Woodbridge Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents continue to be a top cause of death and disability in the United States, and statistics on the frequency of these incidents in Virginia are disturbing. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are roughly 5,600 crashes involving semis, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial trucks statewide every year. These truck collisions cause almost 130 fatalities annually, while another 2,400 victims suffer injuries.
Truck accident victims have rights under Virginia laws, but you might not know where to begin with enforcing them. Instead of trying to work through the complicated legal process by yourself, trust a skilled lawyer to handle your case. D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, has more than 25 years of experience advocating for injured people. Mike Mullori and his team are prepared to handle every aspect of your truck accident claim.
Contact us or call (703) 762-2142 for a free consultation with a Woodbridge truck accident attorney. We are ready to review your situation and explain your best legal options.
What to Do Following a Truck Accident in Woodbridge
Most importantly, after youāve been injured in a truck accident, you should get immediate medical care. Timely treatment is essential for healing and recovery and can also affect your rights when seeking compensation.
Additional steps you can take to protect your right to pursue compensation in truck accident cases include:
- Take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and other relevant details if youāre able to do so.
- Get contact information for witnesses whose recollections may help your case.
- Ask the police for a copy of the police report or information about how to get one.
- Jot down notes about what happened in the truck crash.
- Keep a diary documenting your injuries, treatment, and physical limitations.
- Contact our Woodbridge truck collision attorney to discuss your options.
Taking these steps can help build a strong foundation for your claim for compensation. If you take these actions, our attorney can use this information to chart a course for your claim.
Timing is also an issue because the statute of limitations in Virginia allows only two years from the date of the crash to file suit. You must file a lawsuit in court before the deadline expires, or you could lose your ability to pursue compensation through the court system.
What Compensation Could I Receive for My Truck Crash Injuries?
In a Woodbridge truck collision claim, you could recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses that you suffered due to the accident. Economic losses are tangible and measurable in terms of dollar value. They include:
- Costs of medical treatment
- Lost wages if you were unable to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care
- Property damage to vehicles and other belongings
In addition, noneconomic losses are intangible, subjective losses you suffer because of the crash. These losses include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Numerous factors affect the value of your claim, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of time you miss from work, the strength of your legal counsel, and the amount of the at-fault partyās insurance coverage.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Wreck in Woodbridge?
When you see a semi traveling down the highway, you might not realize the number of parties that played a role in putting that truck on the road. Any of these parties might be at fault for the accident that harmed you. Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck driver ā If the truck driverās fatigued, distracted, under-the-influence driving or other negligence caused the crash, they could be liable.
- Trucking company ā Trucking companies are vicariously liable for the truck drivers they employ. A trucking company could be liable if they engaged in negligent hiring practices and hired an independent contractor truck driver with an unsafe driving record. Additionally, the trucking company could be liable if they failed to properly maintain their fleet, and the truckās faulty maintenance led to the crash.
- Vehicle manufacturers ā Itās possible to seek compensation from a vehicle manufacturer or company that produced defective parts, equipment, and systems on the truck that malfunctioned and caused the crash.
- Other third parties ā Third parties might be liable in a truck accident, such as a government body that failed to repair a dangerous intersection.
Virginiaās contributory negligence rule might affect liability in a truck accident claim, and this rule has harsh implications. If a victim is even slightly at fault for causing the crash, they cannot recover any compensation. A thorough investigation is crucial to combat the effects of the contributory negligence law and uncover facts to support your case to show that you played no part in causing the accident.
Common Causes and Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Virginia can be caused by factors such as these examples:
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to check all blind spots
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Improper maintenance
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- High winds, slippery conditions, and other adverse weather effects
Types of truck accidents that can result include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Blind spot accidents
- Override accidents
- Underride accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Jackknifing
- Rollovers
- Wide turn accidents
- Lost loads
Types of Injuries Sustained in Woodbridge Truck Accidents
Trauma from a truck crash is usually extreme, and many victims suffer permanent disability. The long-term effects of catastrophic injuries may include lifelong care when an injured person loses independence and becomes reliant upon others. The consequences for quality of life are considerable, and the bills for ongoing medical treatment can skyrocket. Compensation is available for these losses, but proving your rights requires meticulous medical documentation.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other head injuries
- Trauma to internal organs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Back and neck injuries
- Burns
- Joint damage
- Facial and dental injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations
- Lacerations and bruises
- Crushing injuries
How a Woodbridge Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
Attorney Mike Mullori stands ready to work diligently to pursue maximum compensation for your losses. You can trust our truck collision lawyer to:
- Investigate and gather evidence, including black box data, driverās logs, accident reconstruction, and more
- Calculate the full extent of your losses
- Prepare a legal strategy using knowledge of complex trucking regulations
- Negotiate with the insurance company to seek a reasonable settlement
- Take your case to court as necessary to protect your rights
A Skilled Woodbridge Truck Accident Lawyer Ready to Serve Your Needs
The legal team at D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, is committed to supporting you during this traumatic time and pursuing the compensation you deserve after a truck collision. Youāve dealt with enough already. Let Mike Mullori and his team take the burden off your shoulders while you focus on your health.
To learn more, Contact us or call (703) 762-2142 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney at our law firm.
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