Chesterfield Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you hurt in a truck accident in Chesterfield, VA? If so, you could be looking at a long road to recovery, expensive medical bills that keep piling up, and lost wages from time missed at work. And you’ve also probably discovered that getting the compensation you need from a big for-profit business is a lot harder than it should be. At Marks & Harrison, we want you to know that you don’t have to pursue it alone.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers want to help you recover the money you need to rebuild your life. We have been helping injured Virginians for more than a century. Our success on their behalf is why we’ve consistently been named the Best Law Firm by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Find out what Marks & Harrison can do for you when you contact us for a free consultation.

 Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Other Vehicle Accidents?

Trucks can do more damage in a collision because of how much larger they are than passenger vehicles. A large commercial truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds and causes catastrophic damage when it collides with a smaller car. Trucks have much larger blind spots, longer stopping distances, and a wider turning radius than cars – making them more challenging to navigate. As a result, the chances of severe injury or death for people in smaller vehicles are much higher in truck accidents than in other accidents.

 What Are Some of the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

While a wide range of circumstances can contribute to truck accidents, many have the same underlying causes. Some of the most common include:

• Driver fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel can cause drivers to become fatigued, impairing judgment and leading to mistakes or the inability to react quickly enough to avoid potential dangers.
• Distracted driving – Distracted driving is a significant cause of all vehicle accidents, including truck accidents. Distractions can include anything from using a cell phone while driving to eating and drinking.
• Excessive speed – Truck drivers operate on tight schedules, and some may drive faster than the speed limit to make up for lost time. Speeding significantly increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.
• Improper vehicle maintenance – Wear and tear can cause critical components like brakes and tires to fail, leading to loss-of-control accidents. Poorly maintained trucks are at higher risk of causing an accident than those regularly serviced and inspected.
• Aggressive driving – Truck drivers who drive aggressively put themselves and others at risk of serious injury. Aggressive driving includes tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and other dangerous behaviors.
• Unsecured loads – Truck drivers must ensure their load is properly secured before they hit the road. An unsecured load can easily lead to an accident if it falls off or shifts while the truck is in motion.

 What Injuries Can Happen as a Result of a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries because of the sheer force caused by an 80,000-pound vehicle colliding at high speed. These injuries include:

• Head and brain trauma – Head and brain trauma from a truck accident range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and even coma or death.
• Back injuries – Even relatively minor back injuries like strains and sprains can be debilitating, while damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis. These injuries often lead to life-long disabilities and require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
• Broken bones – The impact of a truck accident can snap and splinter bones. Some fractures require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation processes to heal fully.
• Internal bleeding – Sometimes caused by the force of a truck collision, internal bleeding is especially serious. It may not be evident immediately and could be fatal if not treated quickly.
• Soft tissue damage – Soft tissue damage, such as sprains and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are some of the most common injuries resulting from truck accidents. Though these injuries may not seem severe initially, they can cause intense pain and prolonged recovery times.

 Can the Trucking Company and the Truck Driver Both Be Held Liable for the Accident?

In some cases, the trucking company and the truck driver may share liability for the accident. In general, an independent truck driver is liable for their negligent behavior.

The trucking company may be liable for its own negligence, such as encouraging drivers to violate regulations or failing to conduct proper background checks on prospective drivers. Employers are also responsible for the actions taken by their employees in the course of their employment. So if the trucking company directly employs the truck driver, they could be liable for any accident the driver causes on the job.

 How Many Truck Accidents May Be the Result of Bad Truck Brakes?

Research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests nearly one-third of all truck accidents may involve brake problems. Brake factors contributing to accidents include brake failure and brakes out of adjustment, among others.

 How Much Is My Truck Accident Lawsuit Worth?

When estimating the worth of your truck accident lawsuit, remember that each case is unique. A range of factors determines any potential settlement, including the accident’s severity, the type of injury sustained, and the degree of negligence involved.

Types of compensation available to injured victims after a truck accident include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

 What If Someone Dies Because of the Truck Accident?

If a family member died in a truck accident, you might have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties. Wrongful death claims allow families to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. Contact a Chesterfield accident lawyer if you lost someone close to you in a truck accident so you can determine what legal options may be available.

 Is There a Statute of Limitations in Virginia for Pursuing My Truck Accident Claim?

Virginia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. If you wait until after the deadline has passed on your claim, your case could be thrown out of court – costing you your chance at compensation.

 Contact a Chesterfield Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a truck accident, reach out to an experienced Chesterfield truck accident lawyer with Marks & Harrison today. Founded in 1911, we have more than a century of experience helping injured Virginians get the money they need to rebuild their lives. Find out what we can do for you during a free consultation.