As a Norfolk semi-truck accident lawyer, I understand the risks associated with commercial vehicle traffic on highways and interstates around Hampton Roads and the Port of Virginia. I also know that a collision with a large truck can, unfortunately, leave you with expensive medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and other damages.
I’m Ed Atkinson, attorney and business owner of Atkinson Law. I’m here to provide legal support if you were harmed in a truck crash. With my extensive experience in Virginia personal injury cases, I can help you get the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
I represent injured accident victims in Norfolk, VA, and the surrounding areas. Please call me or complete the online contact form for a free, no-risk consultation today.
Our Norfolk Truck Accident Law Firm Will Put Legal Experience On Your Side
Motor vehicle accidents on the highway often occur during passing or changing lanes. Most drivers can relate to the tense feeling of being passed by a massive truck, so large it nearly occupies more than a single lane.
To avoid tractor-trailer accidents, Norfolk, VA, commercial truck drivers must ensure they can safely overtake another vehicle before attempting to do so. They must also stay in one lane as much as possible, pay full time and attention to the roadway, use a turn signal, and not travel at unsafe speeds.
A truck driver who violates any of these legal standards may be negligent if it results in an accident.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Norfolk, call 757-648-8579
Common Injuries Associated with a Norfolk, VA, Trucking Accident
Due to the size and mass of the vehicles involved in 18-wheeler accidents, the injuries and damage sustained are greater than those following a normal motor vehicle accident. They are typically much more severe, disruptive to your life, and, in some cases, fatal.
After your Norfolk truck accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention, ongoing medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
The following are common types of injuries you may experience in an 18-wheeler collision:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal injuries, including organ damage
- Severe burns
- Limb and torso injuries
Even whiplash or a relatively minor broken bone can leave you with chronic pain and costly medical bills.
You may also be dealing with emotional trauma from the accident, which can cause severe anxiety, one of the main symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, you may be unsure how you’ll pay for medical bills and other damages incurred.
Norfolk Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 757-648-8579
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Virginia Truck Collision?
Regarding a Norfolk big rig accident settlement, the amount paid to you should be enough to compensate for the loss of quality of life, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Legal assistance from our law firm can help you navigate the complex procedures necessary to litigate or mediate your case with the best possible result.
The settlement or award you could recover after a commercial truck accident depends on the specifics of your case but might include the following:
- Medical expenses: This includes any medical bills you incurred as a result of the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and other medical treatments necessary for your recovery.
- Lost income: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be able to recoup the wages you lost.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the collision, you need compensation for repairs or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering: In addition to economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, you may qualify for non-economic damages for the physical and emotional pain you experienced.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you could obtain compensation for their medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of their financial support and companionship.
It’s important to note that the specific amount you may be able to recover after a Virginia truck accident will depend on the facts of your case. However, I can explain your legal options and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and accident-related losses.
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Key Aspects of the Legal Landscape in the Virginia Trucking Industry
The trucking industry is subject to a complex legal framework shaped by the interplay between standard state traffic and negligence laws on the one hand and special regulations for tractor-trailers on the other.
The primary goal of these laws and regulations is to ensure the safety of all road users by reducing the likelihood of accidents and maintaining high standards for trucking operations.
The following table illustrates 9 Key Aspects of the legal landscape related to the Virginia trucking industry:
| Aspect | Authority/Agency | Description |
| 1. Federal regulations | FMCSA | As in all states, trucking companies and drivers in Virginia must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) established and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). |
| 2. State regulations | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | In addition to federal regulations, trucking companies and drivers must comply with Virginia’s traffic and negligence laws. These laws are enforced by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). |
| 3. Permissible load weight | FMCSA, Virginia DMV | Virginia enforces the federal weight limits set by the FMCSA. Additionally, Virginia has state-specific weight restrictions and permitting requirements for certain routes or bridges. Trucking companies and drivers should consult the Virginia DMV for weight restrictions. |
| 4. Loading procedures | FMCSA, Virginia DMV | Trucking companies and drivers in Norfolk, VA, must follow federal loading procedures and securement regulations established by the FMCSA, as well as state-specific requirements enforced by the Virginia DMV. |
| 5. Hazardous materials | FMCSA, PHMSA, DOT, Virginia DMV | Hazardous material transportation is subject to stringent regulations to prevent accidents and minimize harm to the environment and public health. The FMCSA, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Virginia DMV, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) all regulate hazardous material transportation. |
| 6. Hours of service | FMCSA | To combat driver fatigue, truck drivers operating in Virginia must follow the federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations established by the FMCSA. These dictate the maximum number of consecutive hours they can drive without rest. |
| 7. Trailer maintenance | FMCSA, Virginia DMV | Trucking companies and drivers in Norfolk, VA, must adhere to the federal maintenance regulations set by the FMCSA and state-specific maintenance requirements enforced by the Virginia DMV to keep their vehicles in safe operating condition. |
| 8. Licensing and training | Virginia DMV, FMCSA | To legally operate a tractor-trailer in Virginia, Norfolk truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the Virginia DMV. The Virginia DMV follows the minimum standards for CDL testing and training established by the FMCSA. |
| 9. Liability and insurance | Virginia DMV, Insurance Companies | Trucking companies and drivers in Virginia are required to carry liability insurance to cover potential damages and injuries caused by their negligence. The Virginia DMV sets the minimum insurance requirements, while insurance companies provide the coverage. |
It is crucial for trucking companies and drivers operating in Virginia to comply with these regulations and laws to ensure road safety and responsible business practices.
