Isle of Wight County Truck Accident Attorney

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recently published its 2018 Traffic Crash Facts, and the statistics reflect a disturbing trend. There were 2,540 large truck accidents last year, a 10 percent increase over the 2,306 incidents that were reported in 2017. More than a third of these crashes caused injuries to victims, leaving them with devastating losses.

Though Virginia law does provide you with rights, it can be challenging to understand and exercise them if you do not have a legal background. The process of filing a claim with an insurance company is complex, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. An Isle of Wight County truck accident attorney can provide the essential support you need as a victim, so please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation today. 

How Virginia Truck Accidents Happen

Most people refer to these incidents as accidents, but the truth is that careless or reckless conduct is usually the cause of large truck collisions. In the practice of law, these cases proceed under the theory of negligence, so you must show that the operator breached a legal duty of care owed to everyone sharing the roadway. The 2018 Traffic Crash Facts reveal some common forms of negligence in truck accidents, such as:

• Improper lane changes;
• Following too closely;
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs;
• Speeding in excess of the posted limit;
• Running a red light or other traffic controls;
• Improper turns; and,
• Many more.

In addition, one frequent cause of truck accidents is also a factor in other motor vehicle accidents — cell phone use while driving. Texting, talking on the phone, posting on social media, and other activities cause the driver to be distracted, increasing the potential for deadly truck collisions.

Catastrophic Injuries for Victims of Truck Crashes

The size and weight of a large truck can be up to 20 times that of a passenger vehicle, depending on the cargo. Plus, more than half of the crashes that took place in 2018 were on highways, where vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed. Together, these factors contribute to severe injuries for victims. Examples include:

• Head injuries, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI);
• Spinal cord trauma, and herniated or bulging discs;
• Amputations of the extremities;
• Injuries to internal organs;
• Broken bones, cuts, and bruises; and,
• Burns.

With the help of a knowledgeable lawyer, you can recover compensation for these losses. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be entitled to monetary damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and others.

Contact an Isle of Wight County Truck Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Rights 

Crashes involving large trucks are different from other motor vehicle collisions in many ways, especially with respect to the severity of the injuries and the complicated claims process. To ensure you get the highest compensation allowed by Virginia law, you should work with an experienced legal professional. For more information, please call Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation with an Isle of Wight County truck accident lawyer.