Delivery trucks are an essential part of our economy, transporting goods all over the country. They are also some of the largest vehicles on the road, and when they are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a delivery truck, you need to speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyers at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci have years of experience representing victims of delivery truck accidents, and we know how to get the best results for truck accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Risks of Delivery Trucks on the Road
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, accidents involving large trucks or other commercial vehicles accounted for 4.1% (4,296) of all traffic crashes in 2021. Ninety-three crashes were fatal, while 1,605 crashes involved injuries and almost half (2,598) involved property damage.
There’s no doubt that delivery trucks are essential to our economy. However, they also pose a serious risk to other motorists. Delivery trucks are often driven by tired and overworked drivers, leading to accidents. In addition, delivery trucks are often overloaded with packages, making them more difficult to control.
What To Do After a Delivery Truck Accident in Richmond, VA
If you’ve been involved in a delivery truck accident in Richmond, VA, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Once you’ve seen a doctor, your next step should be to contact a Richmond delivery truck accident lawyer.
The lawyers at our firm have years of experience representing victims of delivery truck accidents, and we know how to get the best results for our clients. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Will a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Do For Me?
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, our goal is to make sure you get the settlement you deserve. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a commercial truck crash, we’ll help you protect your rights and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
We’ll Conduct Comprehensive And Timely Investigations
No two delivery truck accidents are alike, and it’s important to have a lawyer who will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. Our lawyers will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports to determine how the accident happened and who was at fault. We’ll also work with experts to build a strong case for you.
Analyzing Evidence And Identifying All Liable Parties
Once we’ve collected all the evidence, we’ll analyze it to identify all the liable parties. In many cases, a truck accident is caused by the driver violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
However, there may be more than one person or company at fault for your accident. For example, if the delivery truck driver was speeding, the trucking company may also be liable if they failed to train or supervise the driver properly.
No matter who is at fault for your accident, the Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci lawyers will hold them accountable and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
We’ll Handle Settlement Negotiations And Fight For You In Court
Once we’ve identified all the liable parties, we’ll begin settlement negotiations with the insurance companies. We have a reputation for being tough negotiators, and we’ll fight to get you the full amount of compensation you deserve. If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re not afraid to take your case to court.
You Can Focus On Your Recovery
While we handle all the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on your recovery. We’ll keep you updated on the status of your case and answer any questions you have along the way.
We Have A Track Record Of Success
Our firm has a proven track record of success in representing victims of delivery truck accidents. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options. There’s no risk or obligation, so call us today.
You shouldn’t have to worry about the legal aftermath of a delivery truck accident. Let a Richmond delivery truck accident lawyer handle the insurance companies and the lawyers while you focus on getting better. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Many different factors can contribute to a delivery truck accident. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of delivery truck accidents. Delivery truck drivers often have tight schedules and may feel pressure to speed to make their deliveries on time.
Improper Training
Improper training is also a major contributing factor to delivery truck accidents. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, trucking companies must provide their drivers with proper training, but unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
Fatigued Driving
Delivery truck drivers such as UPS or Amazon often deliver packages all day, leading to fatigue. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, and it’s one of the leading causes of delivery truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
Drivers often have to travel to areas they are not familiar with. This can lead to distracted driving as they try to navigate their way through neighborhoods or back roads.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
The trucking company is responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring they are safe to drive. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners and don’t properly maintain their trucks, leading to devastating accidents.
Improperly Loaded Trucks
If a delivery truck is not loaded correctly, it can be unstable and may tip over.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important to have a lawyer who will investigate to determine the cause of the accident. The lawyers at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci have years of experience investigating delivery truck accidents, and we know how to get the best results for our clients.
Types of Injuries Caused by Delivery Truck Accidents
Injuries normally sustained in a car accident are far more severe in accidents involving large trucks. Delivery truck accidents can cause many injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries such as paralysis or brain damage. Some of the most common types of injuries caused by delivery truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Headaches
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Contusions and lacerations
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
If you’ve been involved in a delivery truck accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, such as internal bleeding.
Who Is Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in Richmond?
The liable party in a commercial truck accident will depend on the facts of the case. In some cases, it may be the truck driver, while it may be the trucking company in others.
If the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, then the truck driver will likely be liable.
If the accident was caused by the trucking company’s negligence, such as improperly maintained vehicles or improperly trained drivers, then the trucking company may be liable.
You should always consult with a lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, no matter who is liable for your accident. Some truck accident cases may involve multiple parties or even government entities. A skilled truck accident lawyer will be able to navigate these complex cases and get you the best results possible.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In Richmond, VA?
Typically, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim in Virginia. However, it’s important to note that this time limit may differ if you’re filing a claim against a government entity.
If you wait too long to file a claim, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. That’s why it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Federal Trucking Regulations
Both state and federal laws heavily regulate the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets forth federal regulations that all trucking companies and drivers must follow. These laws govern everything from the number of hours a truck driver can drive to the maintenance of the trucks themselves.
In addition, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is an organization of law enforcement officials that works to improve commercial vehicle safety. The CVSA inspects trucks and issues citations for violations.
Some of the most important federal trucking regulations include:
The Hours of Service Regulations: These regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can drive a day and a week. They also mandate breaks for the driver every eight hours.
Special Training Requirements: Truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license and receive special training before operating a truck.
Vehicle Maintenance Regulations: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles per federal laws. This includes regular inspections and repairs.
Load Securement Regulations: Strict regulations govern how cargo must be loaded and secured in a truck.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to know that the trucking company and the driver will be held to these standards. If they fail to meet these standards, they may be liable for your injuries.
Virginia Regulations for Trucks
Virginia also has certain requirements that truck drivers must follow. State regulations usually limit trucks by size and weight limit on certain highways. For example, Virginia has a maximum width of 102 inches for all vehicles and a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches.
Additionally, interstate travel is restricted to 80,000 pounds maximum. However, motor carriers may purchase an appropriate overload permit to extend their maximum weight to 84,000 pounds to travel on non-interstate highways.
There are also regulations governing the following:
- Truck driver licensing
- Truck registration
- Inspection and maintenance
- Cargo securement
- Accident reporting
Laws and regulations for truck drivers and companies are often extensive and complex. But if you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck, it’s important to know that some laws and regulations protect you.
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, our Richmond delivery truck accident attorneys understand the federal and state laws and nuances applicable to truck accident litigation. We have decades of experience holding negligent parties responsible for their actions.
Contributory Negligence Laws In Virginia
Virginia is one of only a handful of states with a contributory negligence law. This law bars victims from recovering compensation if they are even partially at fault for an accident.
For example, if you were involved in an accident with a truck and the truck driver was found to be 99% at fault, and you were found to be 1% at fault, you would not be able to recover any compensation under Virginia law.
If you are partially liable, it might be best to consider the options of a settlement with the insurance company. Still, you should always consult with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Richmond before deciding so you can get an expert opinion.
Damages You Can Recover in a Richmond Delivery Truck Accident Claim
Truck accidents are often devastating, and victims may be left with costly medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you are a truck accident victim, you may be able to recover the following damages:
Medical Expenses: This can include hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitative care, and any other medical treatment you need due to your injuries.
Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages. This includes both past and future lost wages.
Pain and Suffering: This type of non-economic damage can compensate you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
Property Damage: This can include damage to your vehicle, personal belongings, or any other property damaged in the accident.
Punitive Damages: These are intended to punish the liable party for their negligence. They are only available when the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious.
We know that money can’t make up for all you’ve lost in an accident, but it can help you rebuild your life. Our goal is to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve so that you can move on with your life.
How Much Does A Richmond Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
After an accident, you may be worried about how you will pay for a lawyer. At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we understand these concerns and work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless you recover compensation in your case.
We understand that an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Let us help you navigate the legal process to focus on what’s important – your recovery. If you would like more information, or you’d like to schedule a free consultation of your case, contact Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci as soon as you can.
