Truck Accident Attorney in Alexandria, Va.

Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be extremely serious and often leave victims with catastrophic injuries, extreme pain, permanent disfigurement, and enormous medical bills. In many cases, these accidents also leave victims unable to work due to their injuries, which in turn leaves them struggling to keep up with the mounting costs of treatment.

At Marks & Harrison, we believe that no injury victim should be left facing this situation alone and are dedicated to helping injury victims secure the legal compensation they deserve. Since 1911, our firm has worked to help injured Virginians secure justice and accountability for injuries sustained in accidents they did not cause.

We have the skills and resources to do the same for you. Call us today to schedule a free case review with an experienced Alexandria truck accident lawyer.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Other Collisions?

The main reason accidents involving large commercial trucks are so dangerous is the enormous size of these vehicles, which easily outsize nearly all others on the road. The average passenger vehicle weighs between 3,000-4,000 pounds. By contrast, an 18-wheeler may weigh anywhere between 35,000 pounds when empty and 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.

More weight means more force in the event of a crash, leaving passengers in smaller vehicles at higher risk of suffering catastrophic injuries and death. Contact one of our Alexandria truck accident attorneys today.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

It can be difficult to generalize about causation in truck accidents because, in most cases, multiple factors come together to cause a collision. Therefore, when determining fault, it is important to thoroughly investigate each accident on a case-by-case basis.

Some of the most common factors we see in truck accidents include:

• Impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Failure to check blind spots
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Truck drivers making turns too quickly
• Unsafely loaded cargo
• Mechanical breakdowns or defective parts
• Inclement weather and poor road conditions

Where Are the “No Zones” of an 18-Wheeler?

Because 18-wheelers are so big, there are large areas around them that are not easily visible to their drivers. These blind spots are sometimes referred to as “no zones” because they are areas other drivers should always avoid. Doing so allows truck drivers to maneuver more freely without the risk of inadvertently crashing into surrounding vehicles.

Truck accident avoidance zones are located:

• Directly in front of the truck;
• Directly behind the truck; and
• On either side of the truck driver’s cabin, running back diagonally toward the trailer.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Though all accidents involving large commercial trucks have the potential to be very serious, they are not all the same.

Subtypes of Alexandria trucking accidents include:

• Rollover accidents – Commercial trucks are much taller than other vehicles on the road, which also gives them a much higher center of gravity. As a result, truck drivers must take extra care when making turns and performing other maneuvers that tilt the center of gravity. If they do not, they risk tipping over and causing a crash.
• Underride and override collisions – Override accidents occur when a truck hits another vehicle, crushing or pinning it beneath the truck. By contrast, underride accidents occur when other vehicles hit a truck and, again, are crushed or pinned under it. Both accident types can be extremely dangerous for passengers in smaller vehicles.
• Sideswipe accidents – Again, because of their huge size, commercial trucks generally have large blind spots on both sides. This is why trucks are equipped with large, specialized mirrors to help their drivers better see their surroundings. However, when truck drivers fail to check their mirrors before merging, changing lanes, or passing, they sometimes sideswipe vehicles next to them.
• Rear-end collisions – The enormous weight of commercial trucks means they take longer to slow down than smaller vehicles. If a following driver does not leave an adequate distance between themselves and a truck in front of them, they risk plowing into it from behind. Because trucks are raised higher from the road than most passenger vehicles, a rear-end collision can simultaneously result in an underride collision.
• Head-on collisions – Head-on truck accidents are relatively rare, but they are among the deadliest collisions out there. These accidents normally occur when a truck driver is distracted, drowsy, or impaired, causing them to lose control of their vehicle. In most cases, the truck drifts beyond its lane and into the path of oncoming traffic.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Truck Accident Lawsuits?

The complex and layered nature of the trucking industry means there are more potential at-fault parties in the event of a truck accident. On the one hand, this means more complex litigation requiring the attention of a skilled attorney that knows how to handle tough defendants. On the other, it also means more sources of compensation for injured victims.

Defendants in a truck accident case may include:

• The truck driver
• The company that owned the truck or hired the driver
• The team that loaded the truck
• The manufacturer of a defective truck part
• A negligent mechanic or maintenance crew
• Local governments responsible for road maintenance

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for My Truck Accident?

The amount of compensation you could recover in a truck accident lawsuit depends heavily on the severity and duration of your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, many other factors may also come into play.

By working with an experienced truck accident lawyer, you could recover compensation for things like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Damaged personal property

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia law gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. A late filing almost always results in your case being thrown out in court. Further, without the threat of a lawsuit, at-fault parties and their insurers will not negotiate fairly when discussing your out-of-court settlement. Because of the serious negative impact a late filing can have on your case, you should speak to an attorney as soon after the accident as possible. Talk to an Alexandria truck accident lawyer today.

Contact an Alexandria Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Marks & Harrison, our truck accident attorneys know how devastating accidents involving commercial trucks can be. We also know how to handle the complex litigation they often generate. If you were injured in a truck accident, we are ready to help you handle the legal aftermath while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Virginia truck accident attorney.

Here are a few organizations and resources that may be able to assist truck accident victims:

1. Alexandria Police Department: The Alexandria Police Department can provide information on truck safety, accident reporting, and local resources for victims of truck accidents. You can visit their website or contact them directly for assistance: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Police
2. City of Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services: The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services in Alexandria may have information on truck safety initiatives, traffic laws, and resources for victims of truck accidents. You can find more information on their website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/tes
3. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT): VDOT offers resources and information on truck safety, traffic laws, and accident reporting in Virginia. Their website provides valuable information that can be useful to victims of truck accidents. Visit their website at: https://www.virginiadot.org/