At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Mechanicsville personal injury lawyers bring over 50 years of experience to every case. We have handled some of Virginia’s most complex truck accident claims and helped clients recover millions as seen in our published case results. We invite you to schedule a free consultation so we can explain how your rights may be protected after a big rig collision.
Why 18 Wheeler Claims Are More Complex
Eighteen-wheelers pose risks on Virginia highways that significantly exceed those of smaller vehicles. The 2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts report documented 3,078 large truck crashes statewide, resulting in 48 fatalities and 874 injuries – demonstrating that truck accidents are substantially more dangerous than typical collisions.
What makes these cases more complicated than standard auto accidents is the number of parties who may share responsibility. A single crash may involve not only the truck driver but also the company that hired them, the contractor who loaded the cargo, and the maintenance crew tasked with keeping the vehicle safe. When fatigue, distracted driving, or pressure to meet delivery schedules are factors, proving liability requires a detailed investigation of logbooks, black box data, and trucking company practices.
Our attorneys have seen firsthand how insurers use the complexity of these cases to minimize payouts, which is why we prepare each file as if it will go to trial.
How Tronfeld West & Durrett Protects Victims of 18 Wheeler Accidents
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we reconstruct the entire chain of events to expose every negligent act. That means securing black box data before it is erased, subpoenaing company dispatch logs to prove hours-of-service violations, and working with accident reconstruction experts. Our attorneys also dig into the corporate safety record of trucking companies, uncovering patterns of maintenance failures or reckless scheduling that contribute to commercial truck accidents.
Because trucking insurers are some of the most aggressive in the industry, we anticipate their defenses early. We also know that choosing a lawyer after a devastating crash can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation where you can speak directly with one of our attorneys about your case, ask questions, and learn what options are available without any financial risk.
For answers to your questions about a 18 wheeler accident in Mechanicsville, call:
804-358-6555
18 Wheeler Accident Causes: Who Bears Responsibility?
According to the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, brake problems were coded in nearly 30% of large truck crashes, and driver errors in speed, fatigue, or recognition accounted for most critical reasons assigned to those trucks.
In fact, the study found that roughly a third of trucks were involved in crashes where they crossed over their lane line or departed the roadway, and another 28–29 percent involved loss of control from excessive speed or handling.
These types of events – lane encroachments, speed misjudgments, and vehicle control failures – are especially perilous in mixed-traffic corridors near Mechanicsville.
What makes truck collision claims so much more complex than car crashes is that liability rarely lies with only one party. A single 18-wheeler wreck may implicate:
- the driver (for fatigue, distraction, speeding, improper lane changes)
- the trucking carrier (for hiring practices, oversight, maintenance policies)
- the maintenance provider (for neglected brakes or faulty systems)
- the cargo loading contractor (for improper loading or unsecured cargo)
Because the FMCSA analysis shows that vehicle defects and driver decision errors are common contributors – brakes, speed, inattention, and recognition failures – each layer of responsibility must be dissected. Defense teams often push blame onto the smallest party or argue that “the other driver did something wrong”, but without forensic reconstruction and in-depth analysis, their story can dominate.
Injuries That Often Result From Big Rig Crashes
When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the difference in size and weight almost always means the people in the smaller car face the most serious consequences. Even at moderate speeds, the force of impact can crush vehicle structures, cause secondary collisions, or eject occupants entirely. These are not injuries that heal in a matter of weeks – they often require years of treatment, and in some cases, leave permanent disabilities that reshape a family’s future.
Common injuries from 18-wheeler accidents in Mechanicsville include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): ranging from concussions to severe cognitive impairment, often requiring long-term rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord injuries: partial or complete paralysis resulting from fractured vertebrae or spinal cord compression.
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries: shattered bones and crushed limbs caused by vehicle intrusion or rollovers.
- Internal organ damage: lacerated livers, ruptured spleens, or collapsed lungs from blunt force trauma.
- Severe burns and disfigurement: when collisions involve fuel leaks, fires, or chemical cargo.
- Soft tissue and ligament tears: injuries to knees, shoulders, and other joints that can impair mobility even after surgery.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have represented clients who faced every one of these outcomes after a truck accident, and we know how to pursue the full compensation you need.
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Contact Our Mechanicsville 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers
We know how trucking companies and their insurers work to limit responsibility, and we counter their tactics with thorough investigation, expert testimony, and trial-ready preparation. Our case results include multi-million dollar recoveries for clients seriously injured in collisions with trucks, proving our ability to hold powerful defendants accountable.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term care needs, and in tragic cases, wrongful death damages.
We offer free initial consultations so you can speak directly with a lawyer about your case and understand your options. We also work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. To get started, contact us today and let our team begin protecting your rights while you focus on healing.
Our 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys
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FAQs About 18-Wheeler Accident Claims in Virginia
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident claim in Virginia?
Most personal injury lawsuits, including truck accidents, must be filed within two years under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. If the accident results in wrongful death, different deadlines may apply. Acting quickly ensures key evidence like black box data and driver logs is preserved before it disappears.
Who can be held liable in a Mechanicsville 18-wheeler accident?
Liability is often shared among several parties: the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, and sometimes the maintenance provider if brake or tire defects played a role. Our attorneys investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties and maximize recovery.
What damages can I recover after a big rig crash?
Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning ability, and long-term care needs. Non-economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also apply. Families who lose a loved one can pursue wrongful death damages.
Why are truck accident cases more complex than car accident claims?
Large trucks are governed by federal safety regulations in addition to Virginia traffic laws, meaning violations of driver hour limits, maintenance standards, or cargo-loading rules may all be factors. Insurance carriers often have specialized teams working to deny claims, so victims need a law firm with resources to level the playing field.
How does Tronfeld West & Durrett help clients with truck accident cases?
We begin by collecting crash reports, black box data, and witness testimony, then consult with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault. With a free consultation and no fees unless we win, we provide both skilled advocacy and peace of mind.
Mechanicsville Office
6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: 804.358.6555
Toll Free: 800.321.6741
Call or text 804-358-6555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form