Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles can create hazards on Virginia roads. These heavy, unwieldy vehicles are involved in thousands of crashes annually statewide, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Their increased size compared to passenger cars means they’re much more likely to inflict catastrophic injuries in a collision. Furthermore, people injured in these crashes often don’t recover the money they need without help from a Virginia truck accident lawyer.

Kendall Law Firm understands your needs and can fight for fair compensation after a Virginia truck accident. We know the trucking industry inside out, including the rules truckers and their employers must follow to prevent crashes. Let our Virginia truck accident attorneys fight on your behalf for fair compensation while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Call us now or complete our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Our Experienced Virginia Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You

The personal injury attorney you select can have a significant impact on your case. If you choose an inexperienced or careless lawyer for your trucking accident claim in Virginia, you might not recover fair compensation, which can cause severe financial stress.

Kendall Law Firm has represented Virginia’s injured — never the insurance companies — for over 30 years, giving us a deep well of legal knowledge to draw from for your case. Furthermore, we’re deeply committed to the communities we serve, particularly veterans who need assistance.

We’re proud of the difference we’ve made in truck accident victims’ lives. Here’s what one satisfied client said about their experience with us:

“I am so glad I used Kendall Law Firm after my accident. I was injured severely, and I did not know where to turn when I called. Mr. Kendall treated me with the utmost care and respect. He was very professional, and he did what was necessary to convince the insurance company to compensate me for my medical bills and my pain and suffering.*” — Melissa Whitney, Charlottesville

We would be honored to represent you in your case, and we can help you seek compensation through the following:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to determine who caused your injuries
• Using your medical records, personal testimony, financial documents, and other evidence to calculate the full extent of your losses
• Taking legal action against whoever caused the crash and negotiating with them to maximize your compensation
• Representing you at trial if the liable parties or their insurers won’t offer a fair settlement
• Never charging you attorney fees unless we secure a favorable outcome in your case

Understanding Truck Accident Laws in Virginia

One essential reason to hire a Virginia truck accident lawyer is that they are familiar with the numerous laws that apply to these cases. While Virginia truck drivers must follow most of the same traffic laws as everyone else, the following laws often affect these cases:

• Contributory Negligence Rule – To win lawsuits for trucking accidents in Virginia, injured drivers or passengers must prove that the truck driver or someone else caused the collision, usually through reckless or negligent behavior. Unfortunately for injured drivers and passengers, Virginia law blocks them from recovering compensation for a truck crash if they contributed to an accident in any way, even if they were 1 percent responsible. Trucking companies and insurers often use this rule to try to deny people fair compensation for their injuries and other losses. This harsh rule is one crucial reason to hire a lawyer for your case.
• Lower Alcohol Limit for Truck Drivers – The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most Virginia drivers is 0.08 percent. However, state officials have implemented a lower BAC limit of 0.04 percent for commercial vehicle drivers. Truckers who break the law can face stiff penalties, and this lower legal limit also makes it easier to prove a truck driver was intoxicated and caused a crash.
• Hours of Service Rules – These regulations govern how much time truck drivers can spend behind the wheel without taking a mandatory break. Truck drivers whose routes cross multiple states must follow interstate rules from the FMCSA. Truckers who operate solely within Virginia’s borders must follow state-specific regulations. Experienced attorneys can use a truck driver’s logs and other evidence to show how the driver broke Hours of Service rules and may have caused the crash because they were fatigued.
• Statute of Limitations – Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits dictates how long you have to take legal action after a truck crash. In general, you must file a truck accident lawsuit within two years of the crash. Otherwise, you will likely lose your chance to recover compensation.
• Compensation – Assuming you can prove someone else caused the truck crash, you can seek compensation for the accident-related losses you’ve experienced, including your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Virginia

Some common causes of commercial trucking accidents in Virginia include the following:

• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Drugged or drunk driving
• Truck drivers failing to check their blind spots before merging or passing
• Truck drivers following other vehicles too closely
• Mechanical failures or defects
• Drowsy driving by truckers

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Virginia

If you haven’t already, call 911 immediately after a Virginia truck accident to notify the police and summon emergency medical assistance. The following are steps to take afterward to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Follow All Medical Advice – Attend all your follow-up appointments, take your prescribed medications, and follow your doctor’s recovery plan closely.
2. Document Everything – Keep copies of your medical records, bills, the accident report, and any communication from insurance companies related to the crash.
3. Avoid Discussing the Crash – Don’t speak to the trucking company or their insurance without legal advice. Similarly, don’t discuss the crash on social media, as you might accidentally say something that jeopardizes your case.
4. Report the Accident to Your Insurer – Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid making detailed statements before speaking to a lawyer.
5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney – A lawyer can investigate the crash, preserve crucial evidence, and fight for full compensation on your behalf.

Contact Our Virginia Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

Trust Kendall Law Firm to help you through your serious truck accident injury case, no matter how complex or difficult it could be. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Virginia trucking accident attorney.

* Every personal injury case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.