Richmond Truck Accident Lawyer

Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys in Richmond, Virginia

At Marks & Harrison, we understand how truck accidents are different than other motor vehicle accident cases. They must be investigated immediately. Multiple parties may be at fault, including out-of-state and foreign companies. Violations of state and federal trucking industry violations may be involved as well.

Because of these differences, we believe it is important for truck accident victims to get help from a law firm with the skills, experience, and resources these cases demand.

The truck accident lawyers of Marks & Harrison are ready to help you today. We have a deep background in truck accident litigation. One of our attorneys, John C. Shea, serves on the National Advisory Board of the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America.

Marks & Harrison serves clients from our offices located throughout Virginia, including our headquarters in Richmond. Contact our truck accident attorneys in Richmond today to receive a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you.

Should You Get a Lawyer After an Accident?

Richmond Truck Accident Attorney

In most car accident cases, only two parties are involved: The driver who caused the crash, and the victim of the other driver’s negligence. On the other hand,

A truck accident case may involve the victim(s) and numerous at-fault parties, including:

Truck driver
The driver’s employer
The tractor/trailer owner(s) or lessee(s)
Shipper
Loader

Broker
Mechanic
Truck manufacturer
Government entity.

Because all of these parties have financial interests at stake, they will work aggressively to protect those interests after a crash.

You can protect your rights by hiring an experienced Richmond truck accident lawyer as soon as you are able to do so.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a crash involving a tractor-trailer (18-wheeler or semi-truck), Marks & Harrison can:

Conduct a timely, comprehensive investigation – We can send our team of investigators and experts to the crash scene and take other steps to ensure that the tractor-trailer, maintenance records, shipping records, cell phone records, logbooks, and other important evidence are neither lost nor destroyed.

Analyze the evidence – We can examine all evidence involved in your case to determine the cause of your truck accident and to identify all parties who should be held responsible. In many cases, a truck accident is caused by a violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Our attorneys have a strong grasp of those regulations and know the role they can play in your case.

Litigate your case – The parties involved in a truck accident often refuse to turn over important information such as driver records, logbooks, or maintenance records. We can file all motions that are necessary to compel those parties to comply with requests for information. We can also challenge any motions that would be harmful to your case.

Seek a timely, full, and fair settlement – Our goal will be to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while, at the same time, obtaining a maximum amount of compensation for you and your family. We can carefully prepare your truck accident claim for settlement discussions with all parties who are at fault in your crash.

If necessary, take your case to court – We are skilled and experienced trial lawyers at Marks & Harrison. We will be ready to file a lawsuit on your behalf and go to trial in order to seek just compensation for you.

While your claim is pending, our semi-truck accident lawyers can deal directly with the insurance companies and other parties involved in your case, allowing you to focus on your physical and mental recovery.

Contact the Richmond Truck Accident Lawyers at Marks & Harrison Today

When you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, Marks & Harrison is your trusted partner in seeking justice and fair compensation. Our team of experienced truck accident attorneys is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the support you deserve during this challenging time.

Don’t let the aftermath of a truck accident overwhelm you – let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards securing the compensation and closure you deserve. Your journey to justice starts here.

Tractor-Trailer Accidents

What damages can I claim if I was injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer that was not my fault?

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim damages for medical expenses, past and future lost earnings, disfigurement, physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other possible damages. Your best course of action is to consult with an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney to find out if you have a case and what damages you may be able to claim. When you work with Marks & Harrison in a tractor-trailer accident claim, we will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the full extent of your losses.

Who is liable for my injuries in a tractor-trailer accident that was not my fault?

Traffic accident cases with large commercial trucks can be very complex and involve multiple parties. The best thing to do if you have been injured in such an accident is to seek representation by a seasoned truck accident attorney who can investigate your accident and determine the liable parties. Depending on the cause of the accident and the circumstances in your particular case, responsible parties may include the driver, the trucking company, an equipment manufacturer, a repair or maintenance facility, or other possible parties.

If an 18-wheeler jackknifed and caused my accident and injuries, does that mean the driver was negligent?

That depends entirely on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If the driver was forced to brake suddenly or turn abruptly to avoid a collision, or if there were unforeseeable road conditions that resulted in the rig jackknifing, the driver may not have been negligent. However, if there was no valid reason for the driver’s actions that caused the tractor-trailer to jackknife and resulted in your accident, the driver may have been negligent.

What are some common causes of tractor-trailer accidents besides driver fatigue?

According to the NHTSA, certain moving violations committed by drivers of commercial motor vehicles cause serious accidents and can result in driver disqualification. Those violations include:

Speeding
Tailgating
Improper lane changes
Reckless driving
Improper turning
Drug- or alcohol-impaired driving

Equipment failure, overloading or improperly loading, failure to perform inspections, distracted driving, and sudden braking are other common causes of tractor-trailer accidents.

Is driver fatigue a major contributing factor to large truck crashes?

Yes. A joint study of the causes of large truck crashes conducted by the FMCSA and NHTSA stated that driver fatigue had been identified as an important cause of crashes. In an effort to reduce truck driver fatigue and the resulting accidents, FMCSA issued new Hours of Service Safety Regulations effective July 1, 2013 that limit the amount of time drivers are allowed to be on the road in any given day or week and require rest periods and a 30-minute break during the first 8 hours of a shift.

Which agency regulates large commercial trucks?

Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which was established in 2000 pursuant to the federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. FMCSA issues regulations concerning all safety aspects of commercial trucking, with the goal of preventing commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. These regulations apply to driver qualifications, equipment inspection repair and maintenance, records, safety fitness procedures, leasing and interchange of vehicles, and numerous other aspects of the industry.

What does it mean to drive in the “No Zone” of a large truck?

The “No Zone” includes the areas behind and on either side of a tractor-trailer in which the driver has very little or no visibility. Motorists should try to stay out of the areas at a short distance directly behind the truck or in the left or right rear quarters. If the truck driver fails to see your vehicle and executes a lane change, it could cause a serious collision.

How many accidents involving large commercial trucks occur?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2013, there were 3,964 fatalities and 95,000 people injured in traffic crashes with large trucks. Of those fatalities, 71% were occupants of other vehicles and only 17% were occupants of the large trucks. Non-occupants accounted for 11% of the fatalities.

Why do accidents with tractor-trailers result in such serious injuries?

The physics involved in a collision between a large and heavy semi-trailer truck and a much smaller passenger vehicle typically result in serious injuries to the occupants of the passenger vehicle. Additionally, if the tractor-trailer is carrying a load that is hazardous or flammable, exposure to toxic materials or burn injuries can result.

What exactly are 18-wheelers, semis, and tractor-trailers?

“Tractor-trailer,” “18-wheeler,” and “semi” are different names for a semi-trailer truck. This rig consists of a towing engine or tractor with a semi-trailer to carry freight, which is attached just forward of the rear axle of the tractor so that a large portion of the weight is carried by the tractor. Hence, the name “semi-trailer,” as it does not trail completely behind the tractor. These are the big rigs that are employed commercially to haul freight.

Truck Accident Attorney in Richmond, Virginia