Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Arlington, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Arlington, Virginia?

  For non-emergency concerns, call the Arlington County Police Department at +1 703-558-2222.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Arlington, Virginia?

  To obtain a motor vehicle accident report in Arlington, file your request online at https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Online-Services/Service-Fees.

• Do you need a lawyer if you get injured in an Arlington truck accident?

  While you are not required to hire a lawyer if you get injured in an Arlington truck accident, it would be a wise move to seek legal assistance from an experienced injury attorney. Truck accidents are usually more catastrophic than typical vehicular accidents, and the process of recovering your losses is difficult and complex. A lawyer can help you fight for your right to get compensated for your injuries and other losses.

• Who can you hold liable in an Arlington truck accident?

  Depending on your case, there may be several parties that can be held responsible for a truck accident in Arlington. The entities you can sue may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the mechanic assigned to maintain the truck, the cargo loading crew, another driver on the road during the time of the accident, and the government agency in charge of the road conditions.

• How can you get compensation if a loved one died in a truck accident in Arlington?

  If you lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Arlington, you may pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim may be brought by the surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren of the decedent. If no surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren exist, the decedent’s parents and siblings may file the claim to recover compensation for medical expenses related to the deceased person’s final illness or injury; funeral and burial expenses; sorrow and mental anguish; lost income; and loss of companionship.

• Can punitive damages be awarded in Arlington truck accident cases?

  Although it happens rarely, it is possible for punitive damages to be awarded in Arlington truck accident cases. This category of damages is awarded to the plaintiff in addition to actual damages in certain circumstances wherein the conduct of the defendant is found by the court to be at an absurd and willfully egregious level. Punitive damages serve as a punishment to the defendant for their willful and/or malicious behavior.

• How much time do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Arlington?

  According to Virginia’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file suit for personal injury in Arlington. Meanwhile, you have five years from the day of the crash to sue for property damage. If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim, you also get two years from the date of the victim’s death to take legal action. Your right to obtain compensation may be forfeited if you miss these deadlines.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.