Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Richmond, VA

FAQs

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

  If you require non-emergency police or public safety services, dial 804-230-7553.

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

  You can obtain a police report for the accident at the DMV Customer Service Center. You need to submit a completed Information Request Form (CRD 93) or a written request along with an $8 check or money order.

• Can you receive compensation if you are involved in an accident with uninsured truckers in Richmond?

  Yes, you can still receive monetary compensation for damages when hit by an uninsured trucker by submitting a claim with your insurance carrier under your uninsured motorist policy. You also have the option to sue the driver for damages. If other motorists are at fault and you have no automobile insurance, you can recover from them or their insurance. Even though Virginia allows you to pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee instead of auto insurance, you are still liable for damages if you are at fault.

• Can you file a lawsuit for a blind spot-related truck accident in Richmond?

  Yes, you have the right to sue a driver for damages if they caused your injuries in a truck accident in Richmond by failing to check their blind spots. According to Virginia law, any party found to be at fault in a traffic accident is liable both legally and financially for the damages they cause. However, under Virginia's pure contributory negligence doctrine, accident victims are barred from recovering damages if they are even marginally at fault for the collision.

• Can you collect compensation for a truck accident that occurred in a Richmond construction zone?

  Yes, you may bring a personal injury lawsuit against whoever is responsible for your injuries if you are hurt in a truck accident in a Richmond construction zone. In cases of personal injury, Virginia has a strict contributory negligence doctrine. This means that if you were partly to blame for your injuries, you might not be able to get compensation. 

• Where do most truck accidents happen in Richmond?

  Many Richmond accidents happen on Chippenham Parkway, Interstate 64, Interstate 95, Interstate 85, Interstate 264, Interstate 195, Interstate 295, Broad Street, Virginia State Route 288, Powhite Parkway, and Hull Street. The crossroads of Midlothian Turnpike and Turner Road, Staples Mill Road and Dickens Road, Hull Street Road and Hey Road, and Cedar Fork Road and Creighton Road are also among the most dangerous in Richmond.

• What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Richmond?

  Truck accidents frequently occur in Richmond as a result of truckers engaging in the same risky activities as other drivers, such as drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and drowsy driving. Other common causes of truck crashes are violations of federal and state trucking regulations, such as the hours-of-service (HOS) rules, negligent truck maintenance, defective or dangerously designed truck parts and systems, and unsafe road conditions.

• 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.