Truck Accident Lawyer Virginia
If you were hit by a commercial truck, you do not have to take on the truck companies, and their insurance adjusters, on your own. When negligence or wrongdoing had a role in the collision, it may be possible to collect monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. To learn more, please call a Virginia truck accident lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. today.
- Truck Accident Lawyer Infographic
- 5 Important Points To Ask Your Truck Accident Lawyer
- Key Differences Between Truck Accident Claims and Car Accidents
- How to Avoid a Truck Accident
- How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Virginia Help You?
- Can I Sue a Trucker’s Employer After an Accident?
- Virginia Truck Accident Statistics
- Questions for Truck Accident Victims Answered
A truck accident is not comparable to any other motor vehicle accident. Not only is the weight and size of the truck significantly larger than a small passenger car, but the way in which a claim has to be handled is different.
For this reason, it is essential that you choose a truck accident lawyer in Virginia over a
general personal injury lawyer or law firm who has no experience in these types of cases.
Following a commercial truck accident, you may consider:
- The length of time it will take to fully recover
- Whether or not your injuries will every fully heal
- How you will cover the costs of your medical treatment
These questions, and others, may consistently stream through your mind and leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. There is only one practical solution to your concerns, and that is to recover a settlement that will cover the full costs of the truck driver’s negligence.
Why You Should Have a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer Helping You
Soon after the collision, the insurance company or legal team of the truck company might contact you. They may ask you for a statement or encourage you to sign various documents. You might hear things such as:
“You don’t need a truck accident lawyer.”
“We can settle right now so you can pay for all your losses.”
“We believe you are to blame.”
“We have evidence that contradicts what you are saying.”
These are only a few examples of tactics that can be used against you. It may be in your best interest to avoid speaking with these parties until you have consulted a Virginia truck accident lawyer. In fact, you legally are not obliged to talk with them. Call a lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options.
How Can a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
Helping You Understand What Steps To Take
Truck accidents are notoriously complicated. There are often multiple vehicles involved and many injured parties. It’s not easy to deal with several different insurance companies at the same time, especially if you’re also recovering from injuries.
Having the experience of a Virginia truck accident lawyer can be an enormous relief. At Martin Wren, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we can explain the process one step at a time, helping you make wise decisions for your case, your health and your family.
Handling the Paperwork for Your Claim
After a truck accident, there are often several forms you need to feel out to file a claim. Our team can take care of everything so you can focus on recovering. This also helps you avoid making mistakes that can affect the amount of compensation you receive.
Performing an Investigation of the Trucking Company
If the truck driver was employed by a trucking company at the time of the accident, you may be able to take the business to court as well. Doing this can help you get additional compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, economic losses and other damages. Proving negligence by the trucking company requires investigation into maintenance records and past accidents. Your Virginia truck accident lawyer can handle the necessary research.
Gathering Evidence and Building Your Case
A common misconception is that you only need evidence if you’re suing someone. In reality, it’s always necessary to gather proof of the accident, your injuries, lost income, damage to your vehicle and other aspects of your case. At Martin Wren, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we can put together a strong case by interviewing eyewitnesses, checking video footage, gathering medical records and police reports, speaking with doctors and looking at documents.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies — even your own — attempt many tricks to deny your claim or reduce the amount of compensation you get. Dealing with intimidation, threats and outright lies isn’t easy for most people. Your Virginia truck accident lawyer can represent you in negotiations, looking out for your interests above all else. The goal is to help you get a settlement that covers your needs completely.
Taking Your Case To Court
Insurance companies usually take your case more seriously when you have legal representation. In truck accident cases, however, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the full compensation you deserve, especially if drivers were underinsured or someone you love passed away as a result of the accident. We have extensive litigation experience.
Truck Accident Lawyer Infographic
5 Important Points To Ask Your Truck Accident Lawyer
Automobile accidents involving commercial trucks, or “18-wheelers”, might benefit from a truck accident lawyer in Virginia who focuses on this section of the law. An attorney like one from Martin Wren, P.C. Attorneys at Law might be able to offer some experience in navigating the courtroom if a vehicle accident results in court proceedings. There are a variety of questions to ask a personal injury lawyer and here are a few important ones to put on the list.
1. How Can I Respond To This Lawsuit?
It happens every day; a letter comes in the mail exclaiming a lawsuit has been filed and someone needs to appear in court. Car accidents can get messy sometimes and not just during the wreck. When it involves a commercial interest like a semi-truck or FedEx van, things can be a little bit different in court, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that an attorney like one from Martin Wren, P.C. Attorneys at Law may have an advantage defending his or her clients.
2. How Can I Get Expenses Paid?
Transportation expenses alone can start piling up when sifting through all the steps involved in settling a vehicle accident. Medical expenses, legal expenses, counseling and physical therapy could also become a reality after a bad accident. As the bills pile up, so should the settlement, so keep record of everything so a truck accident lawyer in Virginia can be prepared when seeking repayment in court.
3. How Can I Speak With Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies, both one’s own and other ones involved in the vehicle wreck, may try communicating after a vehicle accident. It may be a smart idea to have a truck accident lawyer in Virginia manage these communications between parties. A good attorney might be able to field calls and emails so everything is kept track of in a systematic manner.
