Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck collisions can quickly lead to catastrophe, as a Virginia truck accident lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. knows all too well. When a trucker is driving such a hefty vehicle in a manner that is unsafe, it can cause innocent people to get seriously hurt or lose their lives. In the event of a truck accident, victims are strongly advised to get legal representation so they have someone to advocate for your recovery. There are various reasons why truck accidents happen, but there are some of the most common:

Fatigued Driving

Due to the nature of the job, truckers may be at a loss for proper meals and rest breaks. There are regulations set to keep truckers off the road when they are feeling tired. For instance, a trucker is not allowed to operate a truck for more than 11 hours in one sitting, and must then take a 10 hour break before the next round. Truckers cannot drive more than 60 hours in a 7 day period, or 70 hours within eight days. Despite these regulations, trucking companies and truckers may bend the rules in order to get to their destination faster.

Distracted Driving and Speeding

Distracted driving is dangerous and illegal, especially for truck drivers who are supposed to maintain control over such a large motor vehicle. These trucks can weigh upwards of 50,000-80,000 lbs when fully stocked. A trucker who’s attention is pulled away for even a second or two may cause them to crash into another car, building, median, or pedestrians.

As a Virginia truck accident lawyer may explain, trucking companies may use speed limiters or trackers on their vehicles, but not every truck will have this kind of technology installed. Trucks are so much bigger compared to passenger cars, and are slower to respond to quick changes, so truckers can easily lose control if they drive too fast.

Overloaded Cargo

Trucks are already stocked to carry large loads, so when they are over capacity, the safety of those nearby may be in grave jeopardy. Overloaded cargo can cause a tip over when a trucker tries to change langes or make turns because too much weight has to follow. When an accident happens because of overloaded cargo, it may be both the trucking company, truck driver, and those who loaded the truck that will be held liable in a victim’s injury claim or lawsuit. 

Those who are in need of support after a truck accident are encouraged to reach out to a Virginia truck accident lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. for a case evaluation.