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Before you talk to another Virginia (VA) injury lawyer or insurance adjuster about your truck-related accident, take a moment to view our videos and read our free consumer reports.

Trucking accidents have a tendency to be catastrophic, with severe injuries or fatalities being the rule as opposed to the exception. If you or a loved one was involved in such an accident, the focus should be on recuperating, not on haggling with truck company claims adjusters. That's what we are here for - to fight for your best interests as the truck company adjusters and defense lawyers try to reduce or deny your claim. Our law firm features seasoned attorneys with over 100 years of combined legal experience and a team of investigators that understand the complexities of a truck accident case.

We have taken injury cases all the way to a jury trial, using multiple experts. We’ve helped people who have been hurt in truck wrecks throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA) including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg. We understand what's necessary to file an injury lawsuit due to a vehicle collision on highways like Interstate 64 (I-64), I-264, I-664, I-95, I-85, I-66, I-395, I-495.

If you're seriously injured in a truck crash anywhere in VA caused by someone else's fault, we will come to you, including in and around the cities of Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke, Emporia, Harrisonburg, Radford, Charlottesville, Martinsville, Danville, Franklin, Lynchburg, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Manassas, and Fairfax.

You should consider hiring an attorney because the legal process revolving around a truck crash is different from a car crash. When the drivers of two cars have a collision, sorting out insurance concerns is usually a straightforward process. This is not the case when a tractor trailer/trucking company is involved in a wreck. Due to the many liability, underinsurance and separate insurance policies involved in any trucking business, tracking down the insurance sources or proper trucking company that may be responsible can be an overwhelming burden.

The tractor, the trailer, and the truck operator, may all have separate available insurance policies, and often we must also analyze our own client’s other insurance sources as well. The trucking industry doesn't make it easy. They often don’t provide the actual operator's name, or what company has the primary insurance.

Established trucking companies often send an investigator to the scene immediately to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and to be sure that the trucking company drivers "clam up" fast, and they do this in order to effectively minimize their liability. This is why you need quality legal representation right away.

Retaining a good lawyer and analyzing all evidence early on in the process can be the difference between a fair and just settlement and having your needs utterly discarded. There are many actions that must be taken almost immediately:

• The collection of any and all forensic evidence including skid marks, debris, vehicle or tire damage, and data systems on the truck are the physical evidence of the accident
• Consulting with forensic experts that are knowledgeable about big rig accidents and accident reconstruction.
  
• Getting through the web of liability including all available responsible parties and relevant insurance that may be available to you or a family member.

It is crucial to obtain legal counsel that has a thorough and complete understanding of state and federal regulations that apply to trucking companies. It’s important to understand that tractor trailers can be considered moving, portable businesses, and there are commercial regulations that demand that they be operated responsibly and safely.

Attorneys with experience in trucking accidents can determine whether or not these regulations were being followed, and can apply that information to your case.

Please take a moment to review our in-depth library articles on truck wrecks, our blog evoted exclusively to Virginia trucking accidents and information. and truck accident case results.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses exclusively on injury and accident law. We have a proven track record in the court room, and you can review our case results to see for yourself. Our attorneys have deep roots in Virginia and handle cases throughout the commonwealth. Our office is based in Virginia Beach, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every injury case meets our criteria,  we off a free, initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call promptly.  

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition. Rick and James, along with fellow attorney John Cooper were named Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law  (2010 Ed., less than 5% of lawyers are chosen), and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

We also offer free special reports along with editing the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a public information service. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube, a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers blog, a Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors blog, and a blog dedicated to accident and safety issues on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Blog for Crashes Caused by Trucks