4. How Can I Make All These Court Dates?
A truck accident lawyer in Virginia might be able to take care of scheduling court dates so as to not conflict with the client or the judge in the proceedings. Some of the hearings may not require the client at all, or can be attended remotely via webcam. Having a lawyer step in can be a huge advantage in long cases.
5. How Can I Help My Lawyer?
It might seem funny, but helping one’s lawyer is a good way to ensure a favorable outcome in court. Ask what can be done to help the process. Prepare good narratives, timelines, charts and/or other helpful information to better explain a situation with one’s legal counsel. Use preparation as an advantage to push in the courtroom.
Key Differences Between Truck Accident Claims and Car Accidents
Many victims of truck accidents make the mistake of retaining a general law firm who lacks experience in handling commercial trucking claims. This can be a costly, regrettable mistake. In these types of cases, you should know that:
The insurance company will likely have a large team of investigators involved
- Black box data could get “lost” or become destroyed
- There is often millions of dollars at stake
- Federal laws regulate the trucking industry
- Many cases involve legal jurisdictions outside of the accident area
- There are often multiple parties involved
How to Avoid a Truck Accident
Avoiding all accidents is something that just isn’t possible, but there are some good habits that you can form to help you avoid being the victim of a truck accident. Make sure to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the truck. This could be spacing in the front and back as well as on the sides when passing. Remember that trucks cannot see you if you cannot see their rearview mirrors. Many times, a truck will change lanes on a large road and hit a car without ever seeing them. If you are driving a smaller car, this is especially important as there is an even greater chance that the truck driver cannot see you. Trucks also have to take wide turns and unfortunately do cause some damage to other vehicles or property when failing to turn properly. A truck accident lawyer in Virginia from MartinWren, P.C. can assist you if you have been in a truck accident.
What to Watch For
Watch for any signs that the truck is having some mechanical or equipment issues. This could be seen in broken tires and smoke or other equipment malfunctions like lights not working, etc. If it appears that a truck is having some braking issues, stay as far away from them as possible and make sure you are not in front of them, if possible. Weather is also important to keep track of when going for a drive when you know there will be trucks around. In windy weather, a truck’s trailer has a chance to sway in the wind depending on its load. Some trailers have been known to completely flip over in heavy windstorms. Always pay extra attention and be careful when passing a truck during a storm or when it is getting rather windy. One more thing to consider is when a truck’s back hatch isn’t closed properly. The items within that trailer could actually spill out causing harm or accidents. Pay attention to any trucks that may have doors that are clearly not latched correctly and are swaying about.
Stay Safe
Make sure to do the best that you can to be safe when driving around trucks. Truck accidents generally can cause significant damage seeing as they are quite heavy and when going at a high rate of speed, that weight could total a car in a split second. If there is a truck that is behind you and it seems to be tailgating, pull over and let them pass you. If you have to make a sudden stop, that truck could do significant damage to your vehicle and more importantly, you. Being mindful of all of these issues that could occur because of trucks is the key to being as safe as possible on the road. Accidents do happen though, unfortunately, so if needed, a truck accident lawyer in Virginia can offer you more guidance on these issues. If you have been in a truck accident then contact us at MartinWren, P.C to get your case started and begin the healing and possible compensation process.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Virginia Help You?
Telling You the Truth About Truck Accident Laws
It can be hard to know who to trust after you’ve been in an accident. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the truck driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company will contact you. You’re right to be cautious because insurers rarely care about your needs — even your own insurance company. They may downright lie to you about your rights, such as telling you that there are limits to how many times you can get medical treatment.
When you have a truck accident lawyer in Virginia, however, things are different. Martin Wren, P.C. Attorneys at Law works for you, not your insurance company. Our team always tells you the truth. We can help clear up any misconceptions or lies the insurance company has told you. We’re happy to answer all of your questions.
Protecting Your Interests
Another thing many insurance companies do is attempt to trick you into signing documents that aren’t in your best interests. For example, you should never admit fault after an accident. It’s also a mistake to sign anything that gives up your right to go to court unless the settlement offered fully covers your needs. Before adding your signature to any file, have your truck accident lawyer in Virginia carefully look over the documents.
Gathering Evidence
Save as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident, like smartphone photos showing the truck’s license plate, the damage to your vehicle and your injuries. This evidence is valuable if you choose to file a lawsuit.
That being said, when you’ve been in a terrible crash with a semitruck, you have many things on your mind. That’s why evidence gathering is something your truck accident lawyer in Virginia can handle as well. At Martin Wren, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we can locate hospital records and police reports, find and interview witnesses and gather expert testimony for your case if necessary.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
When an insurance company sees that you’re working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Virginia, they often react differently. Instead of trying to pressure you to accept a low settlement, they may make a fair offer. Our team negotiates on your behalf, seeking full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering and other damages. Our goal is to listen to your needs and then ensure you and your family are adequately cared for.
Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer in Virginia Ready to Protect Your Rights and Interests
It is essential that your case is handled right from the very beginning. Regardless of what kind of commercial truck hit you, or the extent of your injuries, we want to hear your story. Call a truck accident lawyer Virginia clients recommend today for a complimentary consultation.
