Fredericksburg, VA Truck Accident Lawyer

Fredericksburg, VA Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can be particularly terrifying, and the chances of experiencing a life-altering injury may be much higher. The size and power of a commercial truck can turn into an enormous weapon without much warning, and the resulting catastrophe can be overwhelming, especially if it occurs on a busy roadway. If you wish to pursue legal action against the person responsible for the accident, a Fredericksburg, VA truck accident lawyer can be your advocate.

A Truck Accident in Fredericksburg, VA

Accidents on the highway are already scary and dangerous, even without also having to consider the potential damage that a commercial truck could cause on top of everything else. A truck accident has the power to completely change your life in an instant. The amount of damage that you might suffer could be substantial. An experienced Fredericksburg personal injury lawyer can develop a strong case and figure out your next steps.

If you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party, it is important that you take into consideration the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Virginia, which is two years.

The state will give you two years to:

• Establish grounds for your case.
• Develop a strong claim.
• Gather sufficient evidence to bolster your claim.
• Consult a truck accident lawyer.
• File a claim for compensatory damages.

Be sure to file in a timely manner, or you may miss out.

If your claim is not filed before two years have passed, there is a solid chance that your claim will be dismissed entirely, and your chance to pursue compensation for your accident may be lost. It can take a lot more time to build a truck accident case than you might think, so you might consider starting the process soon. If you don’t think you have enough evidence, bring what you have to a truck accident lawyer and see what they say.

How to Deal With the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

There is not a lot that can prepare you for the fallout of a truck accident. The devastation may be too much for you to comprehend at the time. Still, it can be beneficial to understand the steps you may wish to take to protect yourself if you are ever involved in a truck accident.

Here are some of those steps:

• Don’t Flee: Upon being involved in a truck accident, your first instinct may be to panic and try to run. Whatever you do, do not flee the scene. Under Virginia state law, it is illegal for any driver involved in a bad accident to not stop and report the accident to the proper authorities. Failure to do so could result in significant legal penalties. Stay put, and calm yourself down.
• Check for Injuries: Depending on the nature of the accident, you could be dealing with serious injuries. It is important that you find out quickly just how bad the situation is by checking yourself for injuries. Look for protrusions, bloody spots, sprains, bruising, and broken bones. Do the same for any passengers you may have. If you do not find any injuries but are still in pain, be sure to let the EMTs know this.
• Call 911: Make sure you call 911 and report the accident as soon as you can. If you are too injured to move, have somebody else call 911. You will want police officers and EMTs on the scene as quickly as possible.
• Exchange Information: To move forward with your claim, you will need to exchange contact information with the truck driver. Get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance carrier, and the contact information of the trucking company that owns the truck. Throughout this process, never admit fault to anybody.
• Document the Scene: Be sure to gather evidence for your own records. Take photos of your injuries, the damage to your car, the damage to the truck, the road conditions, and any posted signs. Get the contact information of any witnesses who may be willing to testify.
• See a Lawyer: When you have gathered enough evidence, seen a doctor, and contacted your insurance, you should go see a truck accident lawyer to get started on building a solid case for compensation.

Fredericksburg Truck Accident FAQs

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Fredericksburg?

A: In Fredericksburg, VA, you have 24 hours to report an accident to the police. If you are unable to report it immediately after it happens, you should do so as soon as you possibly can. If police officers appear on the scene, they will start a police report. If police officers do not appear, you can report the accident to local law enforcement or your local DMV.

Q: How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident in Fredericksburg, VA?

A: Fault is determined in a truck accident in Fredericksburg by examining a number of significant factors in a thorough investigation. These factors include:

• The police report
• Witness statements
• Road conditions
• Damage reports
• Driver behavior

The goal is to establish negligence and determine exactly who was responsible for causing the accident.

Q: What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

A: Any number of situations could lead to a truck accident. Many of them are similar to what causes a car accident in Fredericksburg. However, truck accidents can have some specific situations that could lead to an accident, such as:

• Improperly loaded cargo
• Inexperienced or untrained drivers
• Overweight trucks
• Malfunctioning equipment

Sometimes, they are simply caused by a tired driver.

Q: Do I Need to Talk With the Trucking Company’s Insurance?

A: No, you do not need to speak with the trucking company’s insurance carrier or anybody’s insurance carrier but your own. If the other party’s insurance tries to contact you, you are under no obligation to say anything. In fact, it is recommended that you don’t. Simply direct them to speak with your lawyer. If the insurance carrier sends an adjuster to your home to speak with you, do the same thing. Refer them to your lawyer.

Reach Out Today

At Whitlock Law, LLC, we know how to handle a legal claim for damages brought on by a truck accident. We can take charge of the case and fight for compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.