Being involved in a truck accident can be one of the most terrifying and overwhelming experiences of your life. Unlike regular car accidents, truck accidents often cause more severe injuries and complex legal issues because of the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
The aftermath of a truck accident can leave you dealing with physical injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how challenging life can feel after a truck accident. That’s why we’re here—to make everything easier for you.
Our truck accident lawyers in Virginia handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery, knowing that an experienced team is fighting for the compensation you deserve.
This step-by-step guide will help you understand exactly what to do after a truck accident in Virginia so you can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Move My Vehicle After a Virginia Truck Accident?
In some truck accidents, the damage may be so severe that moving your vehicle isn’t an option. Knowing what to do in this situation can help protect you and others on the road while preserving evidence for your claim.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Take a deep breath and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you or anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
2. Turn On Hazard Lights
If you can’t move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. This helps prevent secondary accidents and alerts emergency responders to the location of the crash.
3. Stay Inside the Vehicle (If Safe)
If your vehicle is in the middle of the road and you can’t move it, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Exiting the vehicle on a busy road or highway can be extremely dangerous.
4. Call 911
Report the accident to the police. In Virginia, you are legally required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. When the police arrive, they will secure the scene, provide medical assistance, and file an official accident report.
5. Follow the Police Instructions
The police will assess the situation and may direct traffic or arrange for a tow truck if necessary. Follow their instructions to avoid creating further complications.
How Do I Identify All Parties Involved in a Truck Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents can involve multiple parties who may share liability for the crash. Identifying these parties is crucial to building a strong case.
1. The Truck Driver
The driver may be at fault if they were:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted
- Violating hours-of-service regulations
2. The Trucking Company
The trucking company may be held liable if they:
- Hired an unqualified driver
- Failed to properly train the driver
- Pressured the driver to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
3. The Truck Manufacturer
If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure (such as brake failure or steering issues), the truck’s manufacturer or parts supplier may be responsible.
4. The Maintenance Provider
Trucks require regular maintenance. If poor maintenance or defective repairs contributed to the crash, the company responsible for maintaining the truck could be held liable.
5. Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced and increase the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. If the cargo was improperly loaded, the loading company may be at fault.
Your attorney will investigate the details of your case to identify all possible sources of liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Specific Information Should I Gather at the Scene?
Gathering the right evidence at the scene of a truck accident can strengthen your claim and protect you from being blamed for the crash.
1. The Truck Driver’s Information
Make sure to get the truck driver’s:
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
2. Trucking Company Information
Ask the driver for:
- The name and contact information of the trucking company
- The truck’s USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number
- The truck’s license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN)
3. Driver’s Logs
Truck drivers are required to keep logs of their driving hours. These logs can reveal whether the driver was fatigued or in violation of federal hours-of-service rules.
4. Cargo Information
If the accident involved falling cargo or an overturned trailer, ask for details about what the truck was carrying and who loaded it.
5. Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their statements can help clarify how the accident happened.
6. Photos and Videos
Take detailed photos and videos of:
- The accident scene
- Damage to your vehicle and the truck
- Skid marks, road signs, and traffic signals
- Weather and road conditions
7. Police Report
Make sure to request a copy of the police report once it’s filed. The report will include important details about the accident, including statements from drivers and witnesses.
Should I Accept a Quick Settlement from the Trucking Company?
No. After a truck accident, it’s common for the trucking company’s insurance adjusters to contact you quickly with a settlement offer.
It might seem tempting to accept the offer, especially if you’re facing medical bills and lost wages. But here’s why you should never accept a quick settlement:
- The trucking company’s first offer is almost always much lower than what your case is worth.
- You may not know the full extent of your injuries or how much future medical treatment will cost.
- Once you accept a settlement, you lose the right to pursue additional compensation—even if your condition worsens.
A lawyer can calculate the full value of your case, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let your attorney handle the negotiations to ensure you receive the compensation you truly deserve.
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are often caused by a combination of driver error, poor vehicle maintenance, and road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often work long shifts with limited breaks, leading to slower reaction times and poor judgment.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting controls while driving can lead to deadly accidents.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo – An unbalanced load can cause a truck to roll over or jackknife.
- Brake or Tire Failure – Poorly maintained brakes and tires increase the risk of mechanical failure.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving – Trucks require more time and distance to stop. Speeding or aggressive driving can lead to loss of control.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE Truck Accident Consultation
At the Parrish Law Firm, we understand how devastating a truck accident can be. Medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with the trucking company’s legal team can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here—to make everything easier for you.
Why Choose Us?
- FREE Case Review – We will listen to your story and explain your legal options at no cost to you.
- No Upfront Fees – You don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
- We Handle Everything – From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of the hard part so you can focus on healing.
Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Need
Truck accident claims have strict deadlines in Virginia. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be. Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance team pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
Call the Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE truck accident case review. Your recovery starts with one simple step. Let us help you move forward.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form