A traffic accident involving a large commercial vehicle can cause complete devastation. Tractor trailer accidents often involve serious, life-threatening injuries to occupants of passenger vehicles. If you are injured in a semi truck accident, you need an attorney that will fight to get you the recovery you deserve.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we represent individuals who have been injured in truck accidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our experienced legal team can help get you financial justice for your injuries. Our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of legal service through personalized representation and dedicated advocacy.
If you were injured in a truck accident, contact our office for a free consultation. Call (757) 223-4455 to get started.
Virginia Truck Accident Statistics
Tractor trailer accidents are common in Virginia, resulting in injuries to hundreds of people each year. Because of their size and weight, semi trucks can cause significant damage, even if it is a low-speed collision. The majority of 18 wheeler accidents involve injuries to someone other than the driver of the truck.
Based on the most recent data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
- There were 2,484 large truck accidents accounting for 1.9% of all traffic crashes.
- Large trucks were involved in 851 injury crashes in the Commonwealth.
- Over half of large truck accidents are caused by improper action by the truck driver.
- Nearly 13% of large truck crashes were caused by the truck driver’s improper lane change.
- 8.2% of large truck accidents were caused by the truck operator following too closely.
- Over 66% of large truck occupant fatalities occurred on the interstate.
If you have been involved in a tractor trailer accident causing serious injury or death, contact our office for a free consultation. Our truck accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and responsibilities after a crash.
Primary Causes of Truck Accidents
18 wheeler accidents can have one or more contributing factors. When the accident is caused by another person, you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries. Determining the cause of a truck accident can be difficult. It is generally in your best interest to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
- Driver fatigue
- Driver inattention/distracted driving
- Improper lane change
- Failure to yield
- Illegal backing
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Following too closely
- Mechanical error/defective part
- Poorly loaded cargo
- Inadequate maintenance
If you have been involved in a tractor trailer accident in Newport News, Hampton, and Hampton Roads, contact our office for a free consultation. We can help determine what caused the accident and who is to blame.
Who Is Liable in a Tractor Trailer Accident?
There may be one or more parties involved in a truck accident. In order to hold the right people accountable, you should discuss your case with an attorney. In semi truck accident cases, there may be several insurance policies and multiple liable defendants. Failing to file claims against all responsible parties and insurance policies could affect your right to recovery.
Parties who can be held liable in a truck accident:
- A negligent truck driver or operator
- The trucking company
- The truck driver’s employer
- The owner of the cargo
- The company that loaded the cargo
- A shipping company
- A truck part manufacturer
Large commercial vehicles, including tractor trailers and 18 wheelers, are governed by state and federal regulations. Any violation of these guidelines can result in liability. Call our office now to discuss your case with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
What Types of Injuries Result From Truck Accidents?
Because of their size and weight, tractor trailer accidents rarely involve only minor injuries. In some cases, truck accidents can prove fatal to other drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles.
Common injuries suffered in truck accidents:
- Trauma to the back and neck
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Brain injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns and disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Damage to muscles and ligaments
- Injuries to the face, eyes, and throat
Individuals are significantly more likely to die in a collision with a tractor trailer compared with a car crash. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident in the Hampton Roads area, contact our office immediately. We may be able to assist you in pursuing compensation against a negligent party.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
No two truck accident cases are exactly the same. The facts of the accident and the severity of the injuries will determine how much you can claim in damages. Our truck accident lawyers can help assess whether you have a valid case and should pursue litigation against a negligent truck driver or their employer.
Damages in a truck accident case may include compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
It is important to note that punitive damages are rare, but they are granted in some cases. However, there is a limitation (cap) on the amount of punitive damages that a person can receive. To discuss how much your case is worth, contact our office today to speak directly with a truck accident lawyer in Hampton Roads.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney?
Truck accident liability can get extremely complicated. The burden is on the injured party to prove that the truck driver, their company, or another third party was responsible for the accident and that the victim had no contributory negligence. An experienced attorney can help prove your case and help you obtain the maximum compensation allowed under Virginia law.
In tractor trailer accidents, the two most important things in a case are providing evidence of your injuries and proving that another party was at fault for the accident. If you are found to be even partially to blame for the accident, you could get denied damages. Even if you are unsure whether or not you have a valid case, you should still consult with an attorney.
What Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing unless we win. There is absolutely no upfront cost to discuss your case with our truck accident lawyers. Individuals who suffer serious injuries or families that have experienced the unthinkable loss of a loved one deserve equal access to justice, regardless of their income.
All consultations are free and without obligation to retain our services. We will meet with you at your convenience in your home or at the hospital to discuss your rights and your potential to recover damages. Our attorneys have recovered millions for their clients in verdicts and settlements. Let us help you get compensation for your truck accident injuries.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
The vast majority of personal injury cases, including truck accidents, settle prior to going to trial. In some cases, however, in order to obtain the largest possible recovery, it is important to litigate the case in front of a jury. Our tractor trailer accident lawyers are experienced litigators who know what it takes to be successful.
When you are seriously injured or have lost a loved one, you need an attorney that will spare no expense in investigating, negotiating, and litigating your case. If full and fair compensation cannot be reached in a pre-trial settlement, you need a legal team that is willing to take the case in front of a jury.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Case Take to Settle?
It is impossible to know precisely how long it will take to settle a truck accident claim. There are several factors that could contribute to the length of the case. At Coletrane & Messersmith, we know how frustrating it can be to wait for a settlement or verdict after an injury or the death of a loved one. We will always work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation in your case.
We are committed to putting clients first. You are more than just a case to us; both your physical and financial recovery matter. We will always return your phone calls, keep you informed about what is happening, and do everything in our power to secure you the best possible outcome.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Our Office Today.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident? Contact our office for a free, no-obligation case consultation. Call (757) 223-4455 to speak directly with a Newport News truck accident lawyer today.
We know the financial burden that is created by an unexpected accident. Let us help you hold the truck driver, trucking company, or part manufacturer accountable for their wrongdoing. You should never have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
We proudly represent individuals injured in tractor trailer accidents in Newport News, Hampton, and throughout Hampton Roads. Get started today with a free truck accident case evaluation.
