Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving trucks can result in especially severe injuries because of the huge difference in size between a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, and a passenger vehicle, such as a compact car. Additionally, accidents involving commercial vehicles can be especially hard to deal with because of the number of different parties which could be held liable. If you have been injured in an accident involving a truck in Virginia, you should consult with a Virginia truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine the strength of your potential claim and your best legal options.
In Virginia, truck accidents accounted for a relatively low number, around 4 percent, of all motor vehicle crashes in 2010. However, those same incidents were the cause of 11.6 percent of all traffic fatalities and 5.2 percent of all traffic crash-related injuries statewide. What these statistics show is that when people are involved in a truck accident, they have a higher likelihood of being seriously injured or killed than if they were in an accident involving vehicles of smaller size. To view a pdf copy of the 2010 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts report, compiled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, click here.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Virginia
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. A truck driver could be tired, distracted, or in a rush and, as a result, could be driving negligently. Other issues include overloading rucks which disrupts the stability of the vehicle and its load and can make stopping difficult. Another possible cause of a truck accident could be improper maintenance, making the truck unsafe to operate. This is often the case when it comes to faulty brakes or tires. There could also be a manufacturer’s defect involving part of the engine or the body of the truck.
Responsible Parties in Truck Accidents
Responsible parties in truck accidents in Virginia could include:
- The driver,
- The truck’s owner,
- The company that loaded the truck,
- The driver’s employer,
- The company in charge of maintaining the truck, or
- The truck’s manufacturer.
Potential Damages in Truck Accidents
The types of damages that you can collect due to injuries or damage caused by a truck accident in Virginia include:
- Past and future lost wages,
- Past and future medical bills,
- Pain and suffering,
- Property damages,
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases.
Time Limits for Truck Accident Claims
The Statute of Limitations in Virginia requires the vast majority of injury claims to be filed within two years of the incident. There are sometimes exceptions, or extensions, granted to victims in certain circumstances. Typically, however, this would not apply to most injuries incurred as the result of a motor vehicle or truck collisions. See Virginia Code Section 8.01-228 et seq.
Can a VA Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
It is very likely that the insurance company representing the trucking company and/or the driver will dispatch an investigator to interview you and any other witnesses to the collision. It’s important to remember that the insurance company will be working from the very beginning to reduce or eliminate any costs or liability on the part of the company and/or truck driver. A common tactic is to push victims involved in such accidents to settle early, often for an amount that is far below what they will really need to cover the costs of their injuries. It can be extremely difficult for the average person to calculate the long-term costs associated with injuries suffered in a trucking accident, as well as the costs of repairing damage to their vehicle and other property. A dedicated truck accident lawyer is in the best-position to help you calculate those costs. That attorney’s experience with the local court system is also a benefit, as they will understand all the applicable laws and court customs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your attorney will also be adept at handling the insurance adjusters and the attorneys retained by the liable parties, which leaves you to focus on your health and recovery. Call our Virginia law office today to schedule a free consultation and find out how he can help you retain your rights and protect your interests in the event of a serious truck accident.