A collision with a large truck often leaves families dealing with sudden medical needs, changes to daily routines, and questions about what comes next. You don’t have to sort through these issues alone.
A Richmond truck accident lawyer from Allen & Allen can guide you through the steps needed to protect your rights and build a strong claim. Reach out to us for a free consultation anytime to talk about your situation and learn how our team can help.
Key Takeaways: Richmond truck accidents
- Truck accidents often happen because of driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, or poor maintenance.
- Severe injuries like brain trauma, burns, and spinal cord injuries often follow large truck crashes.
- Multiple parties share responsibility in many truck accident cases, including drivers, trucking companies, and cargo loaders.
- Federal and Virginia rules set strict standards for truck drivers and trucking companies.
- Strong evidence, collected early, strengthens your claim and helps show what caused the crash.
What are the common causes of truck accidents in Richmond?
Truck accidents in Richmond happen for many different reasons. Busy areas like Broad Street, Hull Street Road, and the I 95 corridor see heavy commercial traffic, so any lapse in safety can create serious harm. Several factors tend to appear again and again in these crashes.
Driver fatigue and hours of service violations
Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel. Some push past safe limits or ignore mandatory rest periods. Fatigue slows reaction time and reduces the ability to stay alert, increasing the risk of a crash.
Distracted driving
A driver who looks at a phone, eats while driving, or focuses on something inside the cab loses focus on the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a serious collision, especially at highway speeds.
Improper truck maintenance
Commercial trucks need regular inspections and repairs. Brake failures, worn tires, and steering problems set the stage for dangerous events. When a truck isn’t maintained correctly, the risk of a crash rises.
Inadequate training
Driving a large commercial vehicle takes skill and practice. Some companies place drivers on the road without proper instruction. Poor training often leads to bad decisions when traffic changes suddenly.
Speeding and reckless driving
Truck drivers sometimes go too fast to keep up with schedules. Speed increases stopping distance and gives a driver less time to react. Reckless behaviors like tailgating or unsafe lane changes also heighten the danger.
What types of injuries result from truck accidents?
Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries. The size and weight of a commercial truck create force that smaller vehicles can’t withstand. People involved in these crashes often face long recoveries and major changes to their daily lives.
Traumatic brain injuries
A strong blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury. Symptoms range from headaches or memory problems to long term cognitive changes. Some people need ongoing therapy to regain skills.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can limit movement or lead to paralysis. These injuries often require surgery, rehabilitation, and long term medical care.
Broken bones and fractures
Arms, legs, ribs, and hips may fracture under the force of a crash. Some fractures heal with rest while others need surgery, plates, or screws.
Internal organ damage
A violent collision sometimes injures internal organs like the liver, lungs, or spleen. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms, so prompt medical care is critical.
Burn injuries
Some truck accidents involve fires, fuel leaks, or chemical spills. Burns cause severe pain, scarring, and a long recovery period.
Who can be held liable in a Virginia truck accident case?
Several different parties may be responsible for a truck accident in Virginia because commercial trucking involves many moving parts, strict safety rules, and multiple companies working together. A full investigation often shows that more than one party contributed to what happened. Here’s a clear breakdown of who may be held liable:
The truck driver
A truck driver may be responsible if the crash happened because of unsafe actions like speeding, distraction, driving while tired, or failing to follow traffic laws. Drivers must follow federal and state safety rules, so violations can point to liability.
The trucking company
Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, maintain their vehicles, and follow industry safety practices. A company that pressures drivers to work unsafe hours, ignores maintenance issues, or fails to monitor driver behavior may share responsibility for a crash.
Cargo loading companies
Some trucks carry loads packed by third party loading companies. If cargo shifts, spills, or becomes unbalanced because the loaders failed to secure or distribute the load properly, they may be held responsible for the accident.
Truck manufacturers and parts suppliers
Defective parts like faulty brakes, tires, steering components, or other mechanical systems can cause or worsen a crash. Manufacturers or suppliers that produced or sold unsafe parts may be liable if a defect contributed to the collision.
Maintenance companies
Trucking companies sometimes hire outside mechanics or repair shops. If those companies performed poor repairs, skipped important inspections, or overlooked obvious hazards, they may carry liability for the resulting crash.
What federal and Virginia regulations apply to truck accidents?
Commercial trucks must follow many rules designed to protect public safety. These rules help show whether a driver or company failed to follow required standards.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Federal rules cover hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance, and cargo limits. These rules help track whether drivers and trucking companies followed safe practices.
Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Requirements
Virginia sets standards for obtaining and keeping a commercial driver’s license. Drivers must pass tests and maintain a clean record to stay on the road.
Weight and size restrictions in Virginia
Virginia limits the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Trucks that exceed these limits put other drivers at risk, especially on busy roads like Midlothian Turnpike or Laburnum Avenue.
