A Tractor Trailer Hit Me. Do I Need a Lawyer?

Oct 13, 2022 | Auto Accidents

Tractor Trailer

If a tractor-trailer hit you, retaining a lawyer as soon as possible is the best course of action. This is not your classic car accident where you file a claim with the insurance company. Truck drivers often work for large trucking companies. Those companies have lawyers and adjusters on staff to reduce their liability after accidents, so you need all the help you can get.

Going head to head with a trucking company lawyer without representation will be challenging. These complex accidents often involve serious injuries, which entitles you to compensation for your losses and suffering. 

Here’s a look at what you need to know about truck accidents in Virginia and why you should hire an attorney if you’ve been involved in an accident.

Common Damage Types in Tractor-Trailer Accidents

When pursuing damages in a tractor-trailer accident, you can pursue the following damage types:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Future medical bills
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

 

Generally, injuries from these accidents are severe since tractor-trailers are so large. Some common injuries that victims sustain as a result of a tractor-trailer accident include:

  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Injuries to the neck and back
  • Burns
  • Broken bones

 

In some situations, family members must pursue wrongful death compensation against a truck driver or the driver’s company when the accident leads to the death of a loved one. These are truly tragic situations.

Some injuries from these accidents are lifelong, resulting in the need for ongoing medical care and permanent loss or decrease in income. That’s why legal action is so important in these cases to help repair finances after an accident that you could do nothing to prevent.

Why Truck Accident Victims Need Legal Representation

No victim wants to go through the added challenge and trauma of a court case after a serious accident. Most just want to heal and move on with their lives, which is understandable. But the medical bills and lost wages won’t just disappear, and most trucking companies won’t just pay out all your bills without some work. 

Here’s a look at the benefits of hiring a truck accident lawyer.

  1. Most trucking accidents involve multiple liable parties. There’s the truck driver, trucking company, parts manufacturers, shipping company that contracted with the truck driver or company, and the truck mechanic or maintenance company. Determining the at-fault party for your injuries will require expertise. And each of the various companies involved might try to shift the blame to another party, making it challenging for you to get your bills paid.
  2. You might be negotiating with multiple insurance companies. Multiple liable parties mean multiple insurance companies, which further complicates the situation.
  3. Trucking law violations might also be a factor. Trucking laws are complex, and you likely have no interest in becoming an expert on those laws. Law violations could prove negligence, though, which will be crucial evidence in your case.

 

Negligence in Virginia Trucking Accidents

With many possible liable parties, proving negligence is not as simple as it can be in an accident involving another standard vehicle. Examples of negligence can include:

  • Truck driver: the driver failed to yield, follow a posted law of the road, etc., just like any other motorist on the road.
  • Trucking company: might be liable if they employ the driver and failed to complete adequate pre-employment screening or failed to train the driver properly in line with state or federal trucking laws.
  • Parts manufacturer: defects in parts on the truck could lead to an accident, such as in the case of brakes giving out or a tire blowing and causing an accident.
  • Shipping company: the shipping company can be negligent if it loads the trailer incorrectly. Bad practices can cause a weight distribution issue and lead to the driver not being able to control the vehicle.
  • Mechanic/maintenance company: failing to keep a tractor-trailer properly maintained can lead to mechanical failures to the point where the driver can’t control the vehicle.

 

These are all examples of negligence but also show how complex these accidents can be since so many parties are involved in the trucking industry. For the best protection after becoming a victim of a tractor-trailer accident in Virginia, schedule a free consultation with Geoff McDonald & Associates.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents in Virginia?

    Power trucking accidents are one of the most dangerous types of road accidents, and they differ significantly from car accidents in several ways. The most apparent difference between a truck and a car is their size and weight. Trucks are much bigger and heavier than...

    What to Do if You’re Hurt in a Virginia Multi-Vehicle Crash

    Any car accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and property damage, and multi-vehicle accidents can dramatically increase those risks.  Multiple-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles, which also complicates determining fault and...

    How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Truck Accident Case in Virginia?

    Truck accidents are some of the deadliest vehicle accidents that occur across Virginia, especially when commercial trucks collide with smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck collision, you may ask, “Do I have a valid truck accident case?”...

    Is It Illegal to Tailgate Behind another Car in Virginia?

    Following too closely in Virginia is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine beginning at $81. Tailgating in Virginia is not only a moving traffic violation that could result in demerit points on your driver’s license, but is also dangerous to drivers and passengers...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald