Williamsburg Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucks can cause some of the most destructive crashes on Virginia’s roads. Each year, there are over 2,000 truck accidents statewide, with many resulting in devastating injuries, property damage, and, in some instances, death. To make matters worse, victims of truck accidents and their families face a host of unique legal hurdles that can make recovering compensation especially challenging.

Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has over 50 years of experience representing Virginians in truck accidents and can help guide you through this difficult period of your life. To learn more about how our Williamsburg truck accident lawyers can support you, reach out to us for a free consultation.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Williamsburg?

Accidents that involve trucks are typically more complicated than those involving other vehicles. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, because many different parties play a role in the truck’s operation—including not just the driver but their employer and potentially even loading and maintenance companies—determining liability after an accident is much more complicated.

Additionally, both federal and state laws govern various aspects of trucking, ranging from size and weight limits to how much time drivers are allowed to spend at the wheel. Having intimate knowledge of these regulations and uncovering a violation through an in-depth investigation can be the deciding factor in a successful truck accident lawsuit.

Finally, Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law plays a significant role in all types of personal injury cases, including truck accidents. Under this law, you may not be entitled to compensation if you are found even slightly responsible for the accident. Working with a truck accident lawyer can give you the edge in overcoming each of these challenges.

How Can a Williamsburg Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

With deep knowledge of trucking regulations, as well as decades of experience investigating and negotiating truck accident claims, our Williamsburg truck accident lawyers aim to make the legal process as simple as possible. We can:

• Communicate with witnesses, law enforcement, and insurance and trucking companies on your behalf.
• Conduct an investigation of the crash and collect evidence and witness testimony for your case.
• Advocate for you in settlement negotiations and represent you in court if needed.
• Offer you support, updates, and legal advice every step of the way.

What Types of Truck Accident Compensation Can a Lawyer Help Me Recover?

Because truck accident injuries can include head, spinal, and other complex traumas that require intensive treatment, victims frequently face significant medical bills. Fortunately, filing a truck accident lawsuit can not only help cover these costs but also those that are harder to quantify.

For example, some truck accident victims suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and may have difficulty socializing, working, or participating in the activities that they enjoy. These types of damages are referred to as “non-economic damages” and can also be recovered with settlement negotiations.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Williamsburg?

As we’ve discussed, one of the unique challenges of truck accidents is determining liability. While the truck driver is often the first and foremost liable party, it does not necessarily mean that they are the only one. Here is a list of some potentially liable parties in truck accidents:

The trucking company: In many scenarios, the trucking company is liable for accidents that involve their fleets. If the trucker is an employee (instead of a contractor) or if the trucking company violated trucking regulations or safety procedures, this usually points to trucking company liability.

The truck driver: If the truck driver violated the law or was negligent, it’s possible that they may be held liable.

The truck owner: In some cases, neither the trucker nor the trucking company owns the truck. If they fail to maintain it or insure it, they may be held liable for the accident.

Distribution: Truck accidents are sometimes caused by negligent loading. For example, if a logging company loads a truck carelessly and logs spill out into the road causing an accident, they may be held liable.

What Types of Evidence Do You Need to Win a Truck Accident Case?

To win a truck accident lawsuit, recovering viable evidence is key. The vast majority of the evidence used in your case will be collected by your lawyer. Here are some examples:

• Black box data (the device located in the truck that records the truck driver’s speed, braking, and engine performance)
• Driver logs
• Maintenance records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Cargo loading logs
• Witness statements and expert testimony
• Traffic reports

Although the examples listed above are typically the most important pieces of evidence in a truck accident, you should be sure to provide your lawyer with any evidence you were able to gather on your own. For instance, if you took photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries, these can also be used to support your case.

Williamsburg Truck Accident Lawyer: FAQs

What should I do after a truck accident in Williamsburg?

Your first priority should be safety. If your injuries require immediate medical attention, call 911. If not, call the local non-emergency police line to report the accident. Law enforcement will arrive to secure the scene and create a traffic report.

If you are able to safely do so, gather evidence while at the scene, including relevant information from the truck driver and photos of the crash site. Even if you do not require immediate medical attention, you should still seek a medical evaluation to check for hidden injuries. Lastly, talk to a truck accident attorney, who can help you file a claim.

When should I consult a truck accident lawyer?

We suggest contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. This is because truck accident cases can be complex and may take months or even years to resolve.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

Huffman & Huffman offers its services on a contingency basis, meaning that you will only have to pay if we win your case, in which case we will receive a percentage of the final settlement.

How do I choose the best attorney for a truck accident?

Choosing the best attorney for your case can be a challenge. The easiest way to decide is by looking for positive online reviews and case results, noting the years of experience with truck accident cases. It’s also important to look locally, as there may be state or local laws that specifically apply to your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Williamsburg Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents can be frustrating to navigate alone, but the good news is that you don’t have to. Our Williamsburg truck accident attorneys are skilled negotiators and powerful advocates and are dedicated to providing you with the respected legal service and success that has allowed us to practice for over half a century. Whether you have further questions or you’d like to get started on your case right away, you can contact us anytime for a free consultation.