Electronic Logging Device requirements
Electronic logging devices track driver hours and help prevent fatigue related violations. A failure to use or maintain these devices may provide insight into unsafe driving practices.
What compensation can I recover after a Richmond truck accident?
A truck accident often brings large and unexpected financial burdens. A claim can help you address these losses and move forward.
Medical expenses
A claim may cover hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and future medical needs.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
If your injuries keep you from working, you may seek compensation for lost income. Long term injuries that limit your ability to work also factor into your claim.
Pain and suffering
Truck accidents often lead to physical pain, anxiety, and a major shift in daily routines. These hardships may be part of your claim.
Property damage
You may seek compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
Wrongful death damages
Families who lose a loved one may pursue damages related to funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship and support.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Virginia?
Most personal injury claims in Virginia must be filed within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline usually ends your ability to pursue a claim.
Statute of limitations for wrongful death claims
Families bringing a wrongful death claim also have two years from the date of death to file.
Exceptions that may affect your deadline
Some rare situations may adjust these timelines. An attorney can review the specifics of your case and explain how the rules apply.
Claims Against Government Entities
If a government-owned truck or poor road maintenance caused the truck accident, different rules apply for filing a claim.
Claims filed against a government body, whether a city, county, state agency, or the federal government, follow their own set of legal procedures. You must send a written notice within six months of the injury, and that notice has to include specific information about the incident. It also has to be delivered to the officials the law designates as the correct recipients.
Filing this notice doesn’t allow you to go straight to court. You must wait for the agency to either reject your claim or let six months pass without a response. Once one of those things happens, you may move forward with a lawsuit as long as the two year filing deadline has not expired.
What evidence is needed to prove a truck accident claim?
Strong evidence helps show what happened and who played a role in the crash. Early action often makes it easier to locate and preserve this information.
Police reports and accident reports
The police report offers important details about the crash, including statements from those involved and observations from officers.
Electronic data from the truck
Truck systems record speed, braking, and other key data. This information helps show how the driver responded before the collision.
Maintenance and inspection records
These documents reveal how often the truck was checked, repaired, or flagged for safety issues.
Driver logs and employment records
Logs show driver hours, training, past safety violations, and employment details.
Witness statements and expert testimony
People who saw the crash can provide clear insight into what took place. Expert testimony may also help explain technical issues.
How our attorneys can help
A truck accident often leaves families dealing with medical needs, repair bills, and lost time from work. Our attorneys step in to lift some of that burden.
We review the crash, collect important evidence, speak with witnesses, and work with specialists who can help explain the cause and impact of the accident. We also communicate with insurance companies to help protect you from pressure or unfair tactics.
Our goal is to support you, strengthen your claim, and help you move forward.
Why choose Allen and Allen
Allen and Allen has served Virginia families for more than a century. Our history rests on four core values that guide everything we do. Integrity, respect, compassion, and trust shape every relationship. These values have carried us forward since 1910, and they continue to guide our work today.
We commit to more than simply providing you with legal representation. We commit to making your fight our fight, ensuring you are treated fairly by the insurance companies, and obtaining justice on your behalf. That’s what we mean when we say I am an Allen.
Clients often tell us they feel supported and heard throughout the process. We take time to listen, answer questions, and provide guidance that fits your needs. Our long legacy reflects our belief that people deserve strong advocates who care deeply about their well being.
Frequently asked questions about Richmond truck accident claims
How much does it cost to hire a Richmond truck accident lawyer?
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay upfront fees. Our fee comes from the resolution of your claim.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Richmond?
After a truck accident, start by calling 911 so police and medical teams can respond. Seek medical care even if you feel fine since some injuries appear later. If you can, take photos of the scene and get contact information from witnesses. Avoid speaking with an insurance adjuster before you know your rights.
Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver wasn’t cited by police?
A police citation helps, but it isn’t required. Many claims move forward even when police don’t issue a ticket. A full investigation may reveal other forms of evidence that show the driver or trucking company acted carelessly.
How long does a truck accident case take to resolve in Virginia?
Every case is different. The timeline may depend on injury severity, medical treatment needs, and how cooperative the insurance company is. Some claims settle in months, while others require more time if the insurance company resists a fair outcome.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement right away?
Quick offers often come before anyone understands the full extent of the injuries or losses. Accepting too early may prevent you from seeking additional compensation later. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand whether the offer reflects your true losses.
Contact our truck accident lawyers in Richmond now
Truck accident claims involve time sensitive evidence and strict deadlines. Acting quickly helps protect your rights and gives your attorney the chance to gather key information before it disappears. Allen and Allen has served Virginians for more than 100 years, and our team stands ready to guide you through the next steps with care and compassion.
Contact us for a free consultation by calling 866-388-1307. We’re here to listen and support you as you move forward.
Our Richmond office
1802 Bayberry Court, Suite 400,
Richmond, VA 23226