You have legal options that can allow you to secure maximum compensation for your losses after an accident with an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or another large commercial vehicle. In this situation, you can turn to a Reston truck accident lawyer to build your claim, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal system.
A Reston personal injury lawyer from BenGlassLaw can take charge and fight for the money you need to pay for your medical expenses, property repairs, pain, and emotional suffering.
Our team has over a century of combined experience. We can use our extensive legal background to stand up to big trucking companies on behalf of clients like you. We’re prepared to assist with any legal challenges you face after a truck crash, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Reston, VA, Can Help
You can boost your chances of getting fair compensation for your losses after an accident by hiring a personal injury attorney immediately after any crash that results in injuries or property damage.
Reaching out to our firm quickly means you’ll have someone on your side to provide the personalized legal support you need. We take charge immediately and focus on:
Answering Your Questions
We provide personalized answers to any questions you have about your legal situation, allowing you to quickly get back your peace of mind after an accident. We also help you avoid mistakes that could damage your claim or even stop you from getting compensation for your losses.
Protect Your Claim
We step in to serve as a shield for you, protecting your ability to secure compensation and dealing with the insurance company on your behalf. We explain what information you should share and handle all legal communication.
Gather Evidence
We need to gather evidence immediately after a trucking accident to construct a solid claim on your behalf. For example, we need to reach out to the trucking company and request that they share information on the truck’s data recorder. They can get rid of this information if you do not move quickly.
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Why You Should Pick BenGlassLaw After a Truck Crash
Below are just a handful of reasons why we are an ideal choice for legal representation after a car accident.
- Legal Experience. BenGlassLaw has been in business for over three decades and has ample trial experience in a wide range of personal injury claims.
- Professional Recognitions. Attorney Ben Glass has been named by Super Lawyers for 20 years between 2006 and 2026.
- Satisfied Customers: BenGlassLaw has 400+ 5-star reviews from satisfied clients as a testament to our skills and customer service.
- Over $100 million recovered. Our knowledgeable attorneys at BenGlassLaw have recovered over one hundred million dollars for deserving clients.
Reston Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (703) 591-9829
Types of Trucking Accidents We Can Navigate in Reston
Due to their size and weight, there are classes of traffic accidents that are unique to large trucks. Below are some of the most common that our Reston auto accident lawyers encounter.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle becomes wedged underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer. These accidents can cause severe injuries to occupants in the front of the vehicle.
Jackknife Accidents
When trucks stop too quickly, the trailer can lose traction with the road and snap forward. This creates a hinge-like shape that can strike and drag passenger vehicles down the road.
Fishtail Accidents
Fishtail accidents occur when the tractor-trailer swerves back and forth under its own momentum. The swerving can cause the truck driver to lose control and the vehicle to roll over.
Cargo Accidents
Cargo that isn’t balanced or properly secured can shift during transit. Loose cargo can unbalance the vehicle or even fall from the back and strike nearby vehicles or pedestrians.
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Common Injuries After a Reston Truck Crash
Given the size and weight involved, truck accidents can cause severe injuries when they collide with passenger vehicles. Even at low speeds, the sheer mass of commercial vehicles can result in devastating injuries, such as:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and scrapes
- Arm, hand, and wrist injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Torso and chest injuries
- Eye, mouth, and dental injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Crushing injuries and amputations
It is important to get immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you feel fine in the moment. Things like concussions or whiplash might not produce symptoms until later, and you need a paper trail of injury diagnosis and treatment to file a personal injury claim with insurance companies.
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The Importance of Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations
Trucking accidents are different than typical car accidents because of the presence of federal trucking regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulates trucking activity, and these regulations are a centerpiece of any truck accident investigation.
Violations of regulations can serve as evidence of negligence, so a significant part of a truck crash claim is investigating whether truck drivers and companies are breaking the rules. Below are some of the most relevant regulations that could impact your case:
- Hours–of–service. FMCSA regulations limit the number of consecutive hours drivers can operate commercial vehicles. Drivers must record driving hours and the distance covered in that time. These regulations exist to reduce the risk of driver fatigue or distracted driving.
- Weight restrictions. Most commercial vehicles are limited to a maximum gross weight of 80,000 and a maximum width of 102 inches. Exceeding these restrictions creates an unnecessary risk of motor vehicle accidents.
