Virginia is a state that requires all vehicles to pass an inspection every year. For safe drivers who keep their car in good order it might seem like a hassle. But ensuring that the vehicles that drive our roads are safe is something that can benefit. A prime example would be a recent fatal accident that occurred because of defective equipment.
A dump truck driver was operating his truck with no power train or headlights because they were defective. His dump truck broke down at night in the middle lane of I-95 in Prince William County. On that dark stretch of interstate a tractor-trailer came upon the disabled dump truck. Unable to see the dump truck who had no lights on, the driver of the tractor trailer struck the dump truck. The impact of the crash caused both vehicles to overturn. Sadly the victim, Anthony T. Coppedge, died in the accident.
Since the fatal car accident that took the life of the Richmond, VA truck driver was clearly the dump truck drivers fault the family of the victim could file a wrongful death claim. As experienced Virginia truck accident attorneys we have dealt with wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles and know they are not always cut and dry. For example, would the family file a claim against the dump truck driver or the company he was driving for? Usually, both the driver and the company he was working for will be named as defendant in a potential suit, but speaking with your lawyer about this is the best way to figure out what to do.
Another important factor in filing a wrongful death claim would be timing. The family no doubt needs time to grieve and to get his affairs in order. How much time can they wait before filing a claim? Every state contains “statutes of limitation,” which determine the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is important since if you miss it, your claim will be dismissed. The window of opportunity starts from the date of the accident.
To help make this difficult process easier our personal injury law firm has created a free guide. “What to do if You Lost a Loved One in an Accident”
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