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Types of Truck Accidents in Virginia
One of the biggest dangers when traveling on Virginia’s roads is large commercial vehicles transporting goods across the Commonwealth. In an instant, a truck accident can cause devastating and often tragic consequences. If you have suffered injuries in a collision with a commercial truck, you may be eligible to file a claim for your losses.
Having an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer on your side can optimize your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve. The seasoned Virginia attorneys at Kendall Law Firm have a thorough understanding of these complex cases. We stand ready to fight for justice on your behalf and hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you.
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Virginia?
When a truck accident attorney in Virginia studies a case, they often categorize the crash based on the nature of the accident. Knowing the consequences of each type of accident can help you understand what to expect as you file your claim. Some of the most common types of truck accidents in Virginia we encounter include the following:
- Jackknife Tractor Trailer Accidents – When a tractor-trailer’s drive wheels lock, the trailer swings to the side to create a sharp angle with the cab, creating a jackknife situation. This dangerous configuration can lead to severe multi-vehicle accidents.
- Rollover Accidents – Sudden swerves, speeding, or uneven cargo loading can cause a truck to tip over. Due to their unusual and unpredictable force, rollover accidents can lead to significant damage and crushing injuries.
- Underride Crashes – This type of collision occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer. Underride crashes can result in severe injuries or death due to the sheer impact and nature of these accidents.
- Blind Spot Accidents – Trucks have large blind spots in which a smaller vehicle can essentially become invisible to the trucker. If a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in its blind spot, the driver’s uninformed maneuvering can lead to catastrophic collisions.
- Load Spills – If a truck’s load is not secured correctly, it can spill onto the roadway. Pieces of cargo or hazardous materials on the road can create sudden dangers that other motorists find difficult to avoid.
- Tire Blowout Accident – Tire blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Because of the truck’s awkward shape and enormous size, this loss of control can lead to devastating accidents.
- Head-On/Rear-End Collisions – Because trucks are so much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, they can cause severe damage and catastrophic injuries in head-on and rear-end collisions.
- Right-Turn Accidents – Trucks use a large turning radius when they turn right. If drivers do not execute these turns properly, they risk colliding with other vehicles on the truck’s right side.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
Federal regulations stringently govern the practices of commercial trucking companies and their employees because the government knows how deadly truck accidents can be. Truck collisions are typically more dangerous than car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh approximately 20 times more than an average passenger vehicle. The momentum of a truck is significant and potentially catastrophic at any speed. An 18-wheeler accident can cause life-threatening injuries to occupants of passenger vehicles due to the sheer force of the impact.
Furthermore, trucks take longer to stop and are harder to maneuver, increasing the risk of severe collisions. If a truck driver is drowsy, is distracted, or lacks adequate training, they can quickly lose control of their vehicle, potentially leading to a deadly crash.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Virginia?
You may feel overwhelmed if you have suffered injuries in a Virginia truck accident. However, it is crucial to navigate the aftermath of an accident as methodically as possible to give yourself the best chance of a successful recovery. Taking the following steps can protect you and your claim:
- Seek medical attention promptly. If you wait too long before receiving a medical examination, the insurance company may argue you were injured in an unrelated incident.
- Report the accident to the police. They will file an official report that will be an essential document for your accident claim.
- Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, including photographs, videos, and contact information for the driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid discussing the accident details with insurance adjusters. They will use anything you say to minimize your claim. Even if they frame the conversation as a “courtesy call,” their goal is to save the insurance company money. Let your lawyer do the talking for you so you do not inadvertently harm your chances of receiving maximum compensation.
- Contact a trusted truck accident attorney in Virginia as soon as possible. A skilled attorney with a thorough knowledge of truck accident law can help you deal with insurance companies, calculate the value of your losses, and pursue a claim for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Kendall Law Firm Today
After a truck accident, time is of the essence. Every moment matters when preserving evidence and establishing a solid case. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in any of the common types of truck accidents in Virginia, you must take action as soon as possible to optimize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
The experienced attorneys at Kendall Law Firm are ready to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. Our skilled Virginia truck accident attorneys have extensive experience handling all types of truck accident cases. Trust us to provide the compassionate, personalized, and effective legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you.