If you’ve been involved in a Richmond 18-wheeler accident, you likely sustained severe, even catastrophic injuries. A passenger vehicle weighing around 3,000 pounds is simply no match for an 18-wheeler that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Being involved in an accident through no fault of your own can be a traumatic experience, mainly when the other vehicle is an 18-wheeler.
You may be so severely injured that you cannot return to work. Your medical expenses may mount alarmingly, and you could be uncertain where you should turn for assistance. During a situation like this, a Richmond 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett can be your safe harbor, helping you get the medical treatments you need and the fair settlement for damages you deserve.
Why Choose a Richmond 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer From Tronfeld West & Durrett?
The Richmond 18-wheeler accident lawyers from Tronfeld West & Durrett have been helping others like you since 1972. We have obtained settlements and positive jury verdicts for thousands of clients over the years. The attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett attorneys are Virginia natives, heavily involved in our communities. We represent personal injury clients throughout the state of Virginia and have law offices in Richmond, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, and Petersburg. Because we value your time, we will meet you at the office nearest to you or come to you when necessary as we dedicate our practice to securing an equitable settlement for each client.
Our attorneys are very aware of the fact that an accident caused by a negligent party can turn your life upside down. When the accident results from a negligent 18-wheeler driver, your injuries could be catastrophic, altering your life for a very long time—or even forever. When you are facing medical bills you cannot pay, chronic pain and an inability to work, the future may seem very bleak. That’s when the Tronfeld West & Durrett attorneys will step in, taking much of the burden from your shoulders. We believe you deserve the time you need to heal from your injuries while we handle all the legalities of your claim against the negligent party.
Since there can potentially be more than one defendant in an 18-wheeler accident, you must have an experienced attorney who can aggressively defend your rights while fighting for a fair settlement that fully covers your damages. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have eight attorneys who provide services in every aspect related to personal injury law. Our attorneys have distinguished academic degrees, and vast negotiation and litigation experience and are well-known for zealously representing the interests of our clients. As Meredith, one of our former clients wrote:
“In the midst of a horrifically tragic time, Tronfeld West & Durrett came as such an incredible blessing. A friend recommended Jay Tronfeld personally, and I’m gratefully honored to say that Jay and his wonderful team were professional, honest, and truly understanding. I also worked closely with two other attorneys on the team, Mr. Martin and Mr. Speer. They both handled a very difficult situation with a respectful and understanding manner. I cannot thank them enough for all the hard work Tronfeld West & Durrett put into this and how gracious they were for giving me a compassionate ear. I would recommend them anytime to anyone, but please treat them with kindness on my behalf!”
For answers to your questions with a 18-wheeler accident serving Richmond, call:
800-321-6741
What Should I Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Since most of those injured in an 18-wheeler accident sustain severe, even catastrophic injuries, you may be unable to perform some of the following steps. Obtaining medical assistance is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your future immediately following your accident. Call 911, or have another person make that call. A police officer will investigate the accident, possibly determining which driver was at fault for the accident and filing a police report which will become an important piece of evidence.
After ensuring your injuries are taken care of, if you are able, take photographs of the scene of the accident and obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Once you are home, write down anything you can remember about the accident. No detail is too small—weather conditions, what the truck driver did that caused the accident, whether there were other causes of the accident, and what, if anything, the truck driver said following the accident.
Notify your insurance company about the accident, making sure to give them the details of the accident. Next, you will do the second-most important thing after seeing a medical professional—you will contact a Richmond 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett, who will handle the legalities associated with your accident. At the same time, you keep your focus on healing from your injuries.
What Is the Average Settlement for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Every 18-wheeler accident is unique in some way. Your accident has its own set of facts and circumstances, which will determine your eventual settlement for damages. If liability is unclear, the amount generally goes down. If you have extensive injuries that will require months, years or a lifetime of medical interventions and rehabilitative therapies, your settlement will naturally be higher. If you are partially or permanently disabled, or have disfiguring injuries, your settlement will also be higher.
If you will never be able to return to work, your attorney will calculate lost future wages, based on your age, education, and position at the time of your accident, along with the likelihood of advancement in your career. Your Richmond 18-wheeler accident lawyer will consider all these things when determining your damages, then will fight for a full and fair settlement on your behalf. Considering all these things, the “average” 18-wheeler settlement amount can range from $50,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, even into the million-dollar range.
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Should I Settle My 18-Wheeler Accident Claim Quickly?
In many cases, the trucking company’s insurance company may offer you a settlement soon after your accident. This settlement will likely be extremely low, not even remotely covering your damages from the accident. The insurer wants to get you to take this low settlement because you will not be able to come back later and ask for a fair amount. It’s important that you speak to a knowledgeable 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can assess the offered amount before you accept it to determine whether it is fair and will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents More Complex?
Accidents involving an 18-wheeler are usually much more complex than those involving two passenger vehicles. This is due to the fact that there can be multiple defendants in an 18-wheeler accident claim. The trucking company is usually at least partially responsible for the actions of its drivers and is also responsible for conducting thorough background checks and ensuring drivers are properly trained. If the truck driver that hit you was overly fatigued due to driving more hours than Federally allowed, the trucking company was surely aware of this fact, making them equally responsible.
The driver of the 18-wheeler may have been driving while distracted or impaired or could have been driving carelessly or recklessly. In virtually all cases—except when the driver uses their own truck and is classified as an independent contractor—the trucking company will be the primary target of a claim. Other situations, however, could have contributed to the accident. If shifting cargo caused the accident, the loading company might be partially liable for your accident.
When bad brakes or tires cause the accident, the truck’s maintenance company (if maintenance is contracted out) could also bear some of the liability. Less common, but still possible, is when a defective truck part causes your accident, triggering a product liability claim. Whoever is determined to be liable for your 18-wheeler accident needs a strong advocate in your corner who will fight for your rights and future. The Tronfeld West & Durrett law firm will do that and much more on your behalf, always fighting zealously for the best outcome.
How a Skilled Richmond 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer From Tronfeld West & Durrett Can Help
You will benefit greatly from the combined experience, knowledge, and skills of the attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett attorneys following your 18-wheeler accident. A Richmond 18-wheeler accident lawyer from our firm will be with you from beginning to end, ensuring nobody takes advantage of you and fighting for a settlement that will fully cover your damages. We have an exemplary reputation in the industry and across Virginia that will benefit you.
We have a deep understanding of what you are going through and the best ways to help you through this difficult time. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we offer a wide range of resources that will benefit you, ensuring you receive the medical treatments and the settlement you deserve. Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett today.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form