Posted in Personal Injury Lawyer
When a truck accident occurs on the streets of Washington, DC, it’s natural to focus on the driver. But often, the party responsible isn’t just the person behind the wheel—it can also be the company that owns or manages the truck. In many situations, a trucking company plays a direct role in what happened, and identifying that liability can make a major difference in how a case unfolds.
Trucking companies are responsible for more than just logistics
Trucking companies have a legal duty to operate in a way that promotes public safety. That includes hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their vehicles properly, following federal and state regulations, and not pressuring drivers to violate safety laws. When a company cuts corners or ignores these responsibilities, the risk to others on the road rises significantly.
For example, if a company hires a driver without checking their background or fails to train them correctly, they may be held responsible if that driver later causes a crash. The same applies if the company skips required inspections or maintenance, especially when poor vehicle condition is a factor in the collision.
Pressure to meet deadlines can create unsafe conditions
Many truck drivers are under intense time pressure to meet delivery schedules. This pressure often comes from company policies that prioritize profits over safety. Drivers may be pushed to stay on the road longer than allowed or encouraged to take risks to avoid being late. While the driver may be the one making decisions in the moment, the underlying cause can often be traced back to the company’s practices.
In cases like these, we focus on uncovering internal communications, driver logs, and dispatch instructions that show whether a company was encouraging unsafe behavior. These details are important when building a case that involves serious injury or loss.
Legal responsibility goes beyond the driver
One key part of these cases is showing how the trucking company is financially and legally connected to the crash. If the driver is classified as an employee, the company may be directly liable for their actions under a legal concept known as vicarious liability. In other cases, the company may be responsible for its own decisions—such as failing to repair brakes or ignoring prior safety violations by the driver.
As a Washington DC truck accident lawyer, we often examine more than just the scene of the accident. We also look closely at the company’s hiring records, inspection logs, and overall safety track record. In some situations, a history of repeated violations can support a stronger case against the company.
Experience matters in these types of cases
At Cohen & Cohen, we take a focused and methodical approach when representing truck accident victims. Our founder, Wayne R. Cohen, has built his career on advocating for people harmed by large corporations, including trucking companies. Recognized as one of Washington’s top trial lawyers, Mr. Cohen has appeared in national media and earned top ratings in the legal field for his results and professionalism.
When companies fail to follow the rules, the consequences can be life-altering. We believe they should be held accountable—and we work to help our clients recover the full compensation they are owed.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, contact Cohen & Cohen today. We can assess your situation and help you move forward with a strong legal strategy.
