Glen Allen, VA Truck Accident Lawyer

Glen Allen, VA Truck Accident Attorney

It can be particularly terrifying and life-threatening to be involved in a truck accident. These incidents are often catastrophic due to the sheer size and power that a commercial truck has. The resulting devastation can be considerable, especially if it happens on a busy highway. If you manage to survive a truck accident and wish to pursue legal action against the truck driver or trucking company, speak with a Glen Allen truck accident lawyer today.

Being Involved in a Truck Accident

Vehicular accidents are already scary enough without having to take into account the possibility that the damage could be worse. That’s what happens when a truck is involved in an accident. The potential for disaster goes way up, and the damage you could suffer might be substantial. An experienced Glen Allen personal injury lawyer can establish a case against the right people and pursue compensation for your traumatic experience.

If you do decide to pursue legal action against the party responsible for the accident, it is vitally important to your case that you adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Virginia, which is two years.

That means you will have two years to:

• Establish grounds for your claim.
• Build up your case to its strongest possible version.
• Gather persuasive evidence.
• Speak with a lawyer.
• File a claim for compensatory damages.

If you do not file your claim before two years have passed, there is a very good chance that it will be dismissed entirely, and your opportunity to pursue damages will be gone. Building a strong personal injury case can take a lot more time than you might think, so you may want to take what you have to a truck accident lawyer and hear what they have to say.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Glen Allen?

There is very little that can prepare you mentally for the devastation of a truck accident. That doesn’t mean it can’t help to understand what could happen and how to handle it. If you are ever involved in a truck accident, you may just be thankful that you survived. Once the shock wears off, you may want to pursue a claim.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure that claim is protected in Glen Allen:

• Don’t Panic: You have just been in an accident with a truck. A lot is going to be racing through your mind. It is important that you do not panic, even if every instinct in your body is telling you otherwise. Panicking won’t help you in the slightest, and it could actually make things worse for you. Calm yourself, take some deep breaths, and start assessing your situation.
• Don’t Flee the Scene: It is absolutely vital that you do not try to flee the scene. You could make your whole situation considerably worse, and you may even face substantial legal action. It is illegal for a driver not to stop for any accident they were involved in where a person is seriously injured or killed. Failing to stop or trying to flee could result in serious legal blowback for you.
• Check for Injuries: Once you have calmed yourself down, you should immediately begin checking yourself for injuries. After being in a truck accident, it may be somewhat surprising if you are not injured. Check yourself for bloody spots, bruising, sprains, protrusions, and broken bones. If you don’t find anything but you’re still in pain, be sure to bring your concerns to the EMTs once they arrive.
• Call 911: As soon as you can, call 911 to get the police and EMTs to the scene as soon as possible. There might be a lot of damage due to the accident, and the police can block it off from the public. Having law enforcement on the scene may also provide you with some peace and reassurance.
• Exchange Information: You will need to exchange your contact and insurance information with the truck driver. Get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance carrier. Don’t forget to get the contact information for their trucking company, too.
• Don’t Admit Fault: Throughout everything, you should never admit fault for the accident. Admitting fault can seriously hurt your chances of recouping damages. Even if you are sure that you caused the accident, never admit it to the other driver, the police, or your insurance. Even apologizing can be considered an admission of guilt. Don’t do it.
• Document the Scene: When the police have cleared it, you should document the scene 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 help.
• See a Lawyer: Once you have gathered enough information and wish to pursue further action, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.

Glen Allen Truck Accident FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: How much most truck accident settlements might be does not affect the value of your own settlement. Every truck accident case is different, and the details of that specific case will directly influence the settlement amount. Just because a case like yours results in a strong settlement, it doesn’t mean yours will, too. The severity of your injuries and the evidence you have will affect the total amount.

Q: What Is a Non-Reportable Accident in Virginia?

A: In Virginia, a non-reportable accident is any vehicular accident that meets the following criteria:

• There is less than $1,500 in property damage.
• It occurs on private property.
• It does not result in any injuries.

You still have to report the incident to your insurance, but the police do not have to be notified.

Q: What Is the Virginia Code for Vehicle Accidents?

A: The Virginia code for vehicle accidents is § 46.2-894. This part of the state code:

• Details the duty of a driver to stop in the event of an accident
• Explains when to report an accident to the police and what information to provide
• Provides other useful information if you ever pursue legal action or a claim is filed against you

Q: How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Virginia?

A: In Virginia, an insurance company has up to 60 days to settle a claim. It must acknowledge the claim within 10 days, notify the claimant within 30 days, and make payments within 15 days. If it needs more time, it must notify the claimant about any delays within 45 days.

Contact Us Today

At Whitlock Law, LLC, we can help you figure out your next steps after a truck accident. Contact us to speak with one of our attorneys.