Hampton Truck Accident Lawyer

A collision with a large commercial vehicle can cause a lot of devastation. Due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles, the impact can result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. As a Hampton truck accident attorney, I understand how a collision can change your life.

If a reckless truck driver injured you, you have options for financial recovery. As an experienced personal injury lawyer in Hampton, I will investigate the circumstances of the crash to help you recover your accident-related losses. Call me, Ed Atkinson, to discuss the details of your claim.

The Right Lawyer for Navigating Virginia Truck Accident Laws

Truck accident cases tend to be more complex than collisions involving only passenger vehicles. The sheer mass and force of a commercial truck can devastate smaller vehicles.

Additionally, the trucking industry is closely governed by state and federal regulations. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the hours of service, while the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets size, weight, and equipment requirements for Virginia trucks.

A skilled truck accident lawyer in Hampton, VA, understands how these regulations might affect your case.

During my legal practice, I have handled many truck accident claims and have seen firsthand how a crash can impact victims’ lives. I will familiarize myself with your physical, emotional, and financial hardships to protect your rights and help through the legal process.

As an Injured Truck Accident Victim, You Could Recover Damages

If a negligent truck driver injured you, you have a right to receive compensation for your losses. As your attorney, I am committed to protecting your right to financial recovery. I will investigate the circumstances surrounding the truck accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

While you likely know you can recover medical expenses and property damage, you might be surprised to learn you can also get compensation for other losses.

For example, surviving a traffic accident can leave a deep psychological wound that can be just as disruptive as a physical injury. While the insurance adjuster will ignore your psychological trauma and emotional distress, as your lawyer, I will also help you prove these intangible losses.

The available damages after a truck accident include:

• Medical bills
• The cost of future medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement

Punitive Damages

In Virginia, punitive damages may be awarded in truck accident cases under certain circumstances. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

To be eligible, you must establish that the responsible party’s actions displayed a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others. This means showing that the at-fault party acted with a high degree of negligence or intentional misconduct.

In truck accident cases, punitive damages may be applicable if the truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, particularly if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.15% or more.

Determining the At-Fault Party for a Hampton Truck Accident

For several reasons, truck accident cases tend to be more complex than standard car crashes. To begin with, since multiple parties can be at fault for the collision, determining liability becomes more complicated.

Also, the involvement of trucking companies further complicates these cases. Trucking companies often have extensive resources and legal teams to protect their interests, making it challenging for victims to navigate the legal process without an attorney.

Possible at-fault parties in a truck accident include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Truck owner
• Loading company
• Maintenance company
• Government entities

As your Hampton truck accident lawyer, I will identify the party or parties responsible for the crash and pursue maximum damages for you. I will calculate all your accident-related losses and estimate your future expenses using the available evidence.

I Will Represent Your Interests Before Insurance Companies

After a truck accident, insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible and may even deny your claim altogether, saying you engaged in “contributory negligence.” As your Hampton personal injury lawyer, I will be your advocate and I will not let them take advantage of you.

Furthermore, I understand the abusive tactics insurance adjusters often use to undermine your claim. I will protect you from attempts to diminish your recovery by building a strong case and countering any challenges or disputes that may arise.

File a Lawsuit Under Virginia’s Statute of Limitations

In Virginia, you have a limited time to take legal action against the defendant. According to the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is not a lot of time.

To increase your chances of a successful claim, seek legal assistance immediately. Give your truck accident lawyer in Hampton, VA, ample time to build a strong case on your behalf.

If you fail to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs, the court may dismiss your case, and you may lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free, No-Obligation Legal Consultation

You only get one chance at justice following your truck accident. Get a head start by calling me so I can get to work immediately. During the initial consultation, I will listen to the details of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. This consultation helps you understand your rights and discuss the next steps in pursuing a claim.

As an experienced truck accident lawyer, I understand the challenges you may be facing and the importance of obtaining reliable legal advice. I, Ed Atkinson, will provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your case. Contact my personal injury law firm today to schedule a free legal consultation.