Truck Accident Lawyer Virginia Beach
James had always been a cautious driver, but nothing could have prepared him for the day an 18-wheeler changed his life forever.
He was driving home from work on the highway when a tractor-trailer, loaded with steel beams, veered into his lane. The impact was catastrophic. His car was crushed, and emergency workers had to extract him from the wreckage.
Three days later, James woke up in the hospital only to hear the devastating news—he was paralyzed from the waist down. His medical bills were piling up, and he was understandably worried about his future.
As he lay in his hospital bed, questions flooded his mind. One of those questions was: “Should I hire an attorney to file a claim?”
Unfortunately, James’ case is not uncommon. Our Virginia Beach truck accident attorneys understand that truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accidents. At Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp, we have extensive experience handling these types of cases and understand the critical steps James would need to take to be sure he receives the compensation he deserves.
If you or a loved one suffered in an accident like this, call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.
Why Are Trucking Accidents More Complicated than Car Accidents?
Often car accidents include only two drivers and their insurance companies. Truck accidents, however, frequently involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and regulations that naturally complicate personal injury claims.
Multiple Insurance Companies
The trucking company that the driver was working for will have its own insurance coverage. But then the trailer—if it’s owned by a different company—may be covered under a different insurance policy. The cargo being transported in that trailer may fall under yet another insurance policy, as some cargo owners carry separate policies.
This means determining liability isn’t always straightforward. A victim may need to file claims against multiple parties, which requires a high level of legal expertise to manage.
Immediate Evidence Collection
When a severe trucking accident occurs, such as the one James was in, trucking companies typically send investigators immediately to the scene. These experts gather evidence before the victim even leaves the hospital, so they get the jump on the evidence. They take pictures, collect data from the truck’s black box, and talk to any witnesses around.
If you, as the victim, don’t have an attorney acting just as quickly on your behalf, you could be at a serious disadvantage. The trucking company will have the evidence in its favor, while you may struggle to prove your case.
Trucking Company Insurance Adjusters are Highly Experienced
You may have had experience with an insurance adjuster for your insurance company in the past. Maybe you worked with someone from Geico or Progressive Insurance. These adjusters handle routine car accident claims.
Trucking company insurance adjusters, however, are typically more experienced. Often, they started in car insurance claims and then advanced to handle truck cases. A higher level of skill is required in truck accident cases because they’re often so complex. That means that these adjusters know all the ways they may devalue your claim and reduce what their insurance company ends up paying out.
If you don’t have an attorney protecting your rights in negotiations with these insurance companies, the trucking company’s adjusters are likely to work against you to minimize your settlement.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Gather Evidence?
Your trucking accident attorney will understand how important evidence is in your case and will work to preserve and collect all the data possible. Key pieces of evidence include the following.
Dashcam Footage
Many commercial vehicles have both inward- and outward-facing cameras that can show what happened before, during, and after the crash.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
Federal regulations require truck drivers to log their hours electronically. This data may show that the driver was tired or exceeded their legal driving hours, so it’s important for you to gain access to it.
Vehicle Data Recorder (Black Box)
This device captures speed, braking, and other truck-based data before a crash. The trucking company may try to erase or withhold this data, which is why you need to hire a lawyer right away. They can send preservation letters to the company immediately, which requires them to safeguard the evidence.
Witness Testimonies
Your attorney will check out the accident scene right away, interview any witnesses, and get statements that may provide substantial support to your case.
Traffic Camera or Surveillance Footage
If there were cameras near the accident site or on nearby buildings, your attorney can work to obtain the video footage before it is deleted or destroyed.
Accident Reconstruction Experts
If necessary, we will work with accident reconstruction experts to help show exactly how the accident happened and why the other party was at fault.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
If you’ve never hired an attorney before, you may hesitate to do so after a truck accident. Contact us at Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp immediately after your accident if you can. Doing so will significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation and can also give you peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.
We had a client much like James, only he tragically died in a rear-end collision caused by a tractor-trailer operator. His surviving family members hired our firm to handle their case, which was a smart move, as the insurers for both the tractor-trailer operator and the trucking company were not cooperating. About a month before the civil trial was scheduled to begin, these insurance companies agreed to enter into mediation. We helped negotiate a $2.4 million settlement paid to the estate of our client.
For your convenience, we have offices in Virginia Beach, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake.