The attorneys at our Virginia truck accident firm know that the massive size and weight of tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks often dwarf other vehicles they share the roads with, and this is why truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death. Under Virginia law, victims of trucking accidents have the legal right to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more if the accident was caused by the negligence of another party or parties. If the victim dies from their injuries, their family may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

While any truck accident has the potential to be devastating, one of the worst types is override accidents. An override accident occurs when a large truck crashes with the rear of a smaller vehicle and then drives onto the vehicle. The results are often horrific, with the truck completely crushing the car, motorcycle, or bicycle they have crashed into.

Victims who survive override truck accidents are usually left with permanent disabilities that require long-term or life-long medical treatments and personal care. The extensive economic and non-economic losses victims suffer make these types of personal injury cases highly complicated, given the high amounts of financial compensation the victim could be entitled to. This is why victims and their families should allow an experienced Virginia truck accident attorney to advocate for them against those liable for the accident and their losses.

What Are the Common Causes of Override Truck Accidents?

In any type of truck accident lawsuit, the most important issue is determining if the other party (or parties) was responsible for the accident. While there are a number of different possible causes in an override accident, most of these causes have one factor in common: a negligent act or behavior on the part of the truck driver. It is also important to keep in mind that although the negligent act may have been committed by the truck driver, the trucking company and other parties may also be liable, as well.

Some of the more common factors causing an override crash include:

• Truck driver distraction, including handheld devices which are banned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Truck driver following too closely behind the smaller vehicle.
• Truck driver tailgating the smaller vehicle.
• Truck driver abruptly changing lanes or lane jumping.
• Truck driver speeding or failing to obey other traffic laws.
• Truck driver fatigue.
• Truck driver operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Some of the other causes of override truck accidents are:

• Faulty brakes or other defective truck parts
• Failure of brakes or other mechanical issues caused by lack of truck maintenance.
• Tire blowout
• Poor road conditions
• Poor weather conditions

Contact a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a family member has been injured in a commercial truck crash, contact a skilled Virginia truck accident attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have. We can also assist families whose loved ones have been killed in a truck accident. Truck accident lawsuits can be complex, and it is not uncommon for there to be multiple at-fault parties who are responsible for the payment of financial damages you may be entitled to for your injuries. The legal team from Shapiro, Appleton & Washburn has successfully represented many clients who were truck accident victims and will aggressively fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 800-752-0042 for a free case evaluation.

RELATED CONTENT

• The Major Kinds of Truck Accidents
• Evidence in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
• Top Five Causes of Truck Accidents

For more information on Virginia truck accident claims, please watch this video: Truck Accident Injury Claims – Who You Take Action Against