Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

The trucking industry is vital to Virginia’s robust economy, generating significant revenue and providing numerous job opportunities. However, trucks can pose a real danger to other motorists and pedestrians. Accidents involving these massive commercial vehicles often lead to catastrophic injuries.

I am Ed Atkinson, the founder of Atkinson Law. As a personal injury lawyer in Virginia, I am devoted to helping injured victims rebuild their lives. I will work hard to secure compensation for your financial losses. 

At Atkinson Law, you benefit from close collaboration and a personal approach to financial recovery, the kind that only a closely-managed, local law firm can offer. Call my law office today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases so Complex

Virginia’s extensive network of highways and railroads makes it an ideal location for distribution centers and logistics companies, which, unfortunately, makes truck accidents quite common. The Virginia Highway Safety Office reported 2,645 large truck crashes in 2021, of which 52 were fatal.

These injury cases tend to be more complex than a standard car accident claim because they can involve multiple liable parties, including the trucking company. Facing a large corporate entity with vast resources in a legal battle might feel overwhelming. However, as a five-star-rated personal injury lawyer, I will help you fight for justice.

Commercial truck crashes often cause life-threatening injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Unfortunately, victims of truck accidents quickly become weighed down by medical bills. I can help you find every source of available insurance coverage to get your medical bills paid while you focus on getting healthy again.

Navigating State and Federal Trucking Laws

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by state and federal laws to ensure the safety of commercial drivers and other motorists. At a national level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations related to the operation of commercial vehicles, including:

• Hours of service requirements for commercial truck drivers
• Maintenance and inspection requirements for trucks
• Workplace drug and alcohol testing
• Transportation of hazardous materials

In addition, Virginia has its state-level regulations, which include requirements for trucking companies to register with the state and abide by specific safety regulations. Truck companies and drivers must maintain detailed records and follow strict safety protocols to comply with these regulations. Failure to do so may result in significant penalties and legal consequences.

As your Virginia truck accident lawyer, I will investigate whether the trucking company adhered to state and federal regulations. Any inconsistencies in records or visible violations of safety measures I uncover will help strengthen your truck accident claim.

Liable Parties in a Virginia Truck Crash

In a Virginia truck crash, there may be several parties that can be held liable for damages. I will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine who was at fault. I leave no stone unturned–we look thoroughly and completely for the evidence in every case.

The following table shows common at-fault parties in semi-truck collisions:

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex and often requires an experienced personal injury attorney. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek immediate legal counsel following your collision.

I started Atkinson Law in 2014 as a new type of law firm promoting an individualized approach to legal services. I talk to most clients personally within 24 hours of their initial contact (if not sooner), and I’m involved in all aspects of the law firm. The buck stops with me, as they say.

Recoverable Damages After a Trucking Accident

Truck accident victims often suffer from severe wounds (like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries) and heavy property damage. I will investigate the circumstances of your crash and the losses you suffered. The unique details of your case will help me plan a personalized strategy to get maximum compensation.

Compensatory Damages

In most truck accident cases, you may receive compensatory damages, which are meant to restore you to the financial state you were in before your crash. This compensation targets tangible and intangible losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages target tangible losses like the cost of medical care. I will calculate your accident-related expenses and work to help you recover:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Loss of income
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Loss of earning capacity
• Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the traumatic accident’s impact on your life. They cover intangible losses, including the psychological and social repercussions survivors may face. While these are more difficult to quantify, I will rely on a wide range of evidence to prove your losses. You might recover:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment

Punitive Damages

These damages are awarded in cases where the responsible party’s misconduct was particularly “antisocial” or if they consciously disregarded the rights of others. Punitive damages punish the at-fault party for their harmful actions or gross negligence. A classic instance of punitive damages is for drunk driving accidents where the defendant had a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher. See Virginia Code § 8.01-44.5 for more on intoxicated driving law in Virginia.

Virginia law § 8.01-38.1 sets a $350,000 cap on the punitive damage amount that can be awarded in a personal injury case. After reviewing your personal injury claim, I will determine if you qualify for punitive damages.

I Will Skillfully Negotiate with Insurance Companies on Your Behalf

If you decide to file a truck accident claim, the insurance provider will be heavily involved in the process. However, you should know they don’t represent your best interest. Insurance companies function as businesses driven by profit. They decrease liabilities and keep their revenue by paying people like you as little as possible.

As a result, an insurance adjuster may offer a settlement far less than what you are entitled to, or they may deny your truck accident claim altogether. Therefore, do not speak to them without legal representation.

I will help you navigate the negotiation process by advocating on your behalf and fighting for a fair settlement. If we cannot agree on a fair sum, I am prepared to move your case to trial and continue fighting for maximum compensation in front of a jury, which the trucking companies often fear.

The Virginia Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Lawsuits

Virginia’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck crash is two years from the accident date. Therefore, you may lose your right to pursue compensation if you do not file your lawsuit within this period.

Consult our law office as soon as possible after a crash to ensure you can pursue damages. The earlier you begin the legal process, the more time I will have to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Call Ed Atkinson at Atkinson Law Today

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Virginia, seek legal representation as soon as possible. Crashes involving large commercial vehicles can have severe consequences, including catastrophic injuries or death.

I founded Atkinson Law, driven to help injured victims rebuild their lives. As an aggressive truck accident attorney in Virginia, I am personally involved in your battle for justice. I will devote all my resources to achieving compensation and recovery for you.

Contact my law office today to get started on your claim. You can benefit from a free initial consultation with no strings attached. During this session, we will discuss the most urgent aspects of your case.