Gloucester Truck Accident Lawyer

Semis, 18-wheelers, and other large trucks are a common sight in Virginia, so you may not be surprised to learn that crashes are a relatively common occurrence. However, you might not realize how severe and devastating these incidents can be. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 7,565 total commercial vehicle accidents in 2018, 150 of which were fatal, and another 2,878 caused injury to at least one person. In other words, more than 40% of all crashes involving large trucks lead to casualties, at a rate of almost nine people hurt or killed every day.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck collision, you may have legal options to recover compensation for your losses. It is critical to retain a Gloucester truck accident lawyer for assistance with the process, so please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation right away. Some basic information about your rights may also be helpful.

Liability in Virginia Truck Crash Claims

As with other motor vehicle collisions, truck accidents usually happen because of driver negligence. This term has a very specific meaning in personal injury law, as it requires you to prove certain elements to recover compensation. You must show that the truck operator breached the legal duty to drive safely, thereby causing the crash. Examples of negligence include: 

• Speeding over the posted limit or driving too fast for conditions;
• Drunk or drugged driving;
• Making improper lane changes;
• Running red lights or stop signs;
• Failure to yield right of way; and,
• Many others.

In addition to these types of negligence that any driver may commit, there are some careless acts that are unique to trucks and those operating them. A trucker might take a curve too quickly, lose control over the vehicle and/or trailer on a steep grade, or try to stop too quickly – potentially leading to a “jackknife” truck crash.

Seeking Compensation for Truck Collision Losses

Your first step in the truck accident legal process is filing a claim with the driver’s insurance company since all truckers must carry $750,000 or more in coverage. Even if you think your right to compensation is clear, do not expect a quick resolution and payment of your claim. Truck insurers will always protect their own financial interests, so the adjuster may deny your claim or make a low-ball counteroffer. As a result, you may need to file a lawsuit in court to obtain fair, reasonable monetary damages.

Through either process, your Gloucester truck accident lawyer will seek all available compensation allowed by law, such as: 

• Medical bills;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress; and,
• Amounts for losses that affect your personal relationships. 

Contact a Gloucester Truck Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Remedies  

This summary of your rights and options after a truck crash may be helpful, but it should also demonstrate how important it is to work with experienced legal counsel. Please call Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation with a Virginia truck accident lawyer for more information.