When a person is injured in an accident that is caused by the negligence of another party, Virginia law allows them to pursue damages against that party for the losses those injuries have caused. One of the most complex types of vehicle accident cases is truck accidents. This is because there is often more than one party that is liable. For example, although the truck driver may have been negligent or recklessness and that act resulted in the crash, the trucking company the driver works for would ultimately be legally responsible for the victim’s damages.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
There are many factors that may be involved in a truck accident lawsuit, and these are issues that an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney will keep on top of. For instance, in Virginia – just like in all states – there is a statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim. This time limit is two years. For families looking to file a wrongful death claim, the statute of limitations is also two years. Once the statute has expired, the window to pursue a claim or lawsuit has closed. There are some rare exceptions to this rule, depending on circumstances. Your attorney will determine what the statute of limitation is in your case.
Another important factor in personal injury cases – and another critical reason for hiring an attorney immediately after a crash – is evidence. Your attorney will ensure that key evidence in your case does not get misplaced or lost – something that can happen very quickly after a truck accident. There are legal steps that can be taken to ensure that the trucking company will not destroy or lose evidence.
Insurance companies are in business to make profits and any funds paid to you for your injuries decrease those profits. This is why the trucking company’s insurance will often do everything they can to try to pay less than what the victim deserves or even try to deny their claim completely. Many people do not realize that even their own insurance company is not looking out for their best interest in the same way their own attorney does. This is why you should let your attorney deal directly with the insurance company for you.
A skilled truck accident attorney is very familiar with Virginia statutes and case laws that address personal injury. He or she will also be your best representative when it comes to negotiating a possible settlement with the insurance company. That is why it is crucial for victims to hire attorneys who only specialize in personal injury cases. In much the same way people go to doctors who specialize in a certain field of medicine, the same holds true for attorneys. A person suffering from heart problems would go to a cardiologist, not a dermatologist. Accident victims should seek out an attorney who focuses exclusively on injury law, and not a family law or estate planning attorney.
Contact a Virginia Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in any type of truck accident, contact Shapiro, Appleton & Washburn to discuss what legal recourse you may have. Truck accident cases 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. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated Virginia truck accident attorneys. Our personal injury firm has successfully represented many injured victims and their families and we are happy to meet with you and offer legal guidance on what the best options may be for your circumstances.
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