Truck Accident Attorney in Harrisonburg

Large trucks deliver goods throughout the Shenandoah Valley. But because of their size and weight, tractor-trailers, semi trucks, and other large trucks pose a serious traffic hazard if a truck driver speeds up or fails to take proper precautions. Trucking accidents can leave you with costly medical expenses and serious injuries that keep you from working for months or longer.

The Harrisonburg truck accident lawyers at the law firm of Marks & Harrison have extensive experience helping victims of truck accidents seek fair compensation after crashes caused by the negligence of a commercial truck driver or trucking company. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your medical bills or household expenses after a crash. Our legal team at our law firm is ready to put our skills and resources and legal experience to work for you.

A consultation with a truck accident attorney at Marks & Harrison is free. When you reach out to us, we will review the details of the crash and your injuries, and explain your legal options with no obligation. If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no legal fee unless we win compensation for you. Call us or fill out a contact form to learn more.

What Caused Your Harrisonburg Truck Accident?

To seek compensation after a truck accident, you’ll need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused the crash and that the accident directly caused your injuries and other losses. Determining what happened and navigating the claims process will be easier with the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.

Accidents involving commercial trucks can be more complicated than typical car accidents involving two automobiles. A Harrisonburg truck accident lawyer at the law firm of Marks & Harrison will work to pinpoint the cause of the accident and identify who was at fault. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving – Distracted driving involves any activity that causes truck drivers to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention to the task of driving.
• Drowsy driving – Truck drivers are only allowed to drive a certain number of hours per shift and per week. If they exceed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours of service limits, they may become dangerously fatigued, making them more likely to crash. As part of our investigation of the accident, we review a driver’s work schedule and look for violations of applicable hours of service limits.
• Intoxicated driving – Alcohol, and drugs can impair vision and judgment, and slow reaction time. Truck drivers who drive while impaired is more likely to cause a crash. Certain sedating prescription drugs can affect a driver’s ability to concentrate.
• Speeding – Because trucks are far larger and heavier than most motor vehicles, they require more time and distance to come to a stop. If a truck driver is speeding and traffic suddenly slows down, the truck driver may not have adequate time to stop.  Reckless driving that can lead to accidents may include unsafe lane changes, failure to yield the right-of-way, and aggressive driving.
• Inexperienced drivers – Unfortunately, some trucking companies fail to screen applicants properly and hire inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced truck drivers may not know how to maneuver a large truck through different traffic situations. If a trucking company fails to provide adequate training, the company may be financially liable for the harm its driver causes.
• Improper maintenance – Sometimes, trucking companies try to cut corners on servicing their fleet of trucks to save money. The failure to perform regular maintenance can a contributor to truck crashes.
• Unsecured cargo – Improperly secured cargo can shift around inside a truck’s trailer, changing the trucks’ center of gravity. Unsecured cargo also can fall off of a flatbed trailer, creating a highway hazard and causing collisions. The company that loaded the cargo on the truck may be liable in truck accidents involving unsecured cargo.
• Mechanical defects – Sometimes, poorly designed or improperly manufactured truck parts can cause truck accidents. If the truck’s brakes or another component fails, the truck manufacturer may be responsible for the accident.

Truck driver negligence contributes to most truck accidents, but other parties also may be liable. A Harrisonburg truck crash attorney can help you identify all potentially responsible parties and insurance policies available to provide compensation.

What Are Some Common Harrisonburg Truck Accident Injuries?

Due to their enormous size and weight, truck accidents involving semi-trucks can cause catastrophic injuries. Some common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Internal injuries
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Burns
• Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
• In the worst-case scenario, wrongful death

If you have been injured in a truck crash, you deserve a chance to hold the at-fault party or parties accountable for their negligence. Contact our Harrisonburg truck accident lawyer today.

What Is Your Harrisonburg Truck Accident Claim Worth?

It’s impossible to estimate how much your truck accident claim is worth without knowing the full details of your case and the insurance company policies available to provide compensation. Every case has unique facts.

Depending on the losses you suffered, you could claim compensation for:

• Medical bills and medical expenses including hospital bills, rehabilitative care expenses, surgery costs, medication expenses, and more.
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or limit the types of work you can do.
• Vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and PTSD.
• Punitive damages, in special cases.

A seasoned truck accident lawyer can help you determine what types of compensation you are eligible to seek. Your attorney from our law firm can use this information to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Visit our Truck Accident Lawyers offices in Harrisonburg, VA

What Should You Do if You Have Been Injured in a Harrisonburg Truck Accident?

If you were injured in a truck accident, you should protect your rights by taking the following steps after the accident:

• Call 911 – Summon law enforcement to the accident scene or have someone else call for you. This is a critical step. The police will investigate the accident and produce an accident report that has important details about the accident.
• Seek medical care – Even if you feel fine, you might have sustained injuries that haven’t yet become apparent. You should have a medical professional evaluate you as soon as possible after the accident. If you don’t seek medical attention and have a medical record created, the other party’s insurance company may question any injuries you develop after the fact.
• Collect evidence – If you can, take pictures at the accident scene. Photograph your injuries, the damage to your car, and the accident scene as a whole. Photo evidence can strengthen your case.
• Gather documents – Maintain a file with your medical records, hospital bills, police report, and other documentation.
• Don’t post on social media – Don’t post comments about the accident or your injuries on social media. Any comments you make or photos you post online may be used by an opposing attorney to challenge your claim.

Time is of the essence after a truck accident. Be sure to contact an experienced Harrisonburg attorney as soon as possible to get the qualified legal guidance you need.

Get Help Today from a Truck Accident Lawyer in Harrisonburg, VA

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or if you have lost a loved one (wrongful death) in a truck accident in Harrisonburg, contact the truck accident lawyers at the law firm of Marks & Harrison right away. We’re ready to take your call. We’ll provide you with a no-cost consultation to discuss your case when you reach out to us. Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer.