After being hit by a commercial truck, the last thing you want to do is explain your situation to multiple lawyers in the hopes of finding one who fulfills your communication and legal resolution expectations. The Pendleton Law Team provides much more.
Since 2011, our truck accident lawyers serving Portsmouth have been standing up for victims in Virginia. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process with compassion, ensuring you feel supported and empowered to make the best decisions for your future.
We are a personal injury law practice that is concerned about your well-being, and we will fight to ensure you’re treated fairly. Our personal injury lawyers serving Portsmouth can take care of every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your family and recovery.
Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
While it may seem easier to work directly with the insurance company after a truck accident, doing so can put your rights and compensation at risk. Insurance companies prioritize their profits and often try to minimize or deny claims, even when your injuries and damages are severe.
A truck accident lawyer serving Portsmouth protects your interests by handling negotiations with insurers and negotiating aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation. They understand the complexities of trucking regulations, liability issues, and the evidence needed to prove your case, such as black box data or driver logs.
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Why Are Truck Accidents More Complex Than Passenger Car Accidents?
Truck accidents differ significantly from passenger car accidents in terms of their complexity. These cases involve unique challenges and factors that can make navigating them more difficult. Here’s why truck accidents are often more complicated:
Greater Severity of Damage and Injuries
The size and weight of commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage in a collision with a smaller passenger vehicle. This often leads to:
- Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or fatalities
- Extensive property damage
The higher stakes in these cases mean more substantial claims, which require careful documentation and legal expertise to pursue.
Multiple Liable Parties
In a truck accident, liability may not rest solely on the truck driver. Other potentially responsible parties include:
- The trucking company, for negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- Maintenance crews, for failing to properly inspect and repair the vehicle
- Cargo loaders, if improper loading caused the accident
- Truck manufacturers, for defective parts or equipment
Identifying all liable parties is crucial to maximizing compensation but requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge.
Complex Federal Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover:
- Driver hours of service to prevent fatigue
- Weight limits and cargo securement
- Maintenance requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
Understanding and proving violations of these regulations often plays a key role in truck accident cases, but it requires detailed knowledge of federal and state laws.
Insurance Challenges
Truck accidents often involve higher insurance policy limits because of the potential for severe damage. However:
- Insurance companies may aggressively dispute claims to protect their bottom line.
- Trucking companies and insurers often have legal teams experienced in minimizing payouts.
Victims need skilled legal representation to handle these challenges and negotiate for fair compensation.
Evidence Collection
Truck accidents require specialized evidence to prove fault, such as:
- Black box data: Information from the truck’s event data recorder, which tracks speed, braking, and other critical details
- Driver logs: To verify compliance with hours-of-service regulations
- Maintenance records: To check if the truck was properly maintained
- Dashcam or surveillance footage: If available, to reconstruct the accident
Securing and preserving this evidence often requires prompt action and legal expertise.
Higher Stakes for Victims
Due to the severity of injuries, truck accident victims often face significant financial and emotional challenges, such as:
- Long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
- Higher medical expenses and ongoing care needs
These factors make pursuing compensation more critical—and more complex—than in standard car accident cases.
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How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Given these challenges, working with an experienced truck accident attorney serving Portsmouth can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Identify all liable parties and determine the role of federal regulations
- Handle negotiations with multiple insurance companies
- Build a strong case using specialized evidence
We have the knowledge and resources to handle the challenges of commercial truck accident cases, ensuring our clients feel supported while we fight for the compensation they deserve.
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The Statute of Limitations in Virginia
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to act quickly—evidence and the validity of your claim are on a ticking clock. In Portsmouth, VA, the statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims is two years.
This means you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit and serve the responsible party with legal documents. Failing to meet this deadline could result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
However, a trucking accident attorney serving Portsmouth can help you determine if your case has special circumstances that require filing sooner. By acting promptly and seeking legal guidance, you can ensure your claim remains valid and protect your opportunity to secure a fair settlement.
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What Compensation Can You Recover?
At Pendleton Law Team, we fight to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing. Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time away from work or diminished earning ability caused by your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle or other belongings damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Find a Good Lawyer After a Truck Collision
Finding a qualified car accident lawyer after a truck crash in Portsmouth, VA, is essential for receiving a settlement that fully covers your damages. With so many law firms advertising a guaranteed settlement, choosing what’s right for you can be hard.
The Pendleton Law Team invites you to contact us today and schedule a free consultation. We have extensive experience in handling truck accident cases, and our top-rated reviews speak for the efficiency and integrity of our personal injury law firm.
If you are worried about costs, our Virginia law office works on a contingency fee basis. You deserve to receive adequate representation without stressing over retainer fees and hourly billing. Check out our reviews and schedule an appointment with us today.
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