Getting into an accident on the road is a common fear for nearly all Virginia drivers. Sharing the road with large, commercial truck can make many motorists especially nervous. Commercial trucks are large and intimidating, even at a distance. Most truck drivers are responsible on the road, but human error and mechanical problems often lead to dangerous Virginia truck accidents and serious personal injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured in a trucking accident in Virginia, it is important to seek legal help as soon as you can after the crash. Our Virginia truck accident lawyers can help ensure that your rights and best interests are fully protected as we seek full compensation under the law.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 475,000 crashes occur each year that involve large trucks. Fatal truck accidents are most common in rural areas, with nearly 60 percent of fatal crashes involving a truck occurring in that kind of environment. The second most common area in which fatal truck accidents occur are interstate highways. Non-fatal crashes are also prevalent in these areas, and tens of thousands of victims are hurt each year in such accidents.
No one ever really imagines that they will get into an accident with a truck. However, preparing yourself for what to do after a collision with a tractor-trailer truck can save lives and help you preserve your right to receive compensation for your losses. Be sure to take the following steps if you have been in a truck accident:
- Call the police: It might be tempting to call your family or workplace to inform them after getting into a serious accident, but your first phone call should be to the police. Calling 911 will get law enforcement and an ambulance to the scene as soon as possible. If you are able to call, this can also help any potential victims that are unable to do so. Having a police report is also crucial when filing a personal injury claim. Law enforcement may determine the cause of the accident on the scene, and this report can be used to demonstrate liability for your damages.
- Gather relevant information: Once law enforcement and medical help are on the way, it is important to get the truck driver’s insurance information. Remember to get information about the trucking company as well. Your attorney can help determine whether the trucking company could be held liable for the accident as well as the driver.
- Document as much as you can about the scene: Photographic evidence of the accident and any injuries sustained will benefit you in a personal injury lawsuit. Lawsuits can take time to resolve, so having photographs of the accident can also help you remember the details.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think that you seriously injured at the time of the accident, it is crucial to receive medical care as soon as possible. Medical records can provide documentation of the injuries you suffered and the treatments you needed as a result of the accident. This is especially helpful in situations where injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion, might not be immediately evident.
- Contact a skilled Virginia personal injury lawyer: Trucking companies often have entire teams of attorneys working to limit the company’s liability in the wake of an injury-causing crash. This makes it important for you to have experienced representation of your own. Your lawyer will be your advocate throughout every stage of the claims process.
Get the Help You Need Today
After law enforcement and medical professionals have helped you immediately after a crash involving a large commercial truck, let an experienced Virginia truck crash lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp take care of the rest. When you choose our firm, we will help you explore and understand your options for recovering full compensation for your injuries and damages. Call (833) 997-1774 for a free consultation and case evaluation at our firm today. We will work do everything we can to get you the best possible outcome in your case—just as we did in securing a $350,000 settlement for a Virginia Beach client who was injured in a commercial truck crash.
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