If you have been injured in a truck accident in Virginia, you may feel confused and unsure about what to do next. When you are ready to demand justice, do not hesitate to call a highly experienced Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer.
Contact MartinWren, P.C. today for a no-cost, risk-free review of your case with a leading Harrisonburg truck accident lawyer with hundreds of clients served.
Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Harrisburg
Truck accidents in Harrisonburg happen for many reasons, often involving driver error, equipment failures, or hazardous road conditions.
These accidents are especially dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, which make them harder to stop and maneuver. Knowing the leading causes of truck accidents can help you determine whether negligence played a role in your crash.
Airbag Malfunctions
Airbags are designed to protect drivers and passengers in a collision, but defective airbags can cause serious harm. Some airbags fail to deploy in a crash, leaving occupants unprotected, while others deploy with excessive force, causing additional injuries.
In many cases, your Harrisonburg truck accident attorney finds faulty sensors, wiring defects, or improper installation have contributed to these malfunctions.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, making them more likely to engage in distractions behind the wheel. Looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating while driving takes a driver’s focus off the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Even a momentary distraction can lead to catastrophic crashes, especially at high speeds.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Virginia. Virginia Code § 46.2-818.2 prohibits handheld cell phone use while driving, but many truck drivers still engage in dangerous distractions.
If a distracted truck driver caused your accident, your Harrisonburg distracted driving accident lawyer will do everything possible to ensure they compensate you fairly for your damages.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections. These collisions usually result from a truck driver running a red light, failing to yield, or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic.
Due to the size of commercial trucks, T-bone crashes can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles. Your Harrisonburg truck accident attorney will evaluate several factors that frequently contribute to T-bone truck accidents, such as:
- Driver fatigue
- Brake failures
- Poor visibility
- Speeding
- Inadequate driver training
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. These accidents happen when truck drivers brake suddenly, causing the trailer to skid out of control. Slippery roads, improperly loaded cargo, or excessive speed can all contribute to jackknifing.
Truck drivers must be trained to handle skidding and braking properly to avoid jackknife accidents. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) § 392.14 requires commercial drivers to adjust their speed and braking distance based on road conditions. If a driver failed to take necessary precautions in hazardous weather, they could be liable for the accident.
Improper Cargo Loading
Commercial trucks carry thousands of pounds of cargo, making proper loading essential for road safety. If cargo is not evenly distributed, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced. Common cargo-related violations include:
- Overloaded trailers – Exceeding weight limits increases braking distances and makes trucks harder to control.
- Unsecured cargo – Loose cargo can fall off the truck, creating hazards for other drivers.
- Uneven weight distribution – Improperly loaded trailers make trucks more likely to tip over on curves or inclines.
- Failure to follow federal regulations – Trucking companies must comply with FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules to prevent shifting loads.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
How You Pay Your Medical Bills After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, medical bills will likely be a big concern. Although another driver might have been at fault for your injuries, healthcare facilities hold you personally responsible for your medical bills.
Even if the other insurance company admits that the accident was not your fault, your healthcare expenses will not be paid for as they come in.
Seek Medical Attention First After a Truck Accident
You will not want to worry about medical bills when you are injured. Take care of yourself first. Even if you do not have any visible injuries, it is essential to get checked out medically after an accident to ensure you do not have serious internal injuries or soft tissue injuries that are not immediately obvious.
Delaying treatment could reduce your chances of recovering damages against the other driver. Insurance providers and defense counsel may also argue that your injuries are not as severe as you report or that they are not related to the collision if you did not seek medical attention right away. If you have questions about getting treatment, please call a reputable Harrisonburg truck accident.
The Medical Facility Will Bill You Directly
You may be able to apply for a discount and make payments on the bill while you are trying to settle your claim. Hospitals may be required to provide emergency treatment to everyone, but they are allowed to bill for services rendered. Keep all receipts and medical records in a folder to document the costs of the accident.
If you have to sue the insurance company to receive compensation, you can let the hospital know, but that does not let you off the hook. The medical facility may send your account to collections or even sue you for not paying your bills. When you meet with your legal advocate, be sure to bring these with you.
If you do receive a personal injury settlement, you should be aware that you will have to repay your insurance company for any bills it paid on your behalf. In general, we can help you with this part of the case.
If you do not have health insurance, the treating hospital may place a lien on the settlement, meaning that you will have to pay them out of the settlement before receiving any money yourself.
