INTERSTATE 64 TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Interstate 64 is a major east-west highway that runs from Chesapeake, VA, to Wentzville, MO, connecting major cities like St. Louis, Lexington, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. The heavy traffic it carries means that accidents are unfortunately common, especially around the major population centers of eastern Virginia. According to the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), there were around 21,000 crashes along the I-64 corridor over a five-year period. That means there was almost certainly an accident on Interstate 64 today.

I-64 also serves as a major trucking corridor. When these massive commercial vehicles get into accidents, the consequences are often devastating for anyone unlucky enough to be nearby. If you were injured in an I-64 truck accident, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. Let the attorneys at Kendall Law Firm in Charlottesville, VA, help you demand it. We have extensive experience taking on negligent truck drivers and liable trucking companies, getting our clients the money they need to rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation with an I-64 truck accident lawyer, and find out what we can do for you.

Understanding Interstate 64 and Truck Traffic

I-64 plays a critical role in commerce and Virginia’s economy. According to the CTB, over 7 million trucks transport $135 billion in goods along the I-64 corridor annually. This route is crucial for connecting the Port of Virginia to areas further west. 

However, trucks must share the road with other vehicles. Commuters regularly use I-64 to get to and from work. Vacationers also utilize this route to access Virginia’s beaches and visit its biggest cities. The high volume of commercial truck traffic puts all vehicles on I-64 at an increased risk for severe accidents.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-64

Truck drivers have a big responsibility to drive safely to protect themselves, their cargo, and everyone on the road around them. When they fail in this responsibility, innocent people can get hurt. The factors contributing to truck accidents on I-64 are well-known and generally preventable. These frequent causes include the following:

• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Poor road conditions
• Bad weather conditions
• Poor lighting
• Inexperienced drivers
• Improperly loaded or overloaded trailers
• Mechanical failures
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

A semi-truck without a trailer weighs around 10,000 pounds, double that of an average car. When hitched to a fully loaded trailer, it can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A semi-truck’s immense size makes maneuvering and stopping challenging. It also creates large blind spots that other road users can become lost in. And when semi-trucks collide with a smaller vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.

Legal Implications and Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Proving negligence and liability in a truck accident case is often more complicated than in an accident between two passenger vehicles. Because of this, you should choose an attorney with proven results winning I-64 accident cases. 

Some of the factors that make truck accident cases more challenging include the following:

More Potentially Liable Parties

In most car accidents, establishing fault is relatively straightforward. The defendant is typically another driver and their insurance company. But in the case of an accident with a commercial truck, there may be multiple parties that are potentially liable for the accident. 

While truck drivers and trucking companies are often most directly to blame for accidents, other parties can also be responsible. For example, if a critical component on the truck fails, the driver might have done their best to control the vehicle in a difficult situation. In this case, the liability could fall on the mechanic, the trucking company, or even the truck manufacturer. 

Similarly, the shipping company is responsible for properly loading the truck. However, the truck driver must also complete inspections to ensure the load is stable. This practice can help catch dangerous mistakes before they become a problem. When multiple parties cut corners or act negligently, they may all be liable for injuries that result from their negligence.

More Complicated Evidence

A thorough investigation is crucial to winning a truck accident case. Your attorney might use many different types of evidence when building your case, including:

• Accident reconstruction
• Interviews with witnesses
• Vehicle inspection
• Medical record review
• Consulting with expert witnesses

Some of this valuable evidence is likely in the hands of the trucking company, such as the vehicle’s black box event recorders, hours-of-service and maintenance logs, and employment records. Recovering and analyzing this evidence takes particular skill and experience.

Trucking Regulations

Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies operating between states are subject to strict federal regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws limit the hours driven and require inspections and regular maintenance. 

Truck drivers must log their compliance with these laws, which serves as valuable evidence in the event of an accident. An attorney can analyze the truck driver logs to identify ways they may have violated these regulations.

Higher Stakes

Truck accident cases are often worth significantly more than other accidents. Survivors may have life-altering injuries and desperately need compensation for medical bills and other expenses. And because commercial vehicles have much higher minimum insurance limits, there could be millions of dollars on the line.

However, the fight is never easy because trucking companies have powerful attorneys to protect their assets and reputations. Commercial truck insurance policies are also more complicated than personal vehicle policies, requiring more skill and insight to untangle.

More Extensive Injuries

Truck accidents frequently cause permanent injuries such as amputations, brain injuries, and paralysis. Many truck accident victims will need continuing medical care for the rest of their lives, with considerable financial impact. Predicting future costs can be complicated. Insurance companies often take advantage of this confusion by offering victims seemingly large settlements that do not account for all future expenses.

Seeking Compensation and Justice for Truck Accident Victims

Depending on the specific circumstances of the collision, you could be entitled to compensation for your:

• Current and future medical bills
• Long-term care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Lower quality of life
• Emotional distress

A skilled I-64 truck accident attorney can calculate your losses and help you pursue the full compensation you are owed.

Call Kendall Law Firm: Interstate 64 Truck Accident Lawyers

At Kendall Law Firm, injury law is all we do – and we’ve been doing it for over 30 years. We firmly believe no one should have to suffer the immense physical and emotional harm that a truck accident causes. Although we cannot undo the horrible pain you have experienced, we can help you pursue justice and the compensation necessary to relieve financial stress and improve your quality of life.

If you’ve suffered injuries in an I-64 accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We want to hear your story and explain how we can help.