Our Virginia Personal Injury Attorneys Have the Answers You Seek
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What evidence do I need for my truck accident claim?
Determining liability in a truck crash can be difficult because many businesses and individuals are involved in getting a loaded truck on the road. However, evidence can help insurance agents, judges or juries, and attorneys fully understand the facts of the crash, which can help place liability. Ultimately, evidence helps you maximize your recovery after a crash with a truck, so it’s important to understand what evidence you’ll need.At the Scene of the Crash, Do Your Part
Just as with a passenger vehicle crash, your actions right after an accident with a truck are important to recovering fully for your injuries and damages. You can protect your future claim by:
- Jotting down some notes while the memory is fresh in your mind.
- Taking photos and videos of the crash scene, making sure to include descriptions of what happened.
- Calling law enforcement so an objective third party can step in, record information, and give directions as needed.
- Talking to witnesses who may have unique information or had an important view of the crash.
An Attorney Can Help Collect Other Evidence
Other types of evidence may prove helpful for your case, but it’s smart to enlist the help of an attorney to gather these, which include:
- Evidence from the truck’s interior, such as the “black box” recording device, any photos or videos of the cabin, dash camera footage, and data from the truck’s computer.
- Evidence from the trucker and his employer, including hours of service logs, maintenance records, and driver history.
- Evidence from security footage, which could shed light on the driver’s actions directly before the crash or the root cause of the accident.
Let an Attorney Advocate for You
If you’ve recently been involved in a crash with a large truck and feel confused about your next steps, get into contact with an experienced attorney. Truck accident litigation can be complex and confusing, but the team at Tavss Fletcher can provide you with answers and personalized service. To speak with a member of our firm, call our toll-free number today.
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What are no-zones and how can I avoid them?
A large truck is one that weighs 10,000 pounds or more, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This creates a risk for smaller passenger vehicles. It’s important that Virginia drivers know what no-zones are, how to avoid them, and how a lawyer can help if an accident occurs.Accidents Are More Likely in No-Zones
Because trucks are heavier and more difficult to maneuver than a traditional passenger vehicle, you must take extra caution when driving near them to prevent serious injuries. Specifically, you should avoid the no-zones, which are especially risky areas around a truck. These include:
- The sides. Semi-trucks are so large and long that they have blind spots on both sides. However, visibility is especially limited on the trucker’s right side.
- The rear. Truckers cannot see directly behind their trailers, but drivers who follow a truck closely also cannot see around the truck.
- The front. Large trucks need more time to make safe stops, and having a passenger vehicle right in front of them creates a significant risk.
You Can Avoid the No-Zones
To protect yourself and your passengers, make sure you know how to share the road with large trucks appropriately. The following are some quick tips to help you stay safe:
- If you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you. Whether you are traveling on the side or rear of the truck, it’s important you use the truck’s mirrors to keep the driver’s face within your view. If you can see the driver, you’re most likely in the driver’s sights.
- Don’t linger. When traveling in close proximity to a truck, make sure to exit the no-zones quickly. Do not linger in any of the no-zones for too long.
- Pass safely. When passing, make sure to pass on the left—where a truck’s blind spot is smaller. Additionally, when you pass in front of a truck, give the truck plenty of room. In your side-view mirror, you should be able to see the whole front end of the truck before you cross into its lane.
- Beware wide right turns. If you and a large truck are both about to make a right turn, keep in mind that trucks need more room than you. Keep your distance, and never try to squeeze through first while a truck is turning right.
If You’ve Been Injured, You Need Help
Accidents with large trucks can become complicated quickly, so if you’ve been injured, it’s important you enlist the help of an experienced attorney. The team at Tavss Fletcher can help you gather evidence, present a sound argument, and work toward a positive outcome in your case. To get started with us, call our toll-free phone number: 877-960-3441.
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What should I do if I think the truck driver near me is falling asleep at the wheel?