Yes, the At-Fault Driver Will Likely Be Responsible for Your Medical Bills
Even though the at-fault driver is responsible for medical bills, getting those bills paid can be difficult. The other driver’s insurance company may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident.
You may need to talk to our legal team to find out whether Virginia’s pure contributory negligence laws could have a negative impact on the outcome of your case.
What to Look for in the Right Truck Accident Lawyer for You
At Martin Wren, P.C., we understand you might be looking for a legal representative to guide you through the claims process. A quick internet search is going to reveal a lot of options. Take a look at several important points below, and remember to reach out to a member of our team if you have questions or concerns about your specific case.
Strong Communication Skills
One of the most important things you should look for is strong communication skills. You may have found the best legal team in the world; however, if you are not on the same page, they are going to have a difficult time advocating for your interests. Sit down with your legal advocate ahead of time and make sure you understand each other.
A Good Understanding of the Legal System
Of course, if you are looking for representation, you need to find a truck accident law firm that has a strong understanding of the legal system.
You may think that all motor vehicle accidents are the same; however, the rules and regulations related to motor vehicle collisions can vary significantly from place to place. You need to work with a legal advocate who understands how truck accident law works in that specific location.
Positive Prior Results
Finally, you also need to ask about prior results. A strong truck accident law firm in Harrisonburg should give you a list of their prior cases. They might include trial wins, and this list might include large settlement amounts.
The Harrisonburg truck accident law firm of MartinWren, P.C. has been recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly for having had some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Virginia.
Work With the Right Harrisonburg Truck Accident Lawyer
Martin Wren, P.C. gives you access to powerful legal advocacy and support throughout every step of the claims process. Following a serious motor vehicle accident, you have a lot on your mind. You might have a difficult time staying organized.
The most important thing for you to remember is that you do not have to go through this alone. Work with a representative who allows you to focus on your medical recovery. Our team can handle all of the legal issues for you, making sure your rights are protected.
Harrisonburg Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
What Our Truck Accident Law Firm Can Do for You
One might imagine that those involved in a truck accident would only hire lawyers when they disagree over who is at fault. After all, there should not be anything to argue about if the facts are clear. Even if you are not at fault, working with a truck accident law firm provides benefits that you may not be aware of.
We Understand the Ins and Outs of Truck Accidents
In the aftermath of an accident, you may not be fully aware of all the facts. You are likely focused on checking to see if you or anyone else is hurt, and there may be specific details that get overlooked that could affect your getting properly compensated for your damages, injuries, and other pain and suffering.
When you are working with a dedicated legal advocate who is experienced with auto accidents, you have someone who knows what to look for when building your case. MartinWren, P.C. attorney Robert Byrne is the first and only lawyer in Virginia who is board certified in handling truck accident law cases.
We Know Local Laws
Local laws and regulations can be complicated with many details that can be interpreted in different ways. It is critical to have someone whose job requires them to stay on top of the law, especially related to vehicle crashes in a particular jurisdiction. For example, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Virginia is generally two years from the date of the accident per Virginia Code § 8.01-243.
Missing this deadline could have a devastating impact on your case. You may not have the time or energy to interpret the law and figure out what applies to your situation. Your truck accident lawyer in Harrisonburg can interpret the law to determine what is most advantageous for you.
We Investigate Fully
After a collision, you may think you have covered everything. You have exchanged information, taken pictures, and talked to witnesses. You may have even secured a report from the police.
There may be much more than meets the eye when it comes to the facts. Our team knows what to look for and who to talk to when it comes to collecting facts and evidence. A complete investigation puts you more in control, potentially leading to a better outcome.
We Deal With the Insurer on Your Behalf
The harsh reality is that insurance companies try to maximize their bottom line by paying you as little as possible. The insurer has people working on its behalf who are looking for ways to reduce payouts.
You may be familiar with the phrase, “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” This is true when communicating with the insurance company and in criminal cases.
Let our team do all the talking and ensure your rights are exercised and protected under Virginia’s fault insurance laws, as described under Virginia Code § 46.2-472.
We Negotiate for Maximum Compensation
There is more to your settlement than medical bills and property repair or replacement. We cannot forget about the income you lost while you were recovering and the fact that your injuries have dramatically affected your ability to earn income in the future.
Your legal representative should look for ways to maximize your settlement, examining other factors that you may not have considered.
Turn to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg for Help Today
A serious truck accident can leave you with considerable medical bills, loss of current and future income, and uncertainty about what comes next.
Your truck accident attorney in Harrisonburg with MartinWren, P.C. will handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
