Abigail Grifno is a writer and teacher based out of the Washington, DC metro area. With experience in legal non-profit organizations, Abigail works to ensure everyone has access to the legal information needed to make informed decisions in their daily lives. As a writer, Abigail has had work featured in the Washington City Paper, Bethesda Magazine and others. With a Master's in Teaching English, Abigail believes effective communication is at the forefront of problem-solving in the legal sphere and beyond.
Abigail Grifno
Abigail Grifno is a writer and teacher based out of the Washington, DC metro area. With experience in legal non-profit organizations, Abigail works to ensure everyone has access to the legal information needed to make informed decisions in their daily lives. As a writer, Abigail has had work featured in the Washington City Paper, Bethesda Magazine and others. With a Master's in Teaching English, Abigail believes effective communication is at the forefront of problem-solving in the legal sphere and beyond.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
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Jeffrey Johnson, J.D.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Washington, DC is home to numerous officials and government employees, as well as families who love all the district has to offer. DC is also known as a commuter city with many workers coming in daily from Virginia or Maryland.
While the nation’s capital is beautiful, the hustle and bustle of the city can make a truck accident frustrating and overwhelming. To help you navigate the complex legal system, we’ve compiled the top truck accident lawyers in Washington, DC, so that your legal journey can be just a bit easier.
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Best Truck Accident Attorneys in Washington
Compare Top Truck Accident Attorneys
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in DC
If you’ve been in a truck accident in DC, it can be an overwhelming experience. While filing a lawsuit can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of research and help, the process can be straightforward and smooth. Here are some things to keep in mind.
DC Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations for truck accident claims that determines how long an individual has to file a lawsuit. These laws are designed to prevent unfair legal action against the defendant; if too much time has passed since an accident it can be difficult to fairly evaluate evidence and witness statements.
In DC, an individual has three years from the date of the accident to file their case. For example, if you were injured in a truck accident on January 1st, 2020, you would have until January 1st, 2023 to file your lawsuit. The lawsuit doesn’t need to be settled or completed by that point, but the process does need to be started. If the statute of limitations has passed before you file, you will be unable to recover compensation for your damages.
There are exceptions to the statute of limitations. If an individual passes away from the incident, then the family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. For instance, if an individual is severely injured during an accident on January 5th, 2020, and passes away on January 10th, 2020, then the family would have until January 10th, 2022 to file a lawsuit.
While the statute of limitations can feel like a long time, it’s always best to gather evidence and documents as soon as you can. Over time, critical information can be lost, so collecting and filing your case quickly can make a positive outcome more likely.
DC Laws for Truck Drivers
If you’ve been in an accident involving a truck, here are some laws to consider:
- CDL requirements. Drivers of commercial trucks must have a commercial driver’s license which is granted to them after passing a written and driving test. To receive a CDL license, drivers must be at least 21 years old, or if younger, they must have at least 2 years of driving experience.
- Commercial truck definition. An individual needs a CDL if they are operating a vehicle of more than 26,001 pounds, are transporting more than 16 people, are driving a school bus, transporting hazardous material, or meeting the federal standards of interstate commercial operation.
- Alcohol impairment. Truck accidents can be significantly more dangerous than other types of accidents, so drivers must adhere to strict impairment laws. While driving a commercial truck, an individual cannot have higher than a .04 blood-to-alcohol concentration.
- Federal driving requirements. On top of following DC laws, truck drivers must remain compliant with federal laws under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These laws limit how long someone can drive, requirements for driving in adverse conditions and more.
Identifying Fault for a Truck Crash
DC generally operates as a no-fault state for vehicle accidents, meaning that each person involved is responsible for paying for their own injuries. In this case, you will file a claim with your own insurance under personal injury protection.
If you decide to file a lawsuit for a truck accident, the court uses comparative negligence to award damages, meaning that damages you are entitled to are reduced by the percent of your own fault. So if you are 25% at fault, you can only recover 75% of damages.
If you are hoping to pursue a lawsuit against the truck driver, fault will be determined using police records, evidence and witness statements. If it is determined that the other individual is completely at fault for the accident, then you will be able to pursue compensation.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
An attorney will work with you to understand your case, file your civil lawsuit and advocate for fair compensation. Due to their legal experience, attorneys often know how to respond to common arguments made by insurance companies and other strategies to increase your chance of a positive case outcome.
In truck accident cases, attorneys generally work on contingency, meaning that their pay is a percentage of your award, if you obtain one. If you do not settle or win at trial, they are not be paid. This can be beneficial, as using a lawyer has no monetary risk. On the other hand, it means lawyers are selective regarding the cases they accept; most will only accept a case if they believe you have a good chance of winning a settlement or verdict.
While working with a lawyer may increase your chance of a positive case outcome, it’s certainly not required. You can always file the case yourself, and this will ensure that if you win, you receive the entire amount of the compensation. The cost of a lawyer can vary, but they generally take around 33% of the award. In straightforward cases, or if you are willing to be heavily involved, then filing on your own may be a good option if you hope to avoid the fee.
If you choose to work with a lawyer, they will help you gather evidence, form your case and negotiate with the insurance company. The vast majority of cases settle, but if you are unable to reach a fair agreement, your lawyer will also advocate for you in front of a judge or jury.
How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Washington, DC
If you are planning to work with a lawyer, you’ll quickly realize there are many great professionals in the DC area. Even though you have many lawyers to choose from, picking the right attorney for your case can make a huge difference. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Are they recommended? If you have any friends or family who have experienced a truck accident, they can be a good place to start your research. Someone you know can talk to you more candidly about their experience working with a lawyer. If you don’t know anyone who has gone through the lawsuit process, then consider reviewing testimonials or reviews to see what past clients have to say.
- Are they involved in the community? Many lawyers are constantly looking to improve their skills and give back to the community. Some of the best hold leadership positions in bar associations, teach at local universities or publish work related to their field. If a lawyer has a positive reputation in the community, it’s a good sign that they are a diligent and experienced attorney.
- What is their legal background? Some lawyers focus on all types of personal injury cases, while others focus on very specific injuries or accidents. If you have a complicated case, it may be helpful to work with someone who has handled numerous truck accident cases. Some attorneys also use their experience to better their practice. For instance, an attorney who once worked for large insurance corporations may now use that knowledge to better advocate for the injured.
- Will you enjoy working with them? Legal cases can take time, so ideally you want to work with someone you trust and get along with. You may be putting a lot of time and energy into the case, so if something doesn’t feel right with a potential lawyer, it’s a sign to look elsewhere.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in DC in 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses & certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education & employment background
- Scholarly lectures & writings
- Awards & Honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DC a no-fault state?
For most cases, DC is a no-fault state. Generally, an individual will file a claim for injury with their own insurance. However, if the injuries are severe or exceed the policy limits, the victim may be able to file a lawsuit.
If you are pursuing legal action, then DC uses the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that your right to compensation is reduced by your own level of fault.
What is the statute of limitations on a car accident in DC?
An individual has three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. For example, if you were in an accident on January 15th, 2020, you would have until January 15th, 2023 to file the case.
There are occasional exceptions to the statute, such as if the victim died from the accident, in which case the family has two years from the date of death to file. These cases are rare, but if you feel your case may be an exception to the statute of limitations, it’s best to check with a lawyer.
Are trucks allowed on 295 in DC?
The 295 is a popular road that cuts through southeast DC and connects the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, ultimately connecting to a major Virginia road. 295 is heavily utilized by commuters.
Trucks and all other commercial vehicles are prohibited. Buses, however, are permitted.
