Leesburg Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucks are a common sight on the roads and highways throughout the nation. In fact, without the services trucks provide, our lives would be extremely difficult. However, sharing the roadways with trucks often puts motorists at risk. Truck accidents can occur when truck drivers are negligent, trucks are not repaired properly, and trucking companies ignore state and federal safety regulations.
Virginia crash facts report that there were 2,306 truck accidents in 2017. To demonstrate how serious a collision with a truck can be, it is important to note that every accident reported involved injuries, a fatality, or property damage.
If you, or a loved one, suffer from the consequences of a truck accident, you may be dealing with severe injuries, permanent disabilities, insurmountable medical expenses, and emotional trauma. A Leesburg truck accident lawyer understands the difficulties you are facing. A distinguished personal injury attorney is familiar with the federal and state laws applicable to your situation.
Things to Know Before Filing a Claim
When a truck hits another vehicle, it may not be the truck driver’s fault. The tractor-trailer could have faulty brakes, or the pavement on the road could be damaged. In fact, there might be more than one party responsible for a truck accident. Defendants in truck accident claims are often:
- Trucking companies
- Truck drivers
- Truck repair facilities
- Motorists
- Agencies responsible to keep roads safe
The aftermath of a truck accident is a confusing time, and it may seem impossible to determine the true cause of an accident. A Leesburg truck accident lawyer could help to identify potential defendants by communicating with police and trucking companies to determine the factors involved.
Statutes of Limitations
According to Virginia Statute 8.01-243, in most cases, a plaintiff has two years from the time of injury to file a claim. There are circumstances which can alter this time limit, but a truck accident attorney could help to make sure an opportunity to file a claim is not missed.
How a Leesburg Truck Accident Attorney Could Help
If a truck accident claim goes to trial, the court will review evidence to determine who is at fault. In some cases, both the plaintiff and the defendant could be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. In Virginia, the plaintiff cannot collect damages if they are found to be at all responsible for the accident.
For example, a motorist was severely injured when struck by a large truck from behind. During the trial, the truck driver argued that before the crash, the car was stopped to turn but did not use a turn signal. Further evidence revealed that the motorist’s blinker was broken prior to the accident. The judge ruled that the driver of the car was five percent responsible for the accident for failure to maintain the blinker bulbs on the vehicle.
The above illustrates the simple fact that even a seemingly straightforward case can take an unexpected turn. Those involved in a truck accident cannot afford to take the risks associated with the inexperienced. A Leesburg truck accident attorney can protect your rights and could help to gather evidence in the following ways:
- Investigate the accident scene
- Evaluate pictures of vehicle damage
- Acquire police and medical reports
- Record expenses related to the injuries (hospital stay, medications, lost work time, and more)
- Identify witnesses
- Ensure that local and federal trucking laws were followed
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various forms, each with unique causes and potentially severe consequences.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often happens due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions, causing the driver to lose control. Jackknife accidents can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle collisions.
Underride Collisions
Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the top of the smaller vehicle can be crushed, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Underride collisions are often caused by sudden stops, poor visibility, or inadequate truck lighting.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control, leading to accidents. Blowouts may result from poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or road hazards. When a tire blows out, the truck can swerve into other lanes or off the road, posing significant risks to other motorists.
Let a Leesburg Truck Accident Attorney Assist You
If you suffer serious injuries from a truck accident, it is time to talk to someone who can help. Whether you plan to file a lawsuit or accept a settlement from an insurance company, a Leesburg truck accident lawyer could help to sort through your options and navigate Virginia’s tough accident laws to get you the best possible compensation.
