In Virginia, truck accidents are extremely common. In fact, in 2018 alone, there were 2,540 large truck accidents in the area, 49 of which were fatal accidents, and 842 of which resulted in significant injury. If you are ever unfortunate enough to find yourself involved in a truck accident, follow the instructions below and be sure to find a Fairfax, Virginia truck accident lawyer to assist you with the legalities that are likely to follow.

Process to Follow after a Truck Accident

You are likely to be in shock after a truck accident, especially if the accident was not your fault. So, what do you do in this instance? What are the first steps to take at the scene of a truck accident and in the hours following the accident? What can you do to protect your rights after a truck accident?

The first thing to do after a truck accident is to calm yourself before exiting your vehicle (unless the accident is extreme and it is not safe to remain inside the vehicle). Switch on your hazard lights and dial 911 even if you, your passengers or the other parties do not appear to be injured at first glance. Upon getting out of your vehicle, approach the other party and make sure they are not seriously injured. Be sure to get their personal details including:

• Their full name,
• Address, and
• Phone number.

If there are any witnesses to the accident, ensure that you get their details too. Once police officers arrive, take their names and badge numbers for future reference before proceeding to take photos of your vehicle, any other vehicles involved, and any injuries.

In the hours and days following the truck accident, you will need to:

• Contact your insurance company (do this as soon as possible as waiting too long to do so can have legal implications),
• Obtain a copy of the police report,
• Keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses, any medical treatment you receive or symptoms you experience, and
• Remember to never accept a settlement offer from an insurance provider until you have spoken to a truck accident attorney.

Determining Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident

First and foremost, even if you are at fault, never admit fault at the scene of the accident. A truck accident attorney will help to protect your interests, all the while doing their best to prove the other party’s liability depending on the unique circumstances of the accident.

Establish Negligence after a Truck Accident

Negligence is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. The negligence may include improper lane changing, not keeping a sizable following distance, truck overloading, and neglecting to adhere to the speed limit. Ultimately, in order to maximize your chances of receiving your due compensation, you will need to prove that the truck driver had a duty to drive safely to protect themselves and other drivers, and that he or she breached this duty through some action or failure to act. You will also need to prove that an injury was sustained and that this injury was caused as a result of a breach of duty.

Determination of Compensation Following a Tractor-Trailer Accident

The amount of compensation that an injured party is eligible to receive following a truck accident that was not their fault is based on both economic damages and non-economic damages, which could include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and so on.

How can a Fairfax, Virginia Truck Accident Attorney Help You?

A truck accident attorney will review every aspect of your case, interview witnesses, review medical records, consult relevant experts, obtain alcohol and drug testing from the truck driver, and just generally do everything in his or her power to get you the compensation that you deserve. If you need or have questions for a Fairfax, Virginia truck accident lawyer, call us for a free consultation today.

FAQ’s

When should I contact a semi truck accident lawyer?

As soon as possible following the accident.

When can you pursue a truck accident case?

If you have been injured in a truck accident, and you believe it was a result of negligence or error on the truck driver’s part.

Is the driver negligent when his 18-wheeler that jack-knifed caused an accident and/or injuries?

In many cases, yes. However, in certain instances, this type of accident may have been caused by adverse road conditions.

What are the common causes of truck accidents?

Truck accidents are commonly caused by driver error or negligence, poorly maintained trucks, equipment failure, and overloading.

What is the no-zone of a tractor-trailer?

The four areas that drivers should avoid regarding a tractor-trailer are the front, rear, and both sides of the tractor to the front of the trailer.

What is your truck accident claim worth?

That will depend on a variety of economic and non-economic factors.

How do truck accidents differ from car accidents?

Generally, truck accidents cause greater damage to property, more serious injuries and, therefore, much more expensive medical bills. Fatalities are also much more likely to occur.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you will not pay any legal fees until you receive money from the party at fault or their insurance company.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?

It is definitely better to do so sooner rather than later to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.