Arlington Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences, inflicting life-altering injuries that require extensive and costly medical treatment for victims. The financial burden of these treatments and medical bills can be overwhelming for both the victims and their families. In cases where these accidents result from negligence by commercial truck drivers, trucking companies, or other industry entities, the victims may be entitled to seek compensation for the losses caused by their injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a commercial or semi-truck accident, contact an Arlington truck accident attorney today from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, PC.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Driving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or large commercial trucks is a vastly different experience compared to operating a family SUV. These semi-truck vehicles can weigh 20 to 30 times more than standard passenger vehicles and occupy significantly more space than motor vehicles. Consequently, they handle it in a manner that most of us are not accustomed to.

Due to their considerable size and weight, commercial trucks have slower acceleration, require more space to make turns, and severely limit visibility for the driver. Moreover, they have specialized features not commonly found in passenger vehicles, such as air brakes and coupling devices.

Given the difference between driving commercial trucks and regular cars, those who wish to drive commercial vehicles must undergo specialized training, obtain commercial driver’s licenses to ensure legal operation, and follow trucking regulations. Despite these measures, there are still instances where a commercial truck driver may make mistakes and drive carelessly, leading to severe accidents. These serious truck accidents are often a result of the following:

• Reckless driving.
• Driver fatigue.
• Impaired driving.
• Failure to yield.
• Following too closely.
• Improper turns.
• Need to signal lane changes.
• Driving on the wrong side of the road.
• Distracted driving.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Arlington

In the event of a truck accident in Arlington, your first step is to prioritize safety for yourself and any passengers. If your vehicle is operational, try to move it to a safe spot on the road, though it might be challenging on a highway.

If you or others have been injured in a truck crash, call for an ambulance to take you to a nearby hospital. While receiving medical attention, inform the healthcare staff about how the truck crash and injuries occurred to document your claim accurately.

Furthermore, contact law enforcement to assess the accident scene. A police report will be valuable when reporting the incident to your insurance company. In certain situations, you may be legally obligated to report the accident to law enforcement, especially if severe injuries or fatalities were involved in the crash.

What kinds of Evidence Will You Need for a Truck Accident Case? 

Your Arlington truck accident lawyer will gather different types of evidence to help make your claim strong. Some of the most common types of evidence you will need in a truck accident claim are: 

• Police reports 
• Statements from any witnesses
• Your medical records
• The truck driver’s driving record and logs
• Photographs from the scene of the accident

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Trucking Accident in Arlington, VA

Suppose the trucking company or accident injuries fail to receive sufficient compensation. In that case, it is essential to contemplate initiating a personal injury lawsuit. Nevertheless, remember that your claim must adhere to the statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations specifies the time limit for a plaintiff to file a lawsuit for injury claims against a defendant. Virginia’s statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date. Failing to file your case within this two-year window may result in the court dismissing your claim.

Don’t delay in pursuing the rightful compensation you deserve. Our firm is here to promptly assist you in commencing your personal injury claim.

What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?

Our trucking accident lawyers will hold the liable parties responsible for any resulting injuries after the accident and the amount in damages, including:

• Lost wages if you were unable to work while recovering.
• Emergency care, including the cost of ambulance transportation.
• All reasonable medical expenses.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.
• Mental anguish.

Learn how an Arlington truck accident lawyer from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. can help you when you schedule a free consultation. Call us for a no-obligation opportunity to get answers to your legal questions, including what you can expect from a truck accident case.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the quantifiable losses from an accident, making them relatively straightforward to assess. These damages encompass both immediate and long-term financial implications. They may comprise medical expenses, treatment and rehabilitation costs, repairs to personal property, lost wages, and potential earnings that have been affected. In more tragic circumstances where a fatality has transpired due to the incident, economic damages may extend to cover funeral expenses, burial costs, and other post-mortem arrangements for the deceased.

Non-Economic Damages

Quantifying non-economic damages poses a more significant challenge as they encompass various intangible losses. These damages encompass the pain and suffering experienced or anticipated to persist due to the accident and psychological traumas such as mental anguish and emotional turmoil. When seeking compensation, it’s crucial to consider these non-economic damages. An empathetic and well-informed Arlington truck accident attorney understands the immense stress and suffering that often follow such accidents. They can effectively collaborate with individuals to explore all potential paths for recovering these non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

While punitive damages are infrequent and not commonly granted in automobile and truck accident cases, a court may choose to consider awarding them if the defendant’s conduct reaches an egregious and reckless level as an effort to penalize the defendant for their willful,malicious or reckless behavior.

Our Dedicated Arlington Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here For You

Our team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, Siegel, P.C. is dedicated to fighting for fair compensation and helping you navigate the complexities of the legal process during this challenging time. We understand that a truck accident can be a life-altering event, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way. With a track record of aggressively pursuing justice for truck accident victims, you can trust our Arlington truck accident lawyers to put your interests first. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.