Getting the Compensation You Deserve After a Truck Accident
Thousands of people are injured in truck accidents each year, but few know the legal process they should take in order to obtain compensation for their injuries. If you are hit by a tractor-trailer or other large truck, you need to consult with an attorney. A lawyer can help determine whether you can sue the driver, their employer, or another liable party.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we help people injured in truck accidents obtain the compensation they need and deserve. Our lawyers know what it takes to hold trucking companies and negligent operators accountable for their wrongdoing. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, contact our office at (757) 530-5273 to book a free consultation.
How Do I Know If I Can Sue for Being Hit by a Truck?
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, you may be entitled to sue for damages. Most trucking accident cases are based on negligence. Negligence occurs when a person owes a duty to act and breaches that duty resulting in another person’s injury.
The best way to prove negligence or obtain compensation after a truck accident is to retain an experienced attorney. A truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim against all liable parties and ensure that you receive the largest recovery possible for your injuries.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents resulting in liability happen for several reasons. It is important to discuss your case with an attorney early in the process. An attorney can conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the cause of the accident, including subpoenaing evidence, speaking to witnesses, and creating a reconstruction of the collision.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poorly trained drivers or operator inexperience
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Driving while impaired
- Driver fatigue
- Operator inattention
The truck’s black box and driver’s safety logs may prove critical in determining the cause of the accident. Without the help of an attorney, you may not be able to gain access to these pieces of evidence.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
One of the challenging aspects of a truck accident is proving liability. There may be one or more parties that can be held accountable for your injuries. In addition, an individual operator could have multiple insurance policies and carriers that you need to file a claim against to receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Liable parties in a truck accident case may include:
- The truck operator
- The trucking company (carrier)
- The truck manufacturer
- A parts manufacturer
- The shipping company
- A maintenance crew
- Government entities or contractors
Collisions involving large trucks are different from normal car accidents. Trucking companies are generally backed by the largest insurers in the business. They often have endless resources at their disposal. To hold these parties accountable, you need an exceptional legal team with proven results.
What If I Was Negligent?
Virginia is one of a handful of states that still follows pure contributory negligence. According to state law, if it can be proved that a person contributed to their injuries, they may be barred from financial recovery.
However, there are exceptions to this harsh rule. You should always consult with an attorney to determine if you have a valid claim for damages after a truck accident.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve
If you are involved in a Virginia truck accident, contact our office at (757) 530-5273. Our legal team can help you determine whether you have the right to sue for being hit by a truck. We are dedicated advocates for our clients, always fighting to ensure that they receive the largest verdict or settlement possible. Call now to get started.
