Portsmouth Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles can result in serious injuries or fatalities. These accidents also involve complex legal matters due to multiple parties that may be responsible for the accident. That is why it is important to have an experienced legal team by your side.

The Portsmouth commercial truck accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC have handled many commercial truck accident cases in the area; our team understands the impacts these accidents can have on people’s lives. From determining who is at fault to gathering the necessary evidence to support your case, our team is dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents?

Several factors can contribute to commercial truck accidents, including:

• Driver error, such as fatigue from long hours or distraction from mobile devices.
• Improper cargo loading, leading to instability or difficulty in control.
• Poor road conditions and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
• Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog.
• Actions of other drivers, such as failing to yield or cutting off a truck, which can be particularly dangerous due to the truck’s size and limited maneuverability.

How Is Liability Determined in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?

Liability in a commercial truck accident case can be complicated because more than one party may be responsible. Truck drivers may be at fault if they acted negligently or violated traffic laws, such as speeding or failing to follow proper safety protocols. 

However, other parties may also bear responsibility. The trucking company may be liable if they failed to provide adequate training, pressured drivers to work beyond legal driving hours, or did not properly maintain their trucks.

In addition to the driver and the trucking company, third parties like truck manufacturers or maintenance providers may also be held accountable. If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer or service provider could be at fault. To determine liability, our Portsmouth commercial truck accident gathers any evidence that may indicate who caused the crash, like police reports, traffic camera footage, driver records, black box recordings, and truck part recall notices.

Can I File a Claim If the Commercial Truck Driver Was at Fault for the Accident?

Yes, if the commercial truck driver was at fault for the accident, you may file a claim. However, the process of recovering compensation can be more complicated than a typical car accident claim. The truck driver may have commercial insurance coverage, which often has higher limits than personal insurance policies. This means that compensation can potentially be more substantial, but there may also be more parties involved, including the trucking company, insurance companies, and other entities.

Our Portsmouth commercial truck accident lawyers can identify the responsible parties and pursue all potential sources of compensation. We will guide you through the claim filing process, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek the best possible outcome for your case.

What Role Does the Trucking Company Play in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?

Trucking companies can play significant roles in these cases. In many situations, the company is responsible for the actions of its drivers. If the company failed to properly vet the driver, did not enforce safe driving practices, or neglected vehicle maintenance, they may be held liable for the accident. Additionally, trucking companies are required to comply with regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and violations of these regulations can contribute to an accident.

Trucking companies typically have extensive insurance coverage, which can be used to compensate for damages resulting from an accident. However, obtaining compensation from a trucking company often involves complex legal work, as trucking companies are typically well-prepared to defend themselves against claims. 

How Do Trucking Regulations Impact Commercial Truck Accident Cases?

Trucking regulations, such as those set by the FMCSA, govern various aspects of truck operation, including hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. If a trucking company or driver fails to follow these regulations, it could be a key factor in determining fault and liability for the accident.

For example, if a driver was fatigued due to exceeding the maximum number of driving hours allowed by law, that could be used as evidence of negligence. Similarly, if the truck’s brakes were not properly maintained as required by law, this could also influence the case. Our skilled Portsmouth commercial truck accident lawyers will be able to identify and evaluate how these regulations apply to your specific case.

How Can an Attorney Help Me Maximize My Compensation After a Commercial Truck Accident?

Our Portsmouth legal team can help you maximize your compensation by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering key evidence, and identifying all potentially liable parties. We will also handle all communications with insurance companies, reducing the risk of you being taken advantage of.  

Furthermore, we will be able to assess the strength of your case, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court. With the complexities of commercial truck accident cases, having an experienced attorney on your side can significantly improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What Is the Process for Negotiating a Settlement in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?

Negotiating a settlement in a commercial truck accident case typically involves gathering evidence, assessing damages, and communicating with the insurance companies of the parties involved. Once the responsible parties are identified, your attorney will likely present a demand for compensation based on the extent of your injuries, damages, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Insurance companies may initially offer a settlement, but this offer may not fully account for your losses. We can evaluate whether the offer is fair and advocate for a larger settlement if necessary. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will be prepared to take the case to court.

Let the Portsmouth Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Fight to Protect Your Rights

The experienced Portsmouth commercial truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable. For a free consultation, call Anchor Legal Group, PLLC at 757-LAW-0000 or submit our online form. Located in Virginia Beach, we proudly serve clients throughout Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.