When a truck driver or company’s negligence causes an accident, the consequences can be catastrophic, entitling victims to claim compensation for the resulting damages.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we understand that truck accidents can be a life-changing event for you and your family, and our team is here to make the journey toward justice a little less daunting. With over 50 years of experience, we know how to take on the big trucking companies and their insurers, ensuring that your story is heard and your rights are protected. Whether you’ve sustained serious injuries or are dealing with the emotional toll of a personal injury, we are committed to fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Virginia

In Virginia, truck accidents are not rare occurrences—they’re an everyday reality that can instantly change lives. According to the latest data from the DMV, there were more than 3,000 crashes involving large trucks last year alone, and unfortunately, that number shows no signs of going down.

Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Virginia:

  • Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can significantly reduce their reaction times and alertness, leading to accidents.
  • Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, eating, or adjusting their radios while driving are at a higher risk of causing accidents due to divided attention.
  • Speeding: Large trucks need more time and distance to stop, and excessive speed increases the risk of losing control and causing serious accidents.
  • Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications can impair a truck driver’s judgment and reaction time, leading to catastrophic accidents.
  • Inclement Weather: Bad weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, or ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of truck accidents.
  • Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues often contribute to truck accidents. Faulty equipment or poor maintenance can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles.
  • Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo can make trucks unstable, increasing the risk of tipping or losing control on the road.
  • Aggressive Driving: Truck drivers engaging in tailgating, frequent lane changes, or road rage can pose a significant risk to other drivers on the road.
  • Traffic Violations: Failing to follow traffic rules, such as running red lights or failing to yield, can lead to serious accidents, particularly at intersections.
  • Road Conditions: Poor road maintenance, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, can lead to accidents when truck drivers lose control of their vehicles.

Drawing on our extensive knowledge of Virginia’s trucking laws and vast experience handling diverse truck accident claims, we’re here to help you identify which parties acted negligently and caused the accident.

We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Virginia truck accident lawyers to understand your options for securing the compensation you deserve.

Can the Trucking Company Be Held Accountable in a Virginia Truck Collision?

Yes. In many truck accident cases, the trucking company may bear some responsibility, whether due to poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver training, or pushing drivers to break hours-of-service rules. We’ve spent years holding these companies accountable, and we’ll fight to make sure they pay for the harm they’ve caused.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Virginia Truck Accident

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you’re likely facing more than just physical pain—you may also be dealing with financial stress, lost income, and emotional trauma. We help our clients fight for every type of compensation they deserve:

Medical Bills and Long-Term Care Expenses

From emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy, medical bills can add up quickly after a truck accident. We ensure that all your current and future medical expenses are factored into your claim.

Compensation for Lost Wages and Future Income

Truck accidents often leave victims unable to work for weeks, months, or even longer. We fight for compensation that covers not just the wages you’ve already lost, but also any potential future earnings that your injuries might impact.

Pain and Suffering Damages

The impact of a truck accident goes beyond just dollars and cents. Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress that a severe accident can cause.

Your Legal Options Following a Virginia Truck Collision

After a truck accident, knowing your options can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team is here to help you decide the best course of action:

Should You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If your injuries are severe, filing a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia may be the best way to recover full compensation. We’ll guide you through the process, from filing your claim to gathering evidence, and represent you every step of the way.

Exploring Mediation or Settlement Options

Not every case needs to go to court. We are skilled negotiators who work hard to reach a fair settlement out of court, saving you time and reducing stress.

When Arbitration Might Be the Best Choice

Sometimes, arbitration provides a quicker, more private resolution. We can help you understand whether arbitration might be the right choice for your specific case.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Virginia

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can make a significant difference in protecting your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Contact Emergency Services: Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Ensure that a police report is filed, as this will be crucial evidence in your case. Cooperate with the authorities and provide a clear, factual account of what happened.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: If you’ve been injured, get immediate medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as internal trauma, may not be apparent right away. Follow up with your doctor for a full evaluation.
  3. Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and your injuries. These photos can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
  4. Get Contact Information: Exchange contact information with other parties involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Be sure to write down their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Witness testimony can help strengthen your case.
  5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible, but avoid giving any recorded statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
  6. Contact an Attorney: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies and insurers who will work hard to minimize your compensation. A skilled truck accident attorney can handle the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia law gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Va. Code § 8.01-243. However, waiting too long can weaken your case. Evidence can deteriorate over time, and witness recollections may fade, making it harder to build a strong claim.

To ensure the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve, it’s crucial to act quickly after the accident. Contacting a truck accident lawyer immediately after your accident allows us to start gathering crucial evidence, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and build a solid case on your behalf.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we guide you through the process from start to finish and ensure that your claim is filed within the legal deadline.

Virginia Truck Accident Statistics

Truck accidents continue to be a significant issue in Virginia. According to recent data, 5,785 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accidents occurred in 2023, accounting for 4.5% of all Virginia accidents. These crashes resulted in 2,233 injuries and 3,345 instances of property damage.

In terms of causes, improper lane changes and tailgating were the most common contributing factors to truck accidents. Additionally, alcohol-related fatalities in Virginia reached 293 in 2023, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year, further compounding the dangers of Virginia’s roads.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also reported that 77% of large truck crashes involved tractors hauling a single semi-trailer, and 5% were carrying hazardous materials, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.

Serving Clients in Truck Accident Cases Across Virginia’s Metropolitan Areas

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve built a reputation for standing up for our clients in even the toughest truck accident cases. No matter where you are in Virginia—we’re here to fight for your rights.

Truck accidents can happen anywhere, and we’re ready to represent clients across all of Virginia’s metropolitan areas:

  • Virginia Beach
  • Richmond
  • Fredericksburg
  • Newport News
  • Norfolk
  • Chesapeake
  • Alexandria

Our team is ready to provide the skilled legal representation you need for a truck accident case. We invite you to explore our case results to see how we’ve helped others and learn what we can do for you. Additionally, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss potential successful outcomes for your case.

Highlighting Our Truck Accident Case Results

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for victims of truck accidents. In one case, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement, one of the largest in Virginia, for a client who was rear-ended by a commercial truck on Interstate 95 after the truck driver had been on duty for 37 hours. The plaintiff suffered life-threatening injuries and required emergency air-lift to VCU Medical Center.

In another case, a Richmond jury awarded $4.5 million to a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a heavy-duty truck while stopped at a stoplight in Chesterfield County. Despite challenges from the defense, we successfully proved liability and secured the compensation our client deserved. Our firm is committed to fighting for maximum compensation and justice for truck accident victims across Virginia.

Offering Decades of Experience for Your Virginia Truck Accident Case

Experience matters, especially in complex truck accident cases. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our decades of experience mean we know how to navigate the complexities and stand up to the insurance companies. As experienced personal injury lawyers in Virginia, we are well-versed in the state’s legal landscape and committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries. Whether you’re facing medical expenses, lost wages, or ongoing pain and suffering, we are here to advocate for your rights and help you through every step of the legal process.

Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you.

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?

Automobile accidents are, by far, the most common type of personal injury claim. There are more than 17,250 car accidents every day in the United States, and many of those accidents are the direct result of negligence or carelessness on the part of a driver. Auto accidents can cause injuries that result in lifelong medical issues and pain. Therefore, holding the careless driver responsible is extremely important.