Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

FAQs

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

  You may reach the Virginia Beach Police Department for non-emergency matters at 757-385-5000.

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

  You may obtain a copy of the traffic accident report from the Virginia Beach Police from their ePRO website at https://eprodmz.vbgov.com/MainUI/Accidents/AccidentsMain.aspx, or from their FOIA request center database at https://pd-virginiabeachva.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(0dxn1tpxjdsvxenkpnl1ynqd))/supporthome.aspx?sSessionID=66436149NDMYFVHRFSUZNYGZMTTXCUSPL[PLNYSE&LP=7. To obtain records not available online, you may file a FOIA request in person at 2509 Princess Anne Road. For further information, call 757-385-4331, which will connect you to the Central Records Unit.

• What are the speed limits for trucks in Virginia Beach?

  Trucks in Virginia Beach are limited to 55 mph on interstates, limited- and non-limited-access highways with four lanes or more, with the exception of authorized 65 mph routes. On non-limited access roads with four lanes, the vehicle's speed restriction is 45 mph. Furthermore, truck drivers are not permitted to exceed 35 mph on rural roadways and 25 mph in school, commercial, or residential zones. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, considerable grounds for a truck accident claim may arise.

• What evidence should be gathered to prove the truck driver's fault in a Virginia Beach collision?

  To demonstrate that the truck driver in the Virginia Beach truck accident was directly at fault, you must collect evidence such as the trucker's duty record logs and a toxicology report. You must also obtain information from the truck's electronic data recorder or black box logs, which record the events preceding the crash, such as the vehicle's speed, GPS location, route traveled, time spent driving, acceleration and braking inputs, and restraint usage or deployment status.

• When is a trucking company liable for an accident in Virginia Beach?

  The legal doctrine of respondeat superior holds Virginia Beach trucking companies liable for accidents caused by their drivers' negligence while acting within the scope of their employment and under the authority of the employer. Additionally, trucking companies may face direct liability for actions such as failing to conduct routine vehicle inspection and maintenance, failing to conduct adequate background checks or driver training for their employees, allowing overloaded transport vehicles, and violating hours of service.

• What can you do to avoid truck accidents in Virginia Beach?

  You can reduce your risk of being involved in a truck accident in Virginia Beach by adhering to the following precautions:

  • Avoiding the truck's blindspot and maintaining at least 30 feet of space between your vehicle and the truck;
  • Using clear signals and caution when passing the vehicle;
  • Merging carefully by choosing not to pull in front of a truck when traffic is slowing down;
  • Dimming your high beams to prevent unexpectedly blinding other drivers;
  • Avoiding distractions while driving.

• As the truck driver, how can you pay for the damages you sustained in Virginia Beach?

  If you are a truck driver who has been injured in a Virginia Beach accident, you can seek compensation by filing a workers' compensation claim. If your damages exceed the amount covered by workers' compensation, you may file a third-party injury action to seek additional compensation. In addition, if your injuries prevent you from working for an extended period of time or permanently, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

• 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.