How Injury Lawyers Handle Trucking Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Truck accidents differ significantly from regular car accidents, often involving more complexities. When a commercial vehicle is involved, the consequences are often severe due to its size, weight, cargo, and the specific laws governing trucking. Trucking accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting unique challenges. Understanding the type of crash helps lawyers determine liability and build a stronger case for victims.

In this blog, we will look at how injury lawyers approach the cases of trucking accidents, what a victim should expect, and how this type of accident is unique from other types of accidents.

What Happens After a Trucking Accident?

Dial Emergency Services

First and foremost, ensure safety. Once everyone is safe, call emergency services immediately. It helps in setting a record about the incident which is useful at a later date.

In Virginia Beach, accidents are very prone due to a combination of factors including heavy traffic, busy tourist seasons, and a variety of road conditions. With a large number of vehicles on the road, especially during the summer months when tourists flock to the city, the risk of collisions increases significantly. As a result, personal injury lawyer virginia beach often deals with a high volume of personal injury cases, ranging from minor car accidents to severe collisions involving commercial vehicles.

Collect Evidence

Collect as much evidence as you can. Be sure to capture photos of the scene of the accident, your injury, and the truck number. If anyone witnessed the event, collect information on how they can be contacted.

Medical care

Even if you feel fine, you should get medical attention right away. Trucking accident injuries are often more serious than they appear, and some injuries may not be apparent until later. If you have a question about your treatment, a medical malpractice attorney may intervene later.

Types of Injuries in Trucking Accidents

Consequently, more extensive injuries are usually expected in the trucking accident, which may lead to life-altering consequences, lasting the full duration of the injured lifetime. Here are some types of injuries in trucking accidents.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Perhaps one of the most significant injuries a victim can receive during a truck accident is a TBI. Injuries caused by TBIs could be life-changing and sometimes would require a lifelong care plan or therapy.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries cause disability of the nerves because they may turn permanent to cause paralysis. Permanent spinal injuries can leave accident victims entirely dependent on care for the rest of their lives.

• Injuries Caused by Pedestrians: In some trucking accidents, pedestrians are involved. A pedestrian accident lawyer might be called in to help those injured while walking near the scene. Pedestrian injuries from truck accidents are often severe due to the size and weight of the vehicle involved.

The Role of Truck Injury Lawyers

After approaching a truck injury lawyer, all that remains is for that lawyer to work on your case. It is often done in a step-by-step manner involving collecting evidence, sitting down with the insurers of the accident, and engaging to fight for your claim in court if required.

Accident Investigation

Truck injury lawyers start by assessing the accident scene and every aspect related to it. They gather several items including a police report, witness statement, records of maintenance of the truck, and records generated by the truck driver. Sometimes, they attempt to find how the regulations could have been broken, such as hours of service violations, very helpful in a negligence case.

Determining Liability

One of the most challenging aspects of truck accidents is identifying the party at fault with the accident. Unlike most car accident lawsuits which always lead to blaming the driver, trucking accidents involve both the trucking company and the driver together with the maintenance or shipping companies, among others. 

Insurance Companies Negotiation

Insurance companies are known to pay as little as possible to victims. Injury attorneys do all the legwork so that you get reimbursement for your hospital bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. This is where the car accident lawyer comes in, to negotiate on your behalf so that you are fairly compensated by the insurance companies.

Litigation of the case

If your attorney cannot get a fair settlement, he can file your case in court. Truck related cases normally always involve that you have a good lawyer who has adept knowledge of trucking law and personal injury law. An accident may demand the services of a catastrophic injury lawyer if it results in critical or disabling impacts.

Why Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents are much more complex than any other car accident for several reasons. Let's break down what makes them different.

• Size and Impact: The first and most apparent difference is the size of the vehicle involved. Commercial trucks weigh much more than passenger cars, meaning they carry a greater impact during a collision. A truck's large size can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities for people in smaller vehicles.

• Federal Regulation: A truck driver's workday has been regulated, so also how to take care of the truck itself. In case they fail to follow such regulations, they might be held responsible for the accident. A professional lawyer knows of such regulations and can use the knowledge to strengthen your case.

• Multiple Parties Involved: As discussed, a trucking accident can have parties other than the truck driver, including the trucking company, the owner of the cargo, or the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. This will make fault determinations harder to do and need an attorney with great experience.
  
  

How Lawyers Help You Get Compensation

After a trucking accident, your lawyer's primary responsibility is to ensure you receive full compensation for all losses incurred as a result of the accident.

Medical Costs

The first cost that appears immediately after the occurrence of a trucking accident is medical costs. The attorney will work to ensure you receive compensation for medical expenses, including emergency visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.

Lost Wages

If your injuries make you unable to work, your lawyer will also prove a claim for wages lost as well. This entails lost income in the present and potential lost income if your injuries will be of an extent to prevent you from wage earning for a subsequent period.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering are difficult to measure, but are the most significant aspect of any case of personal injury. Lawyers will claim compensation for the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident.

Property Damage

If your vehicle or other property was damaged, your attorney can help recover the repair or replacement costs. Below are some circumstances within the realm of a property damage lawyer to enable you to get the compensation.

Conclusion

Handling truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles is highly complex due to the severity of injuries and the intricacies of the legal issues involved. Plaintiffs often face significant legal challenges, making it essential to work with experienced injury attorneys, especially those specializing in truck accidents.

Through thorough accident investigations, and skilled negotiation with insurance companies. If necessary, in litigation in court, these attorneys play a main role in ensuring fair compensation and justice for their clients.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident?

In most cases, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to start building your case promptly.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partly responsible for the trucking accident?

Yes, you may still qualify for compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your level of responsibility will reduce the total amount of compensation you can receive, based on the rules of comparative negligence.

What distinguishes a car accident attorney from a truck injury attorney?

A truck injury attorney specializes in cases involving commercial truck accidents. They possess in-depth knowledge of trucking-specific laws, regulations, and industry concerns, making them uniquely qualified to handle these complex cases.