involve more complex liability issues. The truck driver may be liable for following too closely, driving while fatigued, or being distracted. However, the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even other drivers who caused sudden stops may share responsibility.
Professional truck drivers are trained to maintain safe following distances that allow them to stop safely regardless of traffic conditions. Federal regulations require drivers to adjust their following distance based on speed, weather, and road conditions. Sudden stops by other vehicles rarely excuse a truck’s rear-end collision.
Victims often suffer severe whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and crush injuries. The sudden impact can also cause psychological trauma like PTSD. Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent due to adrenaline, making prompt medical evaluation crucial even if you initially feel fine.
Evidence may include the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, maintenance records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction analysis. Our attorneys work with experts to examine whether the driver violated Hours of Service regulations, was speeding, or failed to maintain proper following distance.
Never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an experienced truck accident attorney. Insurance companies typically offer far less than cases are worth, especially before the full extent of your injuries is known. Many rear-end truck accident injuries worsen over time or require ongoing treatment that initial offers don’t adequately cover.
If you have been involved in a rear-end truck accident and are wondering what your case is worth, you need to contact Regan Zambri Long immediately for legal advice and a free case evaluation.
Our team will evaluate your non-economic damages and economic damages to come to a settlement value. Health insurance will only cover so much for car accidents.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (202) 960-4746 or completing our online form. Our personal injury lawyers are here to help.
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.