If you’re driving along the freeway and see a truck swerving back and forth, stopping and starting, and just acting in a way that looks dangerous, there’s a good chance the driver may be falling asleep behind the wheel.
You likely know the dangers of a truck driver who is drowsy. In fact, actor Tracy Morgan recently suffered a traumatic brain injury and the loss of his close friend because a truck driver who was allegedly awake for 24 hours fell asleep behind the wheel.
What You Can Do About a Drowsy Truck Driver
Fortunately, you don’t have to allow a truck driver to possibly endanger your life and those around you. You can take the following actions to prevent serious injuries or even death:
- Get to a safe location. If possible, pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot to get away from the dangerous truck driver. Never put your life in danger to stop the driver. Make your safety your first priority.
- Call the police. You can report the unsafe driver to the police by calling either 911 or the non-emergency number for the police. You’ll need a description of the vehicle, the tag number, trucking company, and the location where the truck is traveling. The police may send an officer to look for the truck in question.
If a Truck Driver Has Caused You Injuries
Fortunately, you can fight back against a driver that has caused you injuries. An attorney from Tavss Fletcher will work hard to help you receive the compensation you need to cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and loss of work. Contact us today to learn more.
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What should I do if I think a truck near me is about to cause an accident?
You had just paid your toll on the Chesapeake Expressway and were getting back onto 168, when you noticed the truck ahead of you was moving strangely. It kept shaking and wobbling, and the driver had to keep braking for no apparent reason. Although you don’t normally mind driving behind trucks, this one gave you a funny feeling, and you weren’t quite sure what to do about it.
Should you try to pass him, or keep your distance? Could he be in trouble? What should you do?
Common Signs a Truck Is Out of Control
Truck accidents kill 3,500 people and cause over 6,000 serious injuries every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although the majority of the accidents are caused by the trucker losing control, 98 percent of the injuries (fatal and non-fatal) are suffered by nearby motorists and pedestrians. This frightening statistic is enough to cause panic attacks every time you see a truck, let alone drive near one. However, with proper awareness and detection, you can help decrease your and your family’s odds of injury, by predicting—and being able to avoid—a collision before it even occurs.
When driving near a truck, stay alert for the following signs that the trucker may have lost control or that the truck itself is having mechanical problems. If you witness any of these signs, back off immediately!
- Swerving, shaking or veering. Trucks can be difficult to handle, and even a slight overcorrection can cause a trucker to lose control. Although slight movements aren’t definite signs of an impending accident, you should increase your distance to give the trucker room to maneuver.
- Excessive or abrupt braking. This could be a sign of driver distraction or fatigue; either way, it’s best to keep your distance.
- Tilting or shaking trailer. An unbalanced or unstable trailer could cause the entire truck to lose control, tip, or roll over.
- Wobbly or loose tires. Odd looking or poor tire rotation could be a sign of excessive wear and tear, possibly indicating a potential blowout in the near future.
- Open trailer, loose objects, or unsecured cargo. An open or poorly secured trailer could cause the shipment to fall into the roadway or directly on your car.
- Loud or slowly responsive brakes. Brake issues could be a sign of poor overall maintenance, which might mean the entire truck is an 18-wheeled death trap. It’s best just to steer away.
Getting Compensation for Your Injury
Although staying alert and identifying possible signs of distress can lower your odds of a tragic collision, accidents can still happen out of nowhere. This is why it is important to have someone who is committed to helping you and your family after an unforeseen truck accident. Our extensive truck accident knowledge and experience will help you get the compensation your family needs for treatment and damages.
Our clients are part of our family, and as such, we’re driven to make sure they get the justice they deserve. As part of our family, you too will witness our diligence and compassion for getting you the settlement your injuries require.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Feel free to read our clients’ firsthand accounts of their own claim experiences, and see how we helped them get their rightful settlements. We can extend you the same helping hand. You can also follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook to see periodic updates, client responses, and updated claim information.