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 compensation you deserve.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we represent people who have been injured in truck accidents across the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you were injured in a truck accident, contact our office for a free consultation or call (757) 223-4455 to get started.
Virginia Truck Accident Statistics
Tractor trailer accidents are common in Virginia, often resulting in injuries to hundreds of people each year. Based on the most recent 2024 data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
- There were a total of 3,303 crashes involving large trucks in Virginia.
- Fatal crashes involving large trucks numbered 9, resulting in 9 large truck driver fatalities.
- Injuries involving large trucks totaled 396, with 370 large truck driver injuries reported.
- Large trucks accounted for approximately 2.6% of all crashes in the state.
The Virginia DMV continues detailed data collection, crash investigations, and public safety programs aiming to improve truck safety and reduce crash rates across the Commonwealth.
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.
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 a dedicated truck accident attorney. In semi truck accident cases, there may be several insurance policies and multiple liable defendants.
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. Contact our office now to discuss your case with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Causes of Truck Accidents
18 wheeler accidents can have many contributing factors. When the accident is caused by another person, you are likely entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Delaying consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney can make building a strong case even more difficult, as vital evidence can be lost and key witnesses may become harder to locate.
Driver Fatigue and Federal Regulations
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents, often resulting from long hours on the road and tight delivery schedules. While federal regulations set limits on driving hours and require rest periods, violations of these rules still occur, and proving them in an accident claim can be complex.
Liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company if it pressured the driver to exceed hours-of-service limits or failed to monitor compliance. Establishing these violations requires careful examination of logbooks, electronic monitoring systems, and company policies, which an experienced truck accident attorney can help uncover and document.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Neglecting vehicle maintenance is another frequent contributor to truck accidents, including brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions. Determining liability in these cases can be complicated because responsibility may lie with the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
Proving that a maintenance lapse directly caused the accident often requires inspections and analysis of service records, repair logs, and maintenance schedules.
Distracted Driving & Texting
Distracted driving is a common cause of truck accidents that can have devastating consequences. Liability may initially seem straightforward, but it can quickly become complicated if the trucking company encourages multitasking or fails to enforce safe driving policies. Collecting evidence such as phone records, witness statements, and dashcam footage is critical to establishing fault.
Common Injuries from Semi-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 include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, often impacting cognitive and physical abilities.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, often requiring surgery and extended recovery.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may not be immediately apparent.
- Amputations: Severe collisions can result in the loss of limbs or digits.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears that can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some accidents result in fatalities, leaving families with emotional and financial hardships.
What Kinds of Compensation Could I Receive From a Truck Accident?
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 Newport News.
The Truck Accident Lawsuit Process and Timelines
Filing a truck accident lawsuit can feel like a long and detailed process, but understanding what to expect can make it more manageable. The timeline for a truck accident lawsuit can vary depending on the case, the number of parties involved, and the severity of injuries. While every case is unique, here is a general outline of what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: Meet with an attorney to review your accident and discuss legal options.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Collect police reports, medical records, black box data, and witness statements.
- Filing the Lawsuit: Your attorney files a formal complaint against the liable parties if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence, depose witnesses, and gather testimony.
- Settlement Negotiations: Attempts to reach a fair resolution before trial.
- Trial: If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to court, where a judge or jury determines liability and damages.
Our attorneys will handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate settlements when appropriate, and prepare your case for litigation if a fair resolution cannot be reached. By guiding you through each stage, Coletrane & Messersmith can help streamline the process, protect your rights, and secure fair compensation for your personal injury claim.
Why Choose Coletrane & Messersmith for Your Case?
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 our clients in verdicts and settlements. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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.
FAQs About Truck Accident Claims
What legal options do I have after a trucking accident?
After a truck accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, or other responsible parties. Legal options include negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached. An experienced truck accident attorney can help determine the best approach based on the specifics of your case.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Filing within this timeframe is essential, as missing the deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation.
What factors impact the amount of compensation I can receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care needs, property damage, and the degree of negligence involved. The number of liable parties and the available insurance coverage can also significantly affect your potential recovery.
What is the average timeframe to receive compensation after a semi-truck accident?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Simple settlements may take a few months, while cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or litigation can take a year or longer. Your attorney can help manage the process efficiently and advocate for a timely resolution.
How are average settlement amounts determined?
Settlements are calculated based on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Trucking accident claims often result in higher settlements than typical car accidents due to the severity of injuries and the larger insurance policies involved.
How can an attorney help with my truck accident claim?
An attorney investigates the accident, gathers critical evidence, communicates with insurance companies, identifies all liable parties, and negotiates for maximum compensation. They ensure your rights are protected and guide you through each step of the legal process, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.
How important is black box data in a truck accident claim?
Black box data from a truck can provide key information about speed, braking, and driver behavior before the accident. Trucking companies may attempt to delete or alter this data, making it crucial to consult an attorney quickly to preserve this evidence and strengthen your case.