• Woman Seriously Injured by Allegedly Intoxicated Pickup Truck Driver
• North Carolina (NC) Police Fed up with Careless Truck Drivers, Create Operation Road Watch
• Driver Killed When Tractor-Trailer Runs Red Light in Virginia Beach, VA.
• Minivan Driver Hit and Killed by FedEx Truck That Ran Red Light in Virginia Beach
• Truck Driver Hit and Killed in Suffolk, VA
• Virginia (VA) Firefighters Killed After Truck Rolls Over
• Space Between Cars and Trucks Can Mean Difference Between Getting Home Safe and Getting Into a Wreck
• Two Teenagers in Hospital after Accident with Distracted Coal Truck Driver
• Bike Rider Hit and Killed by City Truck in Charlottesville, VA
• Announcer Hit by Monster Truck in Charlottesville
• Livestock Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries, Death
• Two Tires Fly off Tractor-Trailer Truck Striking Three Vehicles near Havelock, North Carolina
• Unsafe Lane Change Causes Tractor-trailer to Injure Car's Driver
• Trucking Associations Praise Gov. McDonnell for Re-Opening Rest Areas
• Training the Key to Preventing Fire Tanker Truck Rollovers
• Risks for Large Truck Accidents Rise After Sun Sets
• More Semis and Tour Buses May Soon Carry Black Boxes
• Pickup Truck Roofs Must Be Stronger
• Virginia Truck Accident Videos
• Semi Safety a Must on Winter Roads

Library for Crashes Caused by Trucks:

• Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual [PDF]   
  Description: This manual lists the rules and regulations commercial truck drivers must adhere to in order to obtain a commercial driver's license. If you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck, we will use this manual as a resource to discover if any regulations were violated.
• This page provides information about the complexity of trucking insurance and how it differs from regular car insurance. After you've had a chance to review this page, please take a look at our other articles, blogs, videos, and consumer guides on trucking topics.   
  Description: If you're looking for information on federal trucking law and other trucking issues, please take a look at this web page and our site in general. We have plenty of information and if you've suffered an injury from a trucking accident, would be happy to discuss your potential claim. Our firm's phone number is 1-800-752-0042.
• Here are some results from our truck accident cases. After you've taken a look, please give us a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.   
  Description: This article features results of cases our injury law firm has handled.
• Do Virginia Rest Area Limits Put Tired Truck Drivers On The Roads?   
  Description: A law in Virginia that prohibits staying in interstate rest areas longer than two hours may be putting dangerously tired truckers on the road. What is the state doing about a law that might make highway driving more dangerous?
• In Trailer/Towed Vehicle Accident/Personal Injury Cases, The Separate Insurance on the Trailer Behind The Vehicle May Provide Further Insurance Coverage   
  Description: Our personal injury lawyers have handled cases over many years involving accidents where a car or truck operated by a careless driver also had a trailer connected, or was towing an ATV, boat, or other equipment. Also, our clients have actually been in their own car or truck and had their own trailer when they were in an accident caused by a negligent driver of another car or truck. The question a personal injury lawyer must investigate is exactly how many possible insurance sources apply to provide full compensation for a client who suffers personal injury or a wrongful death, especially if any trailer was involved.
• Getting Emergency Medical Services Tape Is Key In Virginia Car/Truck Accident   
  Description: There are various strong reasons to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately after an injury or death in a motor vehicle accident. Recovering evidence such as the 911 and ambulance call tapes and transcripts immediately is high on the list.
• How Can You Determine A Trucker Was Tired Before A Crash?   
  Description: Thirteen percent of semi truck accidents are due to truck driver fatigue. Drivers fall asleep at the wheel or become less responsive to danger because driving longer hours and taking shorter breaks increases truck driver incomes. Trucker fatigue is also often blamed on the shippers instead of the truckers themselves - companies want their merchandise as soon as possible, and often pressure truck drivers to drive long after the conditions are safe. Trucker fatigue can also lead to prescription and non-prescription drug abuse among truck drivers - two habits that can also lead to serious injuries and highway accidents.
• Car and Truck Accidents in Florida (FL)   
  Description: Florida (FL) is a picturesque vacation spot as well as land rich in culture, history, and adventure. Unfortunately, although the state is the destination for many and the home of millions, it is plagued by dangerous roads and deadly truck accidents. Whether traveling and eight-lane interstate or driving on a one lane state road, you or someone you love can be seriously hurt by an 18-wheeler in any number of circumstances. If you live in any city, town, or county in Florida (FL), we can help you sort out the particulars of your crash and find a just ruling for you in court – whether you have been seriously injured in a car or truck wreck or have a wrongful death case. The Law Firm/personal injury lawyers of Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have the expertise and courtroom track record to resolve your truck and car accident injury case and receive fair compensation. View our videos, get our free reports, and contact us today for a free consultation.
• Car and Truck Accidents in Georgia (GA)   
  Description: Georgia (GA) is a picturesque vacation spot as well as land rich in culture, history, and adventure. Unfortunately, although the state is the destination for many and the home of millions, the state is plagued by dangerous roads and deadly truck accidents. Whether traveling and eight-lane interstate or driving on a one lane state road, you or someone you love can be seriously hurt by an 18-wheeler in any number of circumstances. If you live in any city, town, or county in Georgia (GA, we can help you sort out the particulars of your crash and find a just ruling for you in court – whether you have been seriously injured in a car or truck wreck or have a wrongful death case. The Law Firm/personal injury lawyers of Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have the expertise and courtroom track record to resolve your truck and car accident injury case and receive fair compensation. View our videos, get our free reports, and contact us today for a free consultation.
• This page provides important information about car and truck accidents in South Carolina (SC). Learn the differences between a car crash and truck wreck along with data/statistics about the Palmetto State.   
  Description: South Carolina (SC) is crisscrossed with a number of dangerous roads, interstates, and highways. That's why you need to understand SC traffic laws and safety regulations, especially if you've been involved in a wreck with a truck. You'll find information about this on our web site.
• Car and Truck Accidents/Personal Injury Law in West Virginia (WV)   
  Description: Virginia (VA) and West Virginia (WV) have major interstates and state highways and the states include mountain roads, and dangerous and deadly car and truck accidents/personal injuries occur daily . If you live in any city, town, or county in Virginia (VA) or West Virginia (WV), we can help you or your family recover compensation for personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a truck-car accident or wreck . The Law Firm/personal injury lawyers of Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have the expertise, experience, and courtroom track record to resolve your truck and car accident injury case and obtain the compensation that you need and deserve. View our videos, get our free reports, and contact us today for a free consultation.
• Car and Truck Accidents/Personal Injury Law in Virginia (VA)   
  Description: Virginia (VA) and West Virginia (WV) have major interstates and state highways and the states include mountain roads, and dangerous and deadly car and truck accidents/personal injuries occur daily . If you live in any city, town, or county in Virginia (VA) or West Virginia (WV), we can help you or your family recover compensation for personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a truck-car accident or wreck . The Law Firm/personal injury lawyers of Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have the expertise, experience, and courtroom track record to resolve your truck and car accident injury case and obtain the compensation that you need and deserve. View our videos, get our free reports, and contact us today for a free consultation.
• Car and Truck Accidents/Personal Injury Law in North Carolina (NC)   
  Description: North Carolina (NC) is crisscrossed with a number of dangerous roads, interstates, and highways. While some twist through the Appalachians, others are eight lanes wide – making dangerous car and truck accidents an everyday occurrence. If you live in any city, town, or county in North Carolina (NC), we can help you sort out the particulars of your crash and find a just ruling for you in court – whether you have been seriously injured in a car or truck wreck or have a wrongful death case. The Law Firm/personal injury lawyers of Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have the expertise and courtroom track record to resolve your truck and car accident injury case and receive fair compensation. View our videos, get our free reports, and contact us today for a free consultation.
• TRACTOR TRAILER COLLISION CAUSES BRAIN, ANKLE AND PELVIC INJURIES   
  Description: Tractor Trailer Collision with a Passenger Automobile settled for $2,500,000.00 after the plaintiff was ejected from his vehicle sustaining brain injury, and multiple broken/fractured bones.
• Know The Major Types of Truck Accidents   
  Description: Trucks accidents differ from car accidents on a number of levels. Trucks are harder to maneuver. Trucks weigh more. Truck drivers are employees of trucking companies. All of these factors lead to serious injury, multi-vehicle accidents, and significantly higher rates of fatalities. It is important for all drivers to understand the different kinds and different causes of truck accidents and how they can be identified.
• Truck Accident FAQs   
  Description: Truck Accident FAQs: Even though they may seem similar, being involved in a truck accident is very different than being in a simple car crash - and on many levels. Although many of us know how to handle the basics of a car accident, a collision with a semi or big rig can be much more dangerous and much more complicated.
• Top 10 Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents   
  Description: These 10 things cause nearly all of the big rig truck crashes on the roads each year. These things put Virginia, Maryland, D.C., South Carolina, and North Carolina drivers at risk.
• Six Things You Must Remember if You're in a Truck Accident   
  Description: If you've been in an accident with a big rig, there are some things that you might not remember to do. The failure to take these six easy steps can result in you losing your lawsuit.
• FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations   
  Description: The FMCSA is working to keep drivers safe by limiting the number of hours in a day truck drivers can be on the roads.
• Tire Failure Can Cause Serious Personal Injury   
  Description: Most of us take the safety and reliability of cars for granted. However, if you stop and think about it, motor vehicle tires withstand extreme forces of pressure and heat. When one of these tires fails, it can cause serious personal injuries such as closed head injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and many other serious personal injuries

View All

Frequent Questions for Crashes Caused by Trucks:

• A big rig went out of control on the road, caused a major accident, and I was injured. Can I recover against the driver of the big rig?
  
