Truck Accident Attorney South Hampton Roads
Truck transportation is considered one of the most efficient ways to transport goods across the country. However, truck accidents are on the rise in Virginia, causing serious injuries and losses to others on the road.
According to a 2020 report performed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and large trucks were responsible for 2,356 collisions in a year. Of those collisions, the statistics show:
- 285 truck drivers executed an improper lane change;
- 200 truck drivers were following too close;
- 58 truck drivers were speeding; and
- 44 truck drivers failed to yield.
Even if the truck driver is completely at fault for your injuries, the driver’s insurance company will do everything in its power to pay as little as possible. You need a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in South Hampton Roads to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Attorney Hoen has over 30 years of experience advocating for truck accident victims, resulting in impressive settlements for his clients. Please contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
There are various reasons that a truck can lose control and collide with another vehicle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identified the following six categories as factors contributing to truck accidents:
- Decision (38%): The driver was driving too fast for conditions, misjudged the speed of other vehicles, or followed other vehicles too closely.
- Recognition (28%): The driver was inattentive, was distracted by something inside or outside of the vehicle, or failed to observe the situation adequately for some reason.
- Non-performance (12%): the driver fell asleep, was disabled by a heart attack or seizure, or was physically impaired for another reason.
- Vehicle failure (10%): vehicle failures, such as brake problems.
- Performance (9%): the driver panicked, overcompensated, or exercised poor directional control.
- Environment (3%): Fog, heavy rain, inclement weather, or roadway problems.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks weigh anywhere between 20 to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle. Due to the truck’s heaviness, they are more likely to jackknife. Jackknifing is a term that is used to describe when a vehicle loses control during a skid and the trailer swings out and pushes the front cab to one side.
Additionally, trucks are more top-heavy than passenger cars. Due to the extreme weight of some commercial trucks, they are far more likely to roll onto their sides and potentially crush another vehicle.
Making turns is also difficult for many commercial trucks. Unfortunately, trucks have large blind spots, which can make it difficult for the driver to see a passenger car when changing lanes or making turns. Since trucks require more room to make right turns, they normally have to compensate by swinging out to the left, which can cause them to hit other vehicles.
Even accounting for the size of commercial trucks, truck drivers who behave carelessly should be held liable for the injuries sustained by innocent drivers on the road.
You Are Entitled to Compensation for Your Injuries
Truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care than other passenger vehicle operators, especially when driving in extreme weather conditions. You need an attorney that understands the law when it comes to truck accidents in South Hampton Roads, and who can advocate for your rights. Contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a case evaluation at no cost to you.
