Frequently Asked Question – Are there any special state and federal laws or regulations that could affect my tractor trailer accident case?

There are state and federal laws and regulations that apply specifically to commercial truck drivers or tractor trailer drivers and the trucking companies that employ them. These laws and regulations can sometimes hold the key to a successful outcome in your case. This means your attorney must be familiar with the rules in order to handle your case properly. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced tractor trailer accident attorney.

The… [ read more ]

Interstate Rest Stops to Reopen Allowing Truck Drivers to Catch a “Break”

An Update on Virginia Rest Stops

Shortly before taking office, Governor Bob McDonnell announced he will reopen the interstate highway rest stops closed last summer because of Virginia’s budget shortfall. 1 As of April 15, 2010, all 19 have now been re-opened. 2 Although all tired motor vehicle drivers will benefit from this development, long distance tractor trailer operators should benefit the most.

At The Allen Law Firm, our [ read more ]

Is it important to talk to an attorney if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer?

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer and the accident wasn’t your fault, you should consult a trucking accident attorney immediately. The same is true if you have a relative who was killed in an accident with a large truck.

You need someone on your side from the very beginning to protect your rights, to investigate and preserve critical evidence, to help you navigate the medical world as you… [ read more ]

Quick Reference Guide: What To Do At The Scene of a Car or Truck Accident?

Click to download the accident guide.

Click to download The Glove Compartment Quick Reference Guide: What To Do After An Accident.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to know what to do next. The Glove Compartment Quick Reference Guide has easy to follow steps and a place to log important information regarding the accident. Designed to fit conveniently in your glove compartment, the Quick… [ read more ]

Do You Need A Truck Accident Attorney?

If You Have Been Seriously Injured In A Tractor Trailer Accident, You May Need An Attorney.

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Author: Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

The odds are against you when you’re involved in a collision with a semi tractor trailer. First, if you’re occupying a car, riding a bike or walking, you’re likely to be seriously injured or killed. Second, if the collision was caused by a truck driver or truck owner’s negligence, you… [ read more ]

What Should I Do At The Scene of a Car or Truck Accident?

Car and truck accidents create confusing and chaotic scenes. Knowing what do to at an accident scene can help protect your rights after the accident. Here are some general guidelines to follow at an accident scene.
Do I have to stop?

Yes. The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident (including car accidents, truck or tractor trailer accidents, or motor cycle accidents) must stop immediately if (1) a person is injured or killed or (2) if an attended vehicle or other attended property is damaged.

The Rule of Seconds – Calculating Safe Following Distances

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

By Elizabeth M. Allen

The other day while working on a case, I was reviewing the Virginia Commercial Driver’s Manual. This Manual outlines the information truck drivers must know to pass the state’s exam to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Manual describes a rule for a truck driver to use to calculate a safe following distance (see CDL Manual, pages 1-21). It’s called the… [ read more ]