- Inspections and maintenance. Drivers must perform pre- and post-trip inspections and note maintenance issues. Trucking companies are also required to keep detailed maintenance requests and records of repairs.
- Driver qualifications. All commercial vehicle drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license and meet federal qualifications for trucking employment. Employers are responsible for vetting drivers to ensure they’re properly trained and qualified.
- Hazardous materials transportation. Trucking companies must also follow very specific regulations when transporting hazardous materials. Dangerous substances must be properly packaged and have appropriate labeling.
Who Is Responsible for Your Truck Accident?
Any legally liable party could have to cover your financial losses after an accident involving a large commercial truck. Below are some of the main entities that can bear responsibility:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are generally liable when they engage in driver errors that lead to vehicle accidents. Common types of negligence include fatigued driving, distracted driving, speeding, and unsafe operation.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can be directly liable if they engage in dangerous business practices that contribute to crashes. For example, the company might be liable if it didn’t vet an applicant and hired a driver with a history of drunk driving violations.
Auto Manufacturers
Defective auto parts like brakes, tires, and engines can cause destructive accidents. Truck manufacturers can be responsible if the accident was caused by mechanical failures in auto parts.
Loading Crews
Many trucking companies outsource cargo loading and unloading to third-party crews. These contractors can be liable if accidents happen because of loose or unsecured cargo.
Local Government
Local governments are usually responsible for designing and maintaining public roads and highways. If dangerous road conditions caused the crash, then the city of Reston or the Virginia Department of Transportation could be liable.
Compensation for Your Truck Crash
A personal injury lawyer in Reston, VA, can take immediate steps to bring you fair compensation for any losses associated with your collision.
The funds available will depend on the specifics of your situation, but in many cases, we can bring our clients the money they need to cover:
Medical Bills
Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including concussions and damage to internal organs. We keep a record of all your medical expenses and work to ensure the responsible party covers these costs, like emergency medical bills, future medical expenses, prescription medication, and medical devices.
Lost Wages
We know that you may have to miss a lot of time at your job during your recovery from a trucking accident. The liable party could have to pay you for your lost salary and potentially diminished earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
A truck crash can have lasting effects on your emotional and mental well-being. We can determine a value for these non-economic impacts of a crash, potentially bringing you the funds you need to address your:
- Emotional distress
- Pain that stops you from enjoying your life
- Mental anguish
We take these losses seriously and can include them in your claim.
Property Repairs
A crash with a large commercial truck could cause incredible amounts of damage to your vehicle. Our team can help you get the money you need to pay for repairs or even a vehicle replacement.
Fatal Truck Crashes and Wrongful Death Claims
Truck crashes are much more likely to cause fatal injuries than car accidents. If your loved one has died in a truck crash, know that you have our sincerest condolences. The pain of loss and financial distress after a death can throw your life into turmoil.
The wrongful death lawyers from BenGlassLaw can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Compensable losses may include the following:
- Cost of medical treatment the deceased incurred before death
- Loss of income and financial support the deceased would’ve provided
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of companionship, comfort, care, and guidance
No amount of money can make up for the loss. But our wrongful death lawyers can work to give you the financial stability you need to heal and move forward.
How Contributory Negligence Can Impact Your Claim
Virginia is one of a handful of states that practices pure contributory negligence in injury cases. Under this system, if you are partially responsible for the accident and your injuries, then you will be barred from recovering compensation.
This system is extremely strict, as being even just one percent responsible can legally bar you from recovering money in an insurance claim. As such, you should work with an auto accident lawyer who can argue against attempts to shift blame and fault.
Deadlines for Truck Crash Claims
You have to take legal action before Virginia’s personal injury statute of limitations expires to get the compensation you need after a crash. In most cases, you’ll get two years from the date of your accident to take this step. The two-year timer starts from the date the accident happened or the date you discovered you had injuries.
Two years might sound like a long time, but it can take a long time to start building a case. The best option is to start as early as possible by talking to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
Talk to Us After Your Trucking Accident in Reston, VA
You can count on a Reston truck accident lawyer from our team at BenGlassLaw to address your legal concerns, explain your options, and help you take steps to secure maximum payment for all of your losses.
Contact us online or call our offices today to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable team member.
Call (703) 591-9829 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