  
• How much time does it take to resolve a truck accident case? Do most cases settle or go to trial?
• How much time do I have after a trucking accident to file a lawsuit?
• Are there different rules that apply to accidents involving commercial trucks?
• Is the law applying to a car and truck wreck case different from a car injury case and how?

Case Results for Crashes Caused by Trucks:

• Truck-Train crossing collision-back injuries
• MACK truck-trailer-wreck/leg fractures
• Automobile Accident Causing Coma and Paralysis

Awarded: Counsel settled with the motorist's insurer, and then with two additional underinsurance carriers for a total settlement of $600,000 which constituted all available insurance.

• Collision Between Two Big Rigs Creates Fireball

Awarded: Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the parked truck’s insurance, plus additional monies and concessions from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer

• Virginia Automobile Accident

Awarded: The case was settled for $350,000.00 without the necessity of a trial.

• Automobile wreck with drunk driver causes connective tissue injury

Awarded: Settled for $19,000.00 before trial.

• Man Hit By Truck While Exiting Vehicle - Wrongful Death Settlement

Awarded: Confidential

• Tractor-Trailer/Car Crash Wrongul Death - $2.4 Million Settlement

Awarded: $2.4 Million Car/Truck/Tractor Trailer Wrongful Death Settlement

Videos about Crashes Caused by Trucks:

• Trucking Injuries & Accidents: Night Driving, Headlights and "Over-Driving" Issues
• Trucking Accident Injuries: What Do Truck Black Boxes Record and How To Get the Data?
• Commercial Truckers Have Special Duties Driving in Hazardous Weather Conditions
• Trucking Injuries and Accidents: Getting Trucking Company Information
• Trucking Accidents/Injuries and Driver Fatigue: Hours of Service Regulations Govern Trucking Companies and Drivers
• You MUST Act Fast In Your Truck Accident Says Virginia Beach Injury Lawyer- Foster Vid
• Virginia Beach Injury Lawyers Team Crosses State Lines Because Trucks Do Too- Foster Vid
• Virginia Beach Injury Lawyers Study Federal Truck Regulations Regarding Your Accident- Foster Vid

Web Resources for Crashes Caused by Trucks:

• Virginia Trucking Accidents

  Description: This blog is a great resource for anyone who has suffered an injury from a truck accident. 

• Truck/tractor trailer accident resources

  Description: provides information and links to trucking injury/accident resources

• Commericial Vehicle Safety Alliance

  Description: Promoting commercial motor vehicle safety and security.

• FindLaw-Common Causes of Commercial Trucking Accidents

  Description: FindLaw article

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

  Description: Unsafe Driver Actions That Lead To Fatal Car-Truck Crashes

• Tractor Trailer Accident Guide

  Description: Your starting point for the best trailor information.

• InjuryBoard.com

  Description: Tracor-trailer accident information

• Denver Personal Injury Attorneys

  Description: Denver Personal Injury Attorneys
  

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Our Free Guides

Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in Virginia

What To Do if Hurt in Accident by Uninsured or Uninsured Driver

THE Guide to Truck Crash Injuries: What To Do If Hurt in a Truck Wreck

Child Injury Guide: What To Do If Child Gets Hurt in an Accident

TOP TEN TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS

Dangerous Drug Report: What To Do If Hurt by Prescription Drug

Surgical Errors Report: Surgical Mistakes Can Lead to Wrongful Death

Distracted Driving Report: Head Injuries Not Uncommon in Car Accidents

Airplane Accident Safety Guide: How to Avoid or Survive Airplane Crash

What Railroad Claim Agents Won't Tell You (But You Must Know)

Do's & Don'ts When Injured at a Railroad-- Your FELA Rights

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