Virginia Truck Accidents
One of the largest threats on Virginia highways is large trucks - big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks; no matter the name, when an accident involves a large truck, the results are often devastating. Statistics show that every 16 minutes a person in the U.S. is injured or killed in a truck accident and that 98% of related fatalities occur to the individuals in the passenger vehicles. The average length of a large truck is 70-80 ft and they can weigh up to and over 80,000 pounds. This means that big trucks and tractor trailers are easily capable of causing multi-vehicle crashes and multiple injuries or deaths.
Laws and regulations associated with tractor trailers are designed to protect injured motorists from negligent truck drivers and the companies they work for. There are many strict Virginia and federal regulations which limit the number of hours that a truck driver may drive each day. The regulations also spell out proper loading requirements and limit traveling speeds, all of which are enforced to keep motorists safe. If a truck driver or trucking company disregards these important guidelines, they are putting innocent drivers at risk for serious injuries or death.
Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in VA involve:
- Driving more than the allowed number of hours without rest or sleep
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to inspect lights, brakes, and tires
- Tailgating
- Cell phone use
- Failure to install blind spot mirrors
- Speeding and ignoring reduced truck speeds
- Overloaded trucks
- Oversized trucks
Due to the nature of their cargo, drivers may be placed under a schedule that cannot be achieved without taking safety risks, including dangerously long hours behind the wheel. With any driver, fatigue when operating a motor vehicle can be a safety issue; when the operator of a tractor trailer succumbs to sleep, the consequences can be catastrophic.
When car and truck collisions occur, trucking companies often send representatives to the accident scene to confront accident victims immediately following the event, at a time when they are most vulnerable. These agents work to limit or mitigate their company’s liability. When dealing with a trucking company, you need an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Virginia trucking accident, you should contact a VA tractor trailer wreck attorney. A VA truck accident lawyer will be able to listen to your case and advise you of your legal rights under national and Virginia laws. Often, the initial attorney consultation is free. Your attorney will advise you of your legal options, while ensuring your rights are protected.
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