Richmond Truck Accident Lawyers
Tractor-trailer truck accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a tractor-trailer accident in Richmond, Virginia, the attorneys at Latham & Martin can help you understand your legal options and represent you in recovering a full and fair amount of compensation for the harm done to you. Contact our experienced Richmond truck accident lawyers for a free consultation and immediate assistance with your claim.
Understanding Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Truck drivers can get into accidents because of speeding, distracted driving, drinking and driving, following too close, failing to signal, improper turns or lane changes, failure to yield, and the countless other negligent driving behaviors that any motorist can be guilty of. When it comes to crashes involving 18-wheelers, however, additional problems and challenges crop up that are unique to or especially prevalent in accidents with big rigs. These common causes of tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can cause drivers to become fatigued, leading to slower reaction times and poor judgment, not to mention falling asleep at the wheel. Long-haul truckers are especially prone to boredom and fatigue and the risk of a drowsy driving truck accident. Federal regulations limit the number of hours truckers can be on duty and behind the wheel without a break, but the regulations are so lax that truck drivers can drive for seven or eight consecutive days without significant time off, and their days can stretch to 14 hours long with 11 hours of driving. To make matters worse, many drivers break the rules and drive even longer than lawfully allowed to reach their destination as quickly as possible.
- Equipment Failure: Mechanical problems or poor maintenance can cause brakes, tires, or other essential parts to malfunction. Truckers are required to inspect their vehicles before every leg of the trip, and trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets. Nevertheless, safety investigators routinely find one in every five trucks they inspect must be pulled from service because they are in too bad a shape to be on the road.
- Cargo Loading: If the semi-trailer is overloaded, unbalanced, or improperly secured, truck accidents are likely to result. An overloaded trailer can cause tire or brake failure; an unbalanced load can cause the driver to lose control and send the truck into a jackknife or rollover; and an unsecured load can spill out onto the road with devastating consequences.
Truck Accidents Cause the Most Catastrophic Injuries
A tractor-trailer loaded down with cargo can weigh 70,000 pounds, which is 20 times heavier or more than the average passenger car. A collision with an 18-wheeler imparts tremendous and often deadly force due to its size, weight and speed. Tractor-trailer accidents can result in the most severe injuries to the occupants of the smaller, lighter vehicles they hit, including but not limited to:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Wrongful Death
How Latham & Martin Can Help After a Truck Accident in Richmond
At Latham & Martin, we provide an initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. We are here to answer your questions and assess the best course of action for your situation. Our dedicated team will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records. This will help us build a strong case on your behalf that we can present to the insurance company for a fair settlement. Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to avoid liability or minimize compensation by arguing the facts of the case, disputing the injuries, or claiming the injury victim was negligent as well. Our attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies, and we’ll work to build a strong case that proves the trucking company’s liability to you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. But if negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory settlement, our team is prepared to represent you in court. Our experienced trial attorneys are skilled in litigation and will advocate for your rights, helping you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Richmond Truck Accident Attorneys Latham & Martin Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident anywhere in the Greater Richmond area, do not hesitate to contact Latham & Martin for a free consultation. With extensive experience and a commitment to delivering personalized attention to our clients, we are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape of a truck accident claim and work toward a favorable resolution for your case.
For a free consultation, call us at 804-821-0090, contact us online, or arrange a visit to our Richmond office. Your road to recovery starts with an evaluation of your claim from a trusted personal injury law firm, and Latham & Martin is here to guide you every step of the way.
