Suffolk, VA Truck Accident Lawyer
Since trucks are so large and difficult to handle, these accidents are typically more devastating than crashes involving just smaller vehicles. Injuries sustained in truck crashes are often fatal or life-changing. When you or a loved one is injured in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, it is critical that you reach out to a Suffolk, Virginia, truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
These claims can be extremely complex and involve layers of liability issues that can be difficult to decipher. Working with our truck case experienced Suffolk injury attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can allow you to focus on your recovery while we guide you through the decisions necessary for a favorable outcome against a trucker, his company, and their insurers.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Commercial trucks can often be seen on major roadways in Suffolk such as South Military Highway, Route 58, or Interstate 664. These vehicles differ in size and operation from smaller cars. Because of this, tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers require more room for maneuvering, particularly when turning. These large trucks also have longer stopping distances, making it especially dangerous when a truck driver follows another vehicle too closely or at excessive speeds. Low visibility, like fog, or difficult braking like rainy wet roads, increase the risk of truck wrecks.
A truck driver’s error can cause a crash. If they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or fatigued from too many hours of driving, they may be too impaired to operate the truck in a safe manner. Also, like other drivers, a truck driver may be distracted by a text message or phone call. Although regulations in the trucking industry prohibit unsafe behaviors such as alcohol or drug use on the job and driving while fatigued, this type of conduct still occurs and the consequences can be serious.
Other parties can also be responsible for an 18-wheeler accident. Trucking companies often encourage their drivers to meet tight deadlines that may result in a driver skipping federally mandated break time. Other times, they overload trucks which threaten their stability or fail to serve the cargo properly. When this happens, the trucking company itself may also share liability separately for their fault. If the driver is an employee acting within their job duties, then their employer is also responsible. To help understand who may be liable for your truck accident, consult a Suffolk, VA lawyer as soon as possible.
Injuries from Tractor-Trailer Wrecks in Suffolk
It is unusual for someone to walk away from a truck wreck uninjured. The following injuries are commonly associated with truck accidents in Virginia:
- Fractures or broken bones, like of the hands or feet
- Torn connective tissue injuries like tendons and muscles
- Neck and back injury
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Ruptured discs
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
Living with injuries sustained in a truck accident can be extremely difficult. The fact the harm was preventable makes it worse. Injured individuals may experience trouble walking, lifting, standing, or even sleeping. The more severe injuries may result in permanent cognitive or physical impairments or disabilities that could require around-the-clock care.
It is important to seek medical treatment immediately following an accident with an 18-wheeler and to continue with follow-up treatment if necessary. An emergency room visit, physical therapy treatments, diagnostic tests, and other doctor visits are costly, which can make filing a claim for compensation from the responsible party all the more necessary. You should use your regular health insurance, and in VA the at-fault driver is still responsible for the full original bill. A lawyer in Suffolk could help someone pursue proper compensation following a truck accident.
Talk to a Suffolk, VA Truck Accident Attorney About Your Claim
Since determining liability can be difficult in a truck wreck claim, it is important to work with an experienced attorney. Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is the first law firm in Virginia with access to video footage from 978 traffic cameras throughout the state.
We know how to get and interpret “black box” or electronic event data recorders from trucks. A Suffolk truck accident lawyer could examine the facts of your accident and advocate on your behalf. Contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to make sure the evidence is intact and give your claim the greatest chance of success. To set up a free consultation, call us today.
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