Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

While we assume most trucking accidents are just that – accidental – the reality is that many such collisions could have been prevented. When truck drivers choose to drink or take drugs behind the wheel, their driving inevitably suffers. Given that even certain prescription medications can impact a person’s motor skills significantly, it’s no surprise that a large percentage of truck crashes are caused by drivers under the influence.

Trucking companies have taken efforts to prevent these behaviors, frequently testing their drivers for drugs in their systems. Unfortunately, there are ways of getting around such tests. 

When this kind of recklessness results in an accident, the damage can be deadly. No accident victim should be left burdened by the fallout of a drunk or drugged driver’s mistakes. Personal injury claims can help survivors recover after such a collision. 

Tractor trailers often weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Drivers who are eager to make their deadlines sometimes travel at high speeds to reach their destinations on time. This combination can be deadly, as heavy trucks traveling at high speeds are more prone to rollovers. These accidents occur when loads are unevenly distributed on the truck, when a driver turns a corner too suddenly, or anytime a driver is distracted. 

The resulting crash can be serious. Depending on the material being transported, spills onto the highway can clog roadways and even up the chances of someone sustaining a serious or fatal injury. When this happens, it’s critical to speak with a Virginia truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Nobody should be forced to pay for things like medical bills or lost wages – that’s the responsibility of the person or company who caused the accident.

Distracted driving has become an epidemic over the last decade. Given our reliance on our smartphones for everything we do, it’s no wonder so many drivers find themselves tempted by their devices. Truck drivers are held to strict standards when it comes to cell phone use. They’re allowed to use their phones, but must do so while utilizing hands-free technology. Fines and disqualification await those who break these rules.

Unfortunately, though, rules and the threat of fines aren’t always enough to disincentivize distracted driving. Truckers who take their eyes off the road for mere seconds can cause life-threatening accidents. In fact, research shows that truck drivers who text while operating a vehicle are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a “safety-critical” event, like a collision.

It’s essential for motorists to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicles ahead. This is doubly true for truck drivers. Given the weight of their trucks and cargo, they need more time to come to a stop than other kinds of vehicles might. 

When road conditions are bad, following distance becomes even more important. Whether due to traffic, weather conditions, or other disruptions in the road, trucks must constantly adjust their following distance to prevent rear-end collisions. Should they fail to pay adequate attention, accidents are inevitable. Reckless, risky choices behind the wheel can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.

When truck drivers fail to adequately maintain their vehicles, though, the consequences can be deadly. According to the Department of Transportation, just under a third of all truck accidents involve brake failure. Though these may seem like unforeseeable accidents, truck drivers and the companies they work for are required by law to maintain their vehicles to reduce the risk of such collisions.

Truck companies and their drivers are held to high safety standards for a reason; when their vehicles fail on the road, they risk the lives of every motorist around them. Given the extensive wear-and-tear of the trucking industry, damaged and worn down tires are all too common. When tire or brake failure results in an accident, the victims may have a personal injury claim.