Truck Accident Attorney in Lexington

Truck accidents are some of the most serious we see in our work advocating for the rights of injury victims. The difficulty of maneuvering these vehicles, coupled with their enormous size, creates the perfect recipe for catastrophic collisions. Accordingly, to keep roads safe for all users, truck drivers are required to follow many safety regulations that other drivers are not. Even so, truck accidents happen. That is why you should contact one of our truck accident attorneys today.

One of the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Lexington

The best thing to do after being involved in a truck accident is to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer. These kinds of cases can quickly become very complex due to their high monetary value, multiple sources of liability, and combative defendants. If you were injured in a truck accident at little to no fault of your own, the legal team at Lichtenstein Law Group is ready to evaluate your case in a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Serious Than Other Auto Accidents?

Accidents involving commercial trucks typically result in more serious injuries and extensive property damage than more commonplace accidents because of the enormous size and weight of these vehicles. To put things in perspective, an 18-wheeler can weigh between 30,000 pounds when empty and upwards of 85,000 pounds when fully loaded. By contrast, the average passenger vehicle clocks in at around 3,000-4,000 pounds.

Their large size also means that commercial trucks are also much more difficult to maneuver. Truck drivers must also contend with larger blind spots in which smaller vehicles may not be visible. Finally, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), trucks need 20–40 percent more distance to stop than cars. All of these factors raise the risk of being involved in a truck accident.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lexington?

In most cases, various factors come together to cause an auto accident. Collisions involving commercial trucks are no exception. This means that each should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a skilled attorney. Factors commonly involved in truck accidents include:

Driver fatigue – Truckers hauling goods across long distances must often drive for many hours on end. The resulting fatigue significantly raises the risk of causing an accident. Truck drivers who fail to take regular breaks or who drive longer than their permitted hours of service may find themselves liable for compensating injured victims in the event of an accident.
Distracted driving – Like other drivers, truckers risk causing an accident when distracted behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of checking texts or a GPS navigator is enough to give rise to an accident.
Aggressive driving – Aggressive behavior is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Speeding, weaving in traffic, tailgating, and failing to yield the right-of-way are all examples of aggressive driving that raise the risk of causing a truck accident.
Mechanical failure – Commercial trucks used to haul goods over long distances undergo lots of wear and tear. To reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failure, truck owners and operators are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. If a failure is caused by a defective part, the part manufacturer or distributor may be on the hook.
Improper loading – Trucks must be loaded correctly to ensure that their cargo weight is distributed evenly. If a load shifts during travel, it can destabilize the truck and cause the driver to lose control.
Inclement weather – Heavy rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility on the road. Further, wet and icy roads can reduce traction. All drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving to weather conditions. When failure to do so causes an accident, truck drivers can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Lexington?

Getting goods across the country involves many actors, making the trucking industry very complex and layered. On the one hand, this means more sources of liability for plaintiffs to pursue in the event of a truck accident. On the other, it means more complicated litigation requiring the attention of an attorney experienced in pushing back against combative defendants. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liable parties may include the:

Truck driver
Trucking company
Owner of the truck or trailer
Maintenance crew
Truck loaders
Manufacturer of a defective part
Another driver

Our Lexington truck accident attorneys are ready to conduct a thorough, independent investigation of your accident. We will explore all sources of liability and make sure no stones are left unturned.

What Compensation Is Available Through a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

If you successfully prove the at-fault party’s responsibility for a truck accident, they will be liable for compensating you for the economic and noneconomic impact your injuries and losses have on your life. At Lichtenstein Law Group, we can help you pursue compensation for things like:

Medical bills incurred treating your injuries
Lost wages from time missed at work
Lowered earning capacity if you are left with a long-term disability
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage repair and replacement costs

It is impossible to predict beforehand precisely how much your truck accident claim may be worth. That said, our truck accident lawyers can give you a good idea of whether you have a strong case in a free consultation.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?

In Virginia, truck accident lawsuits must be filed within two years after the date of the accident. This rule is strictly enforced by courts. If you miss the deadline, the defendants in your case will move to have your lawsuit dismissed, a request the presiding judge will most likely be required to grant. Though there are a few very narrow exceptions to the rule, it is best to consult with a truck accident attorney early on before relying on them.

Contact a Lexington Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are among the most serious we see in our work as Lexington personal injury attorneys. The outsized proportions of many commercial trucks mean they are more difficult to maneuver and more likely to cause catastrophic injuries when involved in an accident.

If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, the best thing to do is consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss out on the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact Lichtenstein Law Group today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Lexington.