Manassas, Virginia Truck Accident Lawyers

A truck accident can take months or sometimes years to fully recover from. Most cars are not built to withstand even a light collision from a tractor-trailer, and a collision can jeopardize the health of the driver or passengers inside. If you have been injured in a truck wreck, a Manassas truck accident lawyer can file a claim on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, our lawyers have years of experience handling auto accident claims, including truck collisions. Across our career, we have secured millions of dollars for our clients in successful case results, which we owe to our aggressive advocacy and rigorous investigations.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Commercial Truck Accident?

While you do not need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim for a truck accident, it is often in your best interests to seek out legal representation. A truck accident lawyer can inform you of your rights throughout your claim, protecting you from bad-faith tactics from insurance adjusters.

Furthermore, an attorney can take on the labor of investigating the crash site. If you work full-time, you may not be able to set aside time to return to the scene of the accident. Our truck accident lawyers can gather evidence on your behalf by collecting photos, taking witness statements, and securing the police report for your claim.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we can secure evidence that may be out of reach, like black box data or logbooks from the trucking company. We bill clients on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Understanding what caused a truck crash is essential, since this can help determine who may be held responsible for a victim's injuries. Our lawyers can investigate an accident to identify its causes, which may include:

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most significant issues that can affect truck drivers' ability to operate their vehicles safely. To meet deadlines, truck drivers may try to drive even if they are exhausted or sleepy. While there are rules in place that limit the amount of time that truck drivers can work, some drivers or their employers may violate these regulations. A fatigued driver will experience slower reaction times and other impairments, and they could even fall asleep while driving, causing their truck to crash into other vehicles with no attempt to slow down.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers may use handheld phones, adjust GPS devices as they look up directions, eat and drink while behind the wheel, or lose focus on a long stretch of highway. Distractions can cause a driver to miss a traffic signal, fail to notice that traffic has slowed down, or drift out of their lane. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to devastating damage in a truck accident.

Improper Loading and Unsecured Cargo

Commercial trucks carry heavy cargo that must be properly loaded and secured. When cargo is distributed incorrectly, a truck may be unbalanced. Cargo that is not fastened in place can shift, which can also affect a truck's balance and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In some cases, cargo may fall from a truck, creating hazards for other drivers on the road.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies are required to maintain their fleets and keep detailed maintenance records. When companies cut corners on maintenance, a truck may become unsafe. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and faulty lighting are all examples of maintenance-related issues that can cause serious accidents.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The pressure to meet deadlines can push drivers to speed or engage in aggressive actions like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, or running red lights. Trucks require much more distance to stop than passenger vehicles, and a driver who travels at an unsafe speed may have no way to slow down in time to avoid a rear-end collision or another type of accident.

Inadequate Driver Training

Trucking companies are required to ensure that truck drivers are properly trained and qualified. When a company hires underqualified drivers or allows people to drive without the proper training, the company may be responsible for accidents caused by those drivers.

Impaired Driving

The use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and certain types of prescription medications can affect a truck driver's ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Truck drivers may cause accidents if they drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel, use stimulants like cocaine to combat fatigue, or experience impairments from the use of opioids or other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accidents in Virginia

Damages in a Commercial Truck Accident

Truck accidents often come with extreme property damage and serious injuries. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you deserve a settlement that addresses all of your damages. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we can help you secure compensation for multiple kinds of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, including the cost of surgery, medication, and long-term treatment
• Reduced earning potential as a result of your injuries
• Lost wages from your job
• Damage to your vehicle or other property

Your compensation can also factor in non-physical expenses, such as your emotional anguish related to your injuries or lasting trauma from the accident. A comprehensive personal injury claim will take all of these damages into account, weighing both your financial expenses and your pain and suffering.

If we cannot reach a settlement outside of court to cover your damages, we are more than prepared to take your claim to trial to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Liability in Truck Accidents

Figuring out who is liable for your injuries after a truck accident requires a thorough investigation. Most truck drivers are provided with insurance coverage by their employers, but even if you get maximum compensation from this policy, there is no guarantee it will cover all of your damages.

Our truck accident attorneys can identify additional liable parties who could be held responsible for paying for your injuries. For instance, the trucking company behind the accident could be held liable for negligent business practices like not screening or training drivers. Third parties could also be named at fault for careless mistakes like not properly maintaining the truck or failing to secure the cargo.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we do not believe in taking shortcuts or settling for the first offer. We will launch a full investigation into your claim to make sure every liable party is held responsible for the crash.

Meet With a Manassas, VA Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you have been hurt in a truck accident, our Manassas truck accident lawyers can help you get compensation. To schedule a free consultation with Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, call our offices at 540-662-4222 or reach out to our Manassas 18-wheeler accident lawyers online.