Norfolk, VA Lawyers Fight for Victims of Fatal Truck Crashes

After fire engulfed a rear-ended car on I-264 near Military Highway and took the life of a passenger trapped in the burning vehicle on December 14, 2009, questions emerged over whether the car's driver or the driver of a flatbed truck was more at fault for the tragic accident. Even though police ticketed the truck driver for failing to yield to a disabled vehicle, the very fact that the car was on the highway with a flat tire called liability into doubt.

Two of our lawyers fought for the deceased victim's family. Within one year, the trucking company and its insurer agreed to settle a wrongful death claim for $3.5 million.

While not representative of every case we take in which a person driving through or living in Norfolk, Virginia (VA), gets injured or killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or other commercial truck, the result does indicate how our attorneys help families receive fair compensation for damages and suffering.

Although small in area, Norfolk saw 87 accidents involving trucks during 2009, and another 48 through September 2010. That is far too many opportunities for drivers and passengers in cars and trucks or on motorcycles to get hurt while traveling along I-64, I-564, Granby Road or through the Midtown or Downtown tunnels.

When large commercial trucks do crash into other vehicles or hit pedestrians, severe injuries are often the best outcome. Too often, victims of trucking accidents die. When those tragedies occur, victims and their families must act quickly to ensure the company operating the truck and its insurance company will pay legitimate claims for vehicle repairs, medical bills and lost wages.

Getting an experienced, tough lawyer in your corner can help immensely with understanding whether you have a strong claim and in dealing with insurers. So call us at (757) 460-7776.

Our main offices are in Virginia Beach, but we will come to you if necessary. We do not take every case, but we guarantee that the first consultation will not cost you anything. We only charge legal fees if we succeed in securing you a settlement or verdict.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Newport News, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Jim and Rick have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of practicing lawyers receive this honor.

In addition, our VA injury law firm was the first in the commonwealth to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms, and we have the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization. The rating indicates we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a message so we can get back to you.