Large truck accidents and tractor trailer accidents leave death and devastation in their wake, and in the midst of grief it can be very difficult to know what to do next. You may be wondering if you need an attorney to represent your interests and protect your rights. Tractor trailer accidents come with complications a cut above those associated with a normal accident, and most people find that they do in fact need an attorney to help them understand their legal position. You can rest assured that the trucking company will have experienced legal representation, and if you do not seek counsel from a truck accident lawyer you may find yourself at a distinct disadvantage.
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in response to an accident is normally two years, or your 20th birthday, whichever comes later.[1] However, it is very important that you contact an attorney as quickly as possible. Every trucking accident case is built by gathering facts. Trucking companies fully understand this, and they generally employ teams of investigators that rush to accident scenes to take measurements and gather evidence. They are often on site within hours of an accident, looking for evidence that supports their driver’s view of how the accident occurred. You need an experienced truck accident attorney with a team of trained investigators to level the playing field.
In addition to evidence from the scene, an attorney familiar with handling truck accident cases will gather medical records, interview witnesses and police officers, and depose employees of the trucking company. All of these activities will be most effective if they are begun soon after the crash. Injuries heal without a proper record being kept, recollections fade, and legal deadlines can rush the preparing of your case. A truck accident lawyer who has worked with you from the beginning will be in a much better position to win your case than someone who is forced to spend their time playing catch-up and hunting down old evidence and witnesses. If you have been in an accident and feel that you may need help protecting your rights, remember what delay could cost you.
About the Author: Richmond truck accident attorney Chris Guedri has over 30 years of experience handing complex trucking and tractor trailer accident cases for clients, some involving wrongful death or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recognized by his peers as a superb litigator, Chris has been listed in the book Best Lawyers in America since 1995 and in 2008 he was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, an organization of attorneys who are elected to membership based on their reputation for excellence. He has also been included among the “Legal Elite Best Lawyers in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine.
