If you were recently involved in a Virginia truck accident, odds are you have no idea if the truck operator the freight company, or both, are responsible for your injuries. Truck accidents are multi-faceted and extremely complicated. Fault can vary from operator fatigue to broker liability. Stressful, overwhelming situations such as these are best handled with the help and guidance of a skilled Virginia truck accident attorney; one with a succession of successful case histories, and who has the skill and resources required to oversee your case and achieve meaningful results.
The Virginia truck accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have decades of experience in handling these kinds of accidents and are effective at pursuing the financial compensation that the victims of truck accidents deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket unless we win your case. Call our Virginia Beach offices today for a free consultation.
What Scenarios Make the Trucking Company At Fault in a Truck Accident?
Just like any other driver, if a trucker’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held liable. So can the freight company that employs them. Freight companies, or trucking companies, can be held responsible if and when their employees commit negligence that leads to a trucking accident. There are numerous scenarios where a freight company could be held accountable for a truck accident:
Improper Maintenance
If a trucking company fails to routinely inspect and maintain its fleet, it can result in trucks that are dangerous to drive and cause an accident that could have been avoided. Trucking companies are tasked with the responsibility of thoroughly inspecting and maintaining their vehicles before they go out on the road.
Inadequate Training
Poor or inadequate driver training by commercial freight companies allows misinformed, uneducated truck drivers to operate oversized vehicles that are capable of causing debilitating and even fatal injuries. Truck drivers are required to undergo an extensive amount of training and testing, but if the freight company fails to make sure that their new employee is properly trained and vetted, they could be held liable for any accidents their driver causes.
Impractical Demands
Unrealistic and impractical deadlines and demands are often placed on truck operators, leading to undue stress and negligence on the roadway, such as speeding and dangerous driving maneuvers. Overtaxed, overworked, and fatigued truck drivers, as well as violations of the Hours of Service rules, could be caused by an employer’s unreasonable expectations, and lead to a truck accident. This would make the freight company liable. A driver’s schedule has to be sensible and take into account federal laws involving logging procedures, inspection procedures, break guidelines, and speed guidelines, among others.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association has implemented mandatory rules that require freight companies and their workers to practice inspections, proactive precaution, repair, and maintenance before, during, and after their runs. There are also mandatory regulations involving how they handle their runs, such as timing guidelines governing how often they stop and how many consecutive hours they can drive, logging inspections, break duration, and driving details all must be accounted for. If any of these regulations should fall to the wayside, the freight company could be liable.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our team will investigate and record evidence such as accident debris, skid marks, and radiator, gas, and oil stains at the site. We will also obtain copies of any motor carrier records, police accident reports, pictures, videos, safety logs, and eyewitness statements. We will also be able to access the rig’s black box which will contain crucial information about the incident.
The faster you engage our legal services, the sooner we can get to work protecting the evidence and your right to compensation. To speak with an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer about your personal injury claim, please call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774. We offer a free initial case review.
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