Virginia Truck Accident Statistics

There were 6,153 reported commercial motor vehicle accidents in one recent year in Virginia. These collisions resulted in 23 fatalities and 1,324 injuries. Large truck accidents accounted for 4.8 percent of total traffic accidents, 2.5 percent of crash-related fatalities, and 2 percent of such injuries (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles).

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Virginia, help is at hand. Contact Lichtenstein Law Group PLC today for a free consultation and to find out what our Virginia truck accident attorneys can do for you.

What Factors Contribute to Truck Accidents in Virginia?

Most truck accidents in Virginia happen because someone made a mistake. Common examples include the following:

• Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, and despite state and federal regulations limiting driving hours, fatigue remains a leading cause of accidents. Drowsy driving can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of errors.
• Distracted Driving – Distractions come in many forms, from texting to inputting coordinates on a GPS device to eating while driving. Such distractions can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, with devastating consequences.
• Aggressive Driving – Tailgating, weaving between lanes, or giving into road rage can escalate the likelihood of a crash.
• Speeding – Large trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop than passenger vehicles, and these increase with speed. Truck drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions give themselves less time to react to a potential hazard.
• Failure to Check Blind Spots – Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. If a driver fails to check these blind spots, they may collide with other vehicles when changing lanes or turning.
• Driving Under the Influence – While most truck drivers abide by the law, those who operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs compromise their ability to drive safely.
• Inadequate Training – Trucks require specialized training to operate effectively. An insufficiently trained driver is more apt to make mistakes in judgment or handling of the truck.
• Improperly Secured Loads – Cargo that is not properly secured in the vehicle can shift or fall in transit, creating hazardous situations for other drivers on the road.
• Mechanical Failures – Poor maintenance or defective parts can fail in operation, resulting in loss of vehicle control and collisions.

Are There Certain Age Groups That Are More Likely to be Involved in Truck Accidents in Virginia?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks the ages of drivers involved in fatal truck accidents nationally. Here’s the age breakdown of such drivers in the most recently available year:

• 25 for younger: 417 fatal accidents, 7 percent of the total
• 26 to 35: 1,063 fatal accidents, 18.9 percent of the total
• 36 to 45: 1,192 fatal accidents, 21.2 percent of the total
• 46 to 55: 1,327 fatal accidents, 23.6 percent of the total
• 56 to 65: 1,181 fatal accidents, 21 percent of the total
• 66 to 75: 349 fatal accidents, 6.2 percent of the total
• 76 and over: 70 fatal accidents, 1.2 percent of the total

In other words, the distribution of fatal accidents is fairly proportionate to the age cohort’s representation in the workforce, with especially young or old drivers being possibly more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.

Are There Certain Virginia Roads Where Truck Accidents Would Be More Likely To Happen?

The Virginia DMV found that most fatal truck accidents in the state happen on the interstate corridors that handle most of its trucking volume. They include:

• I-81
• I-95
• I-64

What Is the Leading Cause of Truck Accidents in Virginia?

The Virginia DMV found that the truck driver made an improper action in 51.2 percent of reported commercial motor vehicle accidents in the state. The leading actions were as follows:

• Improper lane change: 8.7 percent of accidents
• Following too close: 7.1 percent of accidents
• Failure to yield: 3.4 percent of accidents
• Improper turn: 2.3 percent of accidents
• Hit and run: 2.2 percent of accidents
• Speeding too fast: 2 percent of accidents
• Avoiding other vehicle: 1.5 percent of accidents
• Ran traffic control: 1.3 percent of accidents
• Improper backing: 1 percent of accidents
• Illegal/improper parking: 0.7 percent of accidents
• Left of center – not passing: 0.6 percent of accidents
• Improper passing: 0.4 percent of accidents
• Avoiding pedestrians: 0.1 percent of accidents
• Other/not provided: 19.9 percent of accidents

Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages from a Virginia Truck Accident?

Several different parties can be held liable for a truck accident in Virginia. Depending on the circumstances, these can include:

• The Truck Driver – Commercial truck drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with care and respect for traffic laws. Failure to do so could make them responsible for a wreck.
• The Trucking Company – Employers can be liable for their drivers’ actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. Additionally, trucking companies may be at fault if they fail to enforce safety regulations, pressure drivers to work beyond legal limits, or neglect proper vehicle maintenance.
• The Cargo Loading Team – Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift in transit, increasing the risk of a loss-of-control accident, in which case the individuals or company responsible for loading the truck can be held liable.
• Maintenance Providers – If the truck was not properly inspected or repaired, the maintenance team or company responsible for upkeep may be held accountable for mechanical failures leading to the crash.

Is Virginia a No-Fault Insurance State?

No, Virginia is not a no-fault insurance state. Instead, it follows the traditional tort model of auto accident insurance, in which accident victims are covered by the policies of drivers found to be at fault for the accident. Crucially, federal regulations require carriers engaged in interstate commerce to insure their vehicles with policies providing at least $750,000 and up to $5 million of minimum coverage. An experienced Virginia truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a truck accident claim.

Contact a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a truck accident in Virginia? If so, you deserve the help of a law firm with nearly 100 years of combined experience taking on these cases and winning big for their clients. Contact Lichtenstein Law Group PLC today for a free consultation with one of our Virginia truck accident lawyers and get the benefits of our broad legal experience and personalized service.