The personal injury lawyers in Charlottesville VA trusts at MartinWren, P.C. recognizes that a trucking accident is far different than a standard automobile accident. Trucking companies and their insurers are extremely well funded, they aggressively fight their cases, and, because of the enormous stakes involved in a tractor trailer accident case, truck companies and their insurance companies will immediately begin preparing a defense after an accident occurs.
Trucking accidents may be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Negligence of truck driver, such as aggressive driving, fatigue, distracted driving, texting while driving, negligently using cell phone while driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely, i.e., tailgating
- Improper equipment, i.e., turn signals, mirrors, etc.
- Failure to inspect or maintain equipment on truck
- Jackknifing of truck
- Truck defects with the vehicle’s systems and components
- Unstable or unbalanced loads
- Inability to see other drivers
Proper party defendants to truck accident litigation cases may include the truck driver, truck owner, and others, including the party who buys or sells the load on the truck. If you have questions about an accident, call the truck accident lawyer Charlottesville VA residents have relied on for years.
Virginia Roads – Some of the Busiest in the Country
Located in the crossroads of the Eastern Seaport, Virginia has one of the most heavily traveled highway systems in the country. Major interstates, such as route 95, route 81, route 64, and route 85 cut through Virginia and are frequently driven by heavy trucks, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, big rigs, buses, and other commercial carriers. Many destinations of these vehicles are located in rural areas of Virginia, where truck drivers can reach their destination only by navigating unfamiliar smaller highways and back roads. Feel free to contact a truck accident lawyer Charlottesville VA drivers can trust with Virginia driving-related questions.
Tractor Trailer Accidents
The trucking business can provide a great service to this country and aids many areas of industry and business. While these large tractor trailer trucks deliver a benefit to our economy, they may pose dangers to the cars, vans, and SUVs – and their occupants – traveling the same roads. A large truck such as a tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or large delivery truck weighs over 10,000 pounds and, as a result, can cause extremely serious injuries and damages upon impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, in 2012, there were 104,000 people injured and 3,921 people killed in crashes involving these large trucks. In the United States, there were 333,000 large trucks involved in automobile crashes in 2012.
The enormous size and weight of big rig trucks impedes the drivers’ ability to slow and stop the vehicle to avoid hazards, to steer and maneuver the truck, and to be aware of, see, and avoid other drivers.
Federal Regulations for Tractor Trailers
Federal law requires that interstate trucks carry a specified minimum amount of insurance coverage. Additionally, Virginia law imposes requirements on businesses using large trucks. Realizing that the injury and damage caused by tractor trailer accidents can be quite large, these insurance requirements are put in place to protect the victims of tractor trailer accidents and ensure they are adequately compensated regardless of the trucking company’s current financial state. The amount of insurance coverage required varies by the truck’s size, weight, contents, territory, expected mileage, and physical dynamics.
The complicated nature of the factual and legal issues in truck and tractor trailer accident cases are compounded by the resources and attention devoted by trucking companies and their insurance companies. Therefore, it is imperative that a plaintiff immediately conduct a thorough investigation to discover the accident’s cause and to identify the responsible companies and other parties involved. MartinWren, P.C.’s Virginia truck accident lawyer can handle the investigation and are available to offer assistance during the critical stages of a truck accident case.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Contact Our Truck & Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
Tractor trailer and commercial trucking injury cases are very difficult, and it is important for you to contact an experienced truck accident attorney if you have been involved in an accident involving a tractor trailer. For a free consultation, call the legal professionals at MartinWren, P.C., Jonathan T. Wren or Robert E. Byrne, Jr., at (434) 817-3100, or Kirk D. Becchi at (540) 437-1243. By calling us, you will speak with an experienced accident attorney, and our Virginia Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers can meet with you at the hospital or at your home at a time that is convenient for you, including on weekends or evenings.
CONTACT A Truck Accident Lawyer Charlottesville VA Relies on
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