What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Virginia

Mar 21, 2025
McDonald Injury Law

Truck accidents are among the deadliest on our roadways, and the occupants of the other vehicles involved are far more likely to be seriously injured, or worse, than the truckers themselves. If a truck driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a dangerous crash, it’s time to consult with an experienced Richmond truck accident attorney.  

In the Aftermath of a Truck Accident, Seek Medical Attention 

The immense impact massive trucks generate in traffic accidents tends to leave victims seriously injured, which means that obtaining the immediate medical attention you need should be your primary concern. While shock and adrenaline can mask serious injuries in the short term, erring on the side of caution is always the best course of action in a situation this risky.

If the emergency medical team offers assistance or advises you to take a ride to the emergency room, take them up on their offer. Barring this, make your own way to a nearby medical facility to get checked out. This is the most important step you can take in relation to your own health and to your truck accident claim. Never delay in getting your injuries diagnosed.

Consult with a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Lawyer 

The next step on the path forward toward recovery is consulting with an accomplished truck accident attorney as soon as you’re able to do so. Building a strong claim from the outset helps pave the way toward an optimal outcome that supports your health and well-being. And your savvy truck accident lawyer will ably handle each of the following important tasks on your behalf:

  • Gathering and compiling the evidence necessary to prove the truck driver’s negligence, such as distraction, fatigue, or impairment, as well as the full extent of your covered losses.
  • Guiding you through the challenging legal process – helping to ensure that you avoid the mistakes that can harm your claim, such as making a statement directly to the involved insurance company or posting on social media while your claim is pending.
  • Skillfully negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement that honors your rights and adequately covers the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the truck driver’s negligence.
  • Be well prepared to take your case to trial in the event that the insurance company doesn’t make a fair settlement offer.

Your Losses 

The losses you suffer in the wake of a truck accident can be immense and should be carefully identified in your truck accident claim. The prime categories of loss include each of the following:

  • Property damage to your vehicle and its contents
  • Your medical bills, which are likely to be steep and ongoing
  • Your lost wages, which may need to address decreased earning power in your future
  • Your physical and emotional pain and suffering can be the most challenging form of loss to work through

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Virginia

If a negligent trucker causes you to be injured in a traffic accident, there are important early steps you should take. These include obtaining the medical attention you need and carefully complying with your medical team’s instructions and advice. Next up is consulting with a formidable truck accident attorney and following their skilled guidance – in pursuit of the compensation you’re entitled to.

Reach Out to an Experienced Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

The dedicated truck accident attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates have an imposing track record of successfully resolving challenging truck accident claims in support of our valued clients’ rights and their most complete recoveries. Don’t wait to learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 804-888-8888 today.