A truck driver or trucking company may be deemed negligent if non-compliance to one of these laws results in an accident.
As an experienced truck accident lawyer in Norfolk, I thoroughly understand how these laws will apply to your injury claim.
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What Can a Norfolk Truck Accident Lawyer Do for My Case?
As an experienced truck accident attorney with 15 years of know-how, I empathize with what you’re going through.
I will do everything possible to pursue the monetary compensation you need to get your life back on track. In addition, I will handle all aspects of your case and protect your legal rights along the way.
Here’s what I can do for your case:
- Investigate the crash: As your lawyer, I will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident to determine the liable parties.
- Communicate with insurance companies: I will manage communication and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. As an attorney who spent years representing insurers, I know how to counter their deceptive tactics.
- Calculate damages: I will help you calculate the damages you are entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- File a lawsuit: If necessary, I will file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
- Provide legal advice: As a licensed personal injury attorney, I can provide legal advice and answer any questions you may have beginning with your free consultation.
- Protect your rights: I am here to protect your legal rights and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the claims and litigation process.
How Much Time do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are a truck accident victim, it’s important to act quickly due to the strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims in Virginia. These deadlines are outlined in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243.
While the exact timeframe for filing depends on your case’s circumstances, the Virginia statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is also two years.
Failing to file your truck accident claim within these time frames may result in losing your right to seek compensatory damages. It’s also important to quickly gather and preserve evidence, so the sooner you contact me, the better your physical and financial recovery could be.
Can I Afford to Pay for a Norfolk Truck Accident Attorney?
At Atkinson Law, we understand that the cost of legal representation can concern accident victims. That’s why we handle cases on a contingency-fee basis.
You owe us nothing if we don’t succeed in court or through negotiations. My firm covers the upfront costs of your case, including court fees, expert witness fees, and investigation costs. Our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or jury award, and we will discuss that percentage with you upfront.
I will gladly travel at my own expense to meet you: to your hospital bed, home, or a family member’s house. There is zero risk when you choose me for your personal injury claim because I only get paid when we win.
What Sets Atkinson Law Apart from Other Personal Injury Law Firms?
I established Atkinson Law in August 2014 to break the mold of traditional law firms and focus on providing exceptional client service. We provide the opposite of a big box store experience. Instead, we are a local business that needs your patronage and seeks to win your trust at every step.
I Provide Regular Updates Regarding Your Norfolk Truck Accident Lawsuit
If a client wants me to call them daily with a case update, I will. This is why my firm earns only five-star reviews on Google and has quickly risen in this highly competitive field.
I Can Provide You With Healthcare Options for Your Injuries
In addition, if you need medical care for minor or severe injuries, I know many providers and can help you with your options while waiting for a settlement. Some providers can make financial arrangements if you have limited access to healthcare otherwise.
We know you have a choice regarding personal injury lawyers. However, Atkinson Law offers premium, customized services to match your preferences.
Contact Norfolk Truck Accident Attorney Ed Atkinson Today
The road to recovery can be long and difficult. But taking the first step toward obtaining a settlement or court award is as simple as picking up the phone. Atkinson Law has served injured clients in Southeastern Virginia since 2014.
My clients have consistently given my firm high marks for results and client service. Call or fill out a free online consultation form to contact me now.
Call or text 757-648-8579 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