Can I Sue a Trucker’s Employer After an Accident?
If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident involving a commercial truck, you may understandably have many questions regarding your legal options. Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. By holding anyone who is partially (or totally) responsible for the harm you have suffered, you can potentially recover a significant financial award known as “damages.” Our Virginia truck accident lawyer can help you obtain damages to ensure that the costs of any medical bills associated with your injuries are covered. Additionally, we will make sure that any wages you have lost due to an inability to work are properly compensated and that any additional challenges you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries are financially accounted for, whenever recovery of such restitution is possible and appropriate. Our Virginia truck accident lawyer team at MartinWren P.C. can help you to explore your legal options and to hold anyone who may have contributed to the harm you have suffered accountable for their negligent or reckless choices.
Liability for Trucking Accidents
When our team of Virginia truck accident lawyers begin evaluating liability in a commercial truck accident case, we generally start by looking at two likely responsible parties: the truck driver and the truck driver’s employer. This is not to say that other parties can’t also be held accountable for accident-related harm. For example, if the road that the accident occurred on wasn’t properly maintained, it may be possible to hold the government agency responsible for that road’s upkeep responsible for negligent maintenance. However, the most likely responsible parties in a commercial truck accident tend to be the individual truck driver involved and the truck driver’s employer.
Why would an employer be responsible for the actions (or inactions) of a negligent or reckless driver? Our Virginia truck accident lawyers are highly-knowledgeable and have extensive experience navigating the various regulations that govern the trucking industry. Unfortunately, many trucking companies push their drivers to ignore certain safety regulations (like mandatory rest periods) to better satisfy their bottom line. When companies have directly or indirectly pressured a driver to behave in a way that is negligent or reckless and ultimately causes harm, those companies may be held accountable for their approach in court.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you’ve recently been involved in an injurious trucking accident, please don’t hesitate to call our Virginia truck accident lawyer team today. Once we have learned more about your specific situation, we’ll be able to advise you of your options so you can make an informed decision about how best to proceed. We look forward to speaking with you.
Virginia Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 4,000 people are killed each year in truck accidents. Approximately 70 percent of those victims are occupants in passenger vehicles, while 15 percent are pedestrians, cyclists, or riding motorcycles. The remaining 15 percent of those victims are truck occupants
Questions for Truck Accident Victims Answered
Our Virginia trucking accident lawyers at MartinWren P.C. have witnessed first hand the impact trucking accidents can have on victims. In some cases, they may not even have the ability to make key decisions for themselves following the accident. Victims and their families will be left to face a number of unknowns. Because of this, truck accident victims deserve to have as many questions regarding their accident answered as possible. Whether you are the victim of a trucking accident, or the family member of a loved one who has been injured, it’s important that you take legal steps to obtain compensation for damages. For the guidance you or your loved ones deserve, contact a truck accident lawyer in Virginia as soon as possible.
Why are trucking accidents so much more serious than the average motor vehicle collision?
Large trucks are heavy, weighing upwards of 80,000 pounds. The sheer weight and size of a large truck can produce devastating results. Any slight miscalculation on the part of a truck driver can result in a devastating accident. When a collision occurs, the force of such a large truck can produce injuries that include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Paralysis
- Fatalities
At what point in my case do I need to contact a Virginia truck accident lawyer?
Following a truck accident, it’s important that victims or their families reach out to a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer will review the case and determine whether or not it’s possible to take legal action. Contacting a truck accident lawyer in Virginia early on gives victims the ability to focus on their care while their legal team takes the lead in managing the case.
What types of information should I gather to support my case?
Evidence is key to proving your case and outlining the severity of the injuries that have been sustained. Your Virginia truck accident lawyer can help you to investigate your case and gather evidence that allows you to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Evidence that may be helpful may include:
- Truck Driver Information
- Name of the Trucking Company
- Witnesses
- Photographs/Videos
- Logs from the Trucking Company
- Medical Documentation
How will the need for long term care be figured into my settlement?
With the guidance of a truck accident lawyer in Virginia, it will be important to gather information pertaining to medical care when determining compensation for long term care in a settlement. The last thing any victim should experience is a lower settlement that does not take into account long term care and medical needs. Long term care can certainly impact a person’s quality of life including work and home life. It will be important that long term medical needs are well outlined in medical documentation.
When a trucking accident has occurred at the hands of the driver or the trucking company, you may be able to take legal action with the help of a truck accident lawyer Virginia accident victims trust. In some cases, there may be multiple parties responsible for the accident. Because of this, legal cases involving trucking accidents can be incredibly complicated. For legal guidance, and professionals who can aggressively protect your rights, it’s important that you contact an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer at MartinWren P.C. as soon as possible.
Client Review
“I’d like to thank the firm MartinWren, P.C., and Attorneys Lewis Martin and G. Raye Jones for their professional help over many years to me personally and to our church. They have always been there to help with all my legal needs and Attorney G. Raye Jones has been a friend to me, my family and my people of Kenya for over 15 years. He has visited my village twice and touched countless lives through his generosity.”
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