Accidents involving large trucks are often fatal. Even when victims survive, they frequently suffer serious injuries and extensive vehicle damage. Due to the sheer size and weight of a large truck, accidents can be particularly devastating. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 30 times as much as a passenger car or truck.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a large truck in Dumfries, VA , you are likely faced with extensive medical bills and auto repair expenses. And those costs are not even taking into consideration lost wages and the serious emotional toll of such a traumatic experience. If the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, or a third party contributed to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, “pain and suffering” and inconvenience, lost wages, and other associated costs.
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC will analyze the details of your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy and will seek the maximum compensation available to you. Our truck accident lawyers in Dumfries, VA have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. Contact us today at 571-229-1800 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
Hours of Service Rules
Driver fatigue is a common factor in large truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial truck drivers must adhere to hours of service rules which limit their number of consecutive hours behind the wheel.
Currently, FMCSA rules state that truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours following 10 consecutive off-duty hours. If they exceed that limit, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be liable for any resulting damages.
How a Dumfries, VA Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC has extensive experience with commercial truck accidents, including those involving:
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Illegal substance use
- Driving hours that exceed allowed limits
- Faulty brakes
- Poorly-maintained trucks
- Hazardous road conditions
- Defective truck parts
- Wrongful death
In 2017, a total of 4,102 people were killed in large truck crashes. Of those, 68 percent were passenger vehicle occupants, and 14 percent were motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
A truck accident lawyer in Dumfries, VA can help you determine your rights if you have been injured in a truck accident.
Proving Fault
Step one in building a case is proving that another party or parties were responsible for causing the truck accident. It is particularly common for multiple parties to be involved in commercial trucking accidents.
Consider the following scenario, for example. If a fatigued truck driver crashes into a passenger vehicle, the driver is at fault. However, if he was fatigued because the trucking company made him work excessive hours that violated FMCSA’s hours of service rules, the trucking company is likely also liable. Further, if defective brakes contributed to the accident, the brake manufacturer may also be at fault.
To prove liability, we must first determine that the following four criteria were present:
- You were owed a duty of care by the at-fault party.
- That duty of care was breached.
- The breach of duty was directly responsible for the accident.
- You have suffered damages as a result of the accident.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies
Attorney Jim Parrish knows how insurers think. He began his career as a lawyer for the big insurance companies, but later realized he wanted to represent the victims, not the insurers. At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying accident victims.
Fortunately, we know their tactics, and we use this knowledge to position you for the most favorable outcome possible. Our truck accident lawyers in Dumfries will gather evidence, such as police reports, photographs, medical records, and eyewitness statements to substantiate your claim. We will negotiate with the insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement, and we are prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
What You Can Recover
If the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer, or construction crew caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
- Lost wages
- Transportation costs
- Reduction in quality of life
- Wrongful death
Call a Dumfries, VA Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, you have a right to seek compensation for any damages suffered. At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we will help you obtain the maximum amount available to you.
Our truck accident lawyers in Dumfries, VA has an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients, and we want to help you. Contact us today at 571-229-1800 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.