If you have sustained serious injuries from a truck accident, you can and should seek legal action against the person or entity that caused it. Filing a lawsuit against a major transportation company might seem intimidating, and the statutes in truck accidents have only gotten more complex with time. However, this process is routine for the Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers at Rutter Mills. We have the experience and financial resources to ensure your voice is heard and your right to compensation is protected.
Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers
Mistakes To Avoid After A Truck Crash in Virginia Beach
The action you take immediately after an accident significantly impacts your claim. Seemingly minor mistakes could end up damaging your effort at recovering compensation, or could disqualify you from it altogether. A common trap people fall into is signing a document without understanding its implications. Opposing attorneys or insurance companies might send you documents or low settlement offers within days after your crash. If you sign, and take the offer or sign without reading, you could be signing away your legal right to seek damages.
Never sign anything without the eye of an experienced Rutter Mill truck accident attorney, who knows exactly what steps to take to maximize your settlement or verdict.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After A Truck Accident
You might have to talk to your own insurance company about the accident, but you should never discuss your claim with the other driver’s carrier. When you work with our experienced truck accident attorneys in Virginia Beach, you can leave the communication regarding your claim to your legal counsel.
In addition, do not take on an injury claim alone. When an accident seems to be the fault of the truck operator, you might assume it is safe to handle your claim alone. Unfortunately, aggressive insurance companies look forward to taking advantage of these individuals. Level the playing field with an experienced Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyer from Rutter Mills.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Complex?
Semi-trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, so they transfer greater force during impact. Drivers and passengers in vehicles struck by 18-wheelers are more likely to suffer a serious, even fatal injury.
Between the driver, owner, the company leasing, and even possibly another company loading or maintaining the truck, there are many potentially liable or responsible parties involved in a commercial vehicle crash. Employment and independent contractor relationships further complicate the liability questions.
Both state and federal laws impose strict requirements on commercial drivers. These include the number of hours a driver may be on the road without rest, how they record their miles, maintenance, and inspections, and how long they must wait between consuming alcohol or certain supplements before operating a truck.
In addition to the records commercial vehicle operators are required to keep, many 18-wheelers today are outfitted with “black boxes”. These boxes record crucial details of the trip before and during the crash, including the speed of the truck and when it applied the brakes.
Federal laws require truck drivers and trucking companies to carry higher insurance coverage than non-commercial drivers, but the complex relationships between the parties can make it difficult to decipher whose insurance will be liable.
Damages Available For Truck Accident Victims
Common examples of damages include:
- Medical bills
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair costs
What We Can Do For You
We have the expertise to go toe-to-toe with commercial trucks’ large insurance companies and the resources to gather the appropriate evidence for your case. The Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers from Rutter Mills will make sure you get what you are owed for your injuries.
If you are ready to begin the claims process, Rutter Mills is prepared to help you explore your options. To learn about your claim and what to expect from pursuing it, contact us today for a free consultation.
Negligence in Truck Accidents
News reports frequently cite driver negligence as a leading cause of truck accidents in Virginia Beach. Instances of distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting GPS devices, divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Moreover, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant concern, posing dangers not only to truck operators but also to innocent bystanders.
Improper vehicle maintenance is a contributing factor to truck accidents in Virginia Beach as well. Reports often highlight defective brakes, tire blowouts, and overloaded cargo compromise the truck’s stability and maneuverability. These mechanical failures, exacerbated by long hours on the road, underscore the importance of regular inspections and compliance with safety regulations.
Contact a Virginia truck accident attorney for expert legal guidance
A Rutter Mills case is a serious case. It may mean you have been badly injured. It certainly means you have a lot on the line, and the resolution of your case will make a big difference to you, your family, and your life moving forward.
Years Representing Virginia Beach Truck Accident Victims
Convenient Locations
Team members ready to help
Hotspots For Virginia Beach Truck Accidents
I-64
The Interstate 64 corridor connects Virginia Beach to neighboring cities and states, but it also is a hotspot for accidents. The high volume of traffic, coupled with speeding and driver fatigue, often leads to collisions involving trucks. Vehicles merging from different lanes and exits increase the risk of accidents, especially during peak travel times.
Virginia Beach Blvd and Military Highway
These roads are vital for commerce and transportation, with heavy-duty trucks navigating through congested urban areas. However, the mix of commercial and residential zones, inadequate signage, and road maintenance create hazardous conditions for all motorists.
Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
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