Portsmouth, VA Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck drivers have the responsibility to operate massive commercial vehicles safely. Portsmouth has more than its share of large trucks especially those serving the posts like Portsmouth International Terminal. This means they must follow all the rules of the road as well as special regulations for the trucking industry, called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. When they fail to follow these rules, they can make errors that lead to serious, if not fatal, injuries. If you or a loved one were hurt because of a negligent truck driver, you have the right to seek a recovery and compensation for your injuries.

However, getting fair compensation for an accident involving an 18-wheeler or a tractor-trailer can be difficult. A Portsmouth, VA truck accident lawyer could walk you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way. By working with a seasoned injury attorney from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, you can put your claim in the hands of a firm with a track record of success.

Liability Issues in a Portsmouth, VA 18-Wheeler Crash Claim

Negligence is typically the basis of a truck accident claim. Negligence can be characterized as the failure of a truck driver to do something they should have done. When this causes a bodily injury, the responsible party may be liable for damages.

Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may be responsible for the harm. In a tractor-trailer accident case, the truck driver may be responsible if they failed to follow the rules of the road or federal trucking regulations. An example of this would be if the driver was operating the truck on London Blvd under the influence of alcohol or drugs or did not take a mandated break and was driving fatigued. The trucking company might be responsible if the truck was not properly maintained or loaded or if they encouraged drivers to participate in unsafe practices. Finally, the truck manufacturer could be responsible if a defective part caused a crash.

Every truck accident case is unique, so it is important to consult a Portsmouth, Virginia lawyer about issues of liability. An attorney could prepare a claim following a 18-wheeler accident and work to pinpoint the appropriate liable parties.

Filing Deadlines for a Truck Wreck

Even if the truck accident happened recently, it is important to keep the statute of limitations in mind. The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing an injury lawsuit. In Virginia, those injured a tractor-trailer accident have a day less than two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The two years generally begins to start with the date of the accident.

If you do not file a lawsuit by the deadline, you may not be able to recover damages. There are very few exceptions to the filing deadline, but a Portsmouth, VA lawyer could examine a truck accident case and help make sure your claim is filed on time. You never want to wait until the last minute to pursue a serious truck wreck injury case.

Talk with a Portsmouth, VA Truck Accident Attorney Today

Delays can be detrimental to a truck accident case. Not only is time running out on the statute of limitations, but it also gets more difficult to find key witnesses and evidence the longer you wait.

A Portsmouth, Virginia truck accident lawyer could fight tirelessly to get your claim resolved. You likely have questions and concerns about pursuing a personal injury claim, but you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your options. We can come to you or meet you at our local client meeting location.