Big Rig Truck Accidents in Virginia

If you’ve been in a big rick truck accident in Virginia, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. At Kendall Law Firm, we are prepared to fight for every dollar you’re owed from those responsible for your injuries and suffering. You pay nothing upfront. We get paid when you do. Call us for a free consultation with a Virginia big rig truck accident lawyer, and let’s get started today.

How an Experienced Virginia Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

An experienced truck accident lawyer with Kendall Law Firm can make a big difference in your case. Here’s why:

• We know the state and federal regulations that apply to truck accidents and how they might affect your claim.
• We have the resources to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify the parties who caused or contributed to your injuries.
• We can work with top industry experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to build a robust and convincing truck accident case on your behalf.
• We negotiate for maximum compensation at the bargaining table and can fight for you in court if the other side won’t make a fair offer.
• We will always treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve.

Since 2009, Kendall Law Firm has helped victims with all kinds of truck accident cases throughout Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers have lawyers protecting their interests. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can protect yours.

What Is a Big Rig?

A big rig is a large truck that transports goods over long distances. It typically consists of a tractor unit and a trailer. These trucks are also known as semi-trucks or 18-wheelers. Big rigs are a common sight on Virginia highways and are essential for the economy, transporting goods within the Commonwealth and throughout the country. However, their massive size – often up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded – poses significant risks to others.

Big rig drivers must be at least 21 for interstate travel (18 for intrastate hauls) and meet the following requirements:

• Have a clean driving record
• Pass the training and test for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Meet vision requirements
• Maintain good general health

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Big rick accidents can happen for any number of reasons, though negligent truck driver behavior causes many of these crashes. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the following as common causes of big rig crashes:

• Driver Error – This is the most significant factor, with driver-related issues contributing to many truck accidents. These issues include speeding, driver fatigue, distractions, and unfamiliarity with the route. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or frequent lane changes, can also increase the risk of an accident.
• Vehicle Issues – Some accidents are caused by problems with the truck itself, such as brake, tire, and cargo issues. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections can help prevent these mechanical failures and ensure the truck operates safely.
• Environmental Factors – External conditions, like inclement weather, potholes, and poorly marked lanes, can also lead to accidents. Low visibility due to fog or heavy rain and slippery roads due to ice or snow can result in unsafe driving conditions. Still, truck drivers are responsible for adjusting their behaviors accordingly.
• Other Vehicles – Other motorists can contribute to big rig accidents by cutting in front of trucks or driving in a truck’s large blind spot on either side of the rig. Erratic or unpredictable driving might force truck drivers to make dangerous maneuvers to avoid collisions.

If you were injured in a truck accident, our Virginia truck accident attorneys can investigate your case to determine how it happened and identify all at-fault parties.

Who Is Responsible for My Big Rig Accident?

Determining responsibility in a truck accident in Virginia can be complex, as multiple parties might be to blame. These include the following:

• Commercial truck drivers may be liable if they act negligently or violate traffic laws. This includes behaviors such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, distracted driving, or failing to adhere to hours-of-service regulations and becoming too exhausted to drive.
• The trucking company might be liable for an accident caused by their drivers. Furthermore, trucking companies must ensure their vehicles are in safe working condition by conducting regular inspections and maintenance. If a company skips these steps or pressures drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, it could be liable.
• The cargo company may be liable for incorrectly loading the truck. Incorrectly loaded or excessive cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced, thereby increasing the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. The cargo company must follow proper loading protocols and ensure the weight is evenly distributed and secured.
• Part or truck manufacturers may be liable in a big rig crash if they design or manufacture defective trucks or auto parts such as brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms.
• Maintenance providers may be liable for inadequate repairs or ignoring potential issues during routine maintenance. If a third-party company serviced the truck and their negligence led to a mechanical failure, they could be responsible for the accident.
• Government entities might be liable if poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage, or dangerous construction zones contributed to the accident.

By identifying each at-fault party, you may be able to recover maximum compensation for your claim. Our experienced Virginia truck accident lawyers can conduct an in-depth investigation to determine all the factors that contributed to the accident and the catastrophic injuries you sustained. We work tirelessly to ensure they are held accountable for the harm they caused and you have the financial resources necessary to rebuild your life.

Financial Compensation You Can Recover After a Big Rig Accident

Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their:

• Past and anticipated medical treatment
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages
• Disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

In the event of fatal accidents, a compassionate Virginia truck accident lawyer from our law firm can guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit or seeking a fair settlement for the financial losses, mental anguish, and grief you have suffered after losing a loved one in a truck accident.

Contact Our Virginia Truck Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Truck Accident Case

The personal injury attorneys with Kendall Law Firm have over 30 years of experience handling big rig injury cases. We are deeply involved in the local community and focus entirely on personal injury cases. Unlike other firms, we do not represent insurance companies or big corporations. Instead, we focus on representing injury victims and helping them get the maximum compensation possible. If you or a loved one has injuries from a semi truck accident in Virginia, contact us for a free consultation with a Virginia truck accident attorney.