Truck Accident Lawyers

Winning High-Dollar Recoveries for Victims of Tractor-Trailer Collisions

Key Takeaways

• Truck accidents are collisions that involve tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, box trucks, and delivery trucks
• The statute of limitations for truck accident cases is two years from the date of the accident
• The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases resulting from a trucking accident is two years from the date of passing
• Multiple parties can be held liable and pay damages in a trucking accident case
• Defective breaks, driver fatigue, speeding, and overloaded cargo are common reasons for trucking accidents

Any car accident can cause serious injuries. But when a collision involves a tractor-trailer—a commercial vehicle that weighs 20 to 30 times more than the average car—the consequences are graver. In fact, it’s estimated that one-third of all wrecks involving a tractor-trailer result in injuries. One in ten crashes result in death. 

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Are you ready to hold negligent parties responsible? If so, call 855-212-8200 for a free case evaluation by one of our expert truck accident lawyers.

Contents

• Understanding Truck Accidents
• Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases
• Types of Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim
• Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
• Determining Fault for Trucking Accidents
• Building a Truck Accident Case
• Choose an Experienced Truck Accident Law Firm
• Truck Accident Lawsuits: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Truck Accidents

A truck accident is a collision that involves tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, box trucks, and other delivery trucks. Since these commercial vehicles are significantly larger than personal cars, a crash can cause significant damage and inflict catastrophic injury. 

Winning truck accident lawsuits is not straightforward. Whereas average automobile accidents result from human error—a driver running a red light, for instance—semi-truck accidents are often caused by some combination of driver negligence, equipment failure, insufficient training, and fatigue. 

These factors contribute to devastating accidents, including:

• Jackknifes (when the cab forms a 90-degree angle with the trailer)
• Tire blowouts
• Rollovers
• Head-on collisions
• Lost load (when improperly secured freight falls out)
• T-bone (when a truck hits another driver perpendicularly)

Regardless of the truck accident’s specific circumstances, the semi-truck accident attorneys at Breit Biniazan will work tirelessly to build a strong case.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases

According to Virginia Code Section 8.01-243, individuals with a truck accident or other personal injury claim have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. In situations of wrongful death, family members have two years from their loved one’s passing. 

At Breit Biniazan, our truck accident lawyers encourage clients to reach out immediately following a crash. Because these cases often involve multiple negligent parties and federal regulations, pursuing legal action sooner rather than later gives our attorneys time to build a strong case. Pursuing legal action sooner also means that you should have the financial resources sooner to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.      

Types of Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim

No financial settlement justifies the physical and emotional trauma caused by a semi-truck collision, nor does it replace a loved one killed in a trucking accident. However, monetary compensation can help your family move forward. 

If you were involved in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to recoveries related to:

• Healthcare expenses due to a brain injury or other form of physical trauma
• Lost wages
• Loss of future wages
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Physical Pain and Suffering
• Mental anguish
• Inconvenience
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement 

To receive a full and fair recovery in the wake of a truck accident, get in touch with Breit Biniazan. Our truck accident attorneys will fight relentlessly for justice. 

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Semi-truck accident lawsuits are considerably more complicated than cases involving two personal vehicles. Why? Because these incidences can involve multiple liable parties, state and federal regulations, dangerous cargo, and manufacturer defects. 

While other law firms may be intimidated by truck accident litigation, Breit Biniazan always steps up to the challenge. When you come to us, we’ll begin developing your case by first determining the cause of the accident. 

Common causes of trucking accidents include:

Defective Brakes 

A fully-loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds requires 200 yards—almost two football fields—to stop³. But when a truck’s braking system is compromised, either because of manufacturer defects or a driver’s failure to conduct daily brake inspections, these huge vehicles are liable to rear-end innocent motorists. 

Overloaded Commercial Trucks 

Federal regulations limit how much cargo a semi-truck can carry. These regulations are developed using the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating and are designed to minimize serious injury and death. Unfortunately, profit-minded trucking companies often overload vehicles. This leads to poor handling, compromised braking performance, and mechanical failures. 

Trucker Fatigue & Negligence 

According to standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour period⁴. However, many drivers blatantly ignore these regulations, causing serious accidents when they fall asleep at the wheel. Other instances of driver negligence include distracted driving, drunk driving, texting while driving, speeding, and general carelessness. 

Trucking Company Negligence

Though a truck driver is behind the wheel, their employer may be liable for damages caused by a wreck. The trucking company, or carrier, may have failed to provide proper training, pushed for longer driving shifts, or didn’t offer the resources needed to maintain equipment. 

Speeding & Tailgating

Since truck drivers are typically compensated for each mile traveled, they often feel pressure to complete routes in less time. Speeding and tailgating, or following too closely, are common but deadly traffic violations committed by impatient drivers. 

Determining Fault for Trucking Accidents

Trucking accident cases can involve many different individuals, corporations, and even government entities. 

In addition to the driver, responsible parties may include: 

• The trucking company
• The truck driver’s supervisor
• The truck maintenance company
• The truck manufacturer
• The company that owns or leases the truck
• The shipper of the goods the truck is carrying
• The loader who packed the truck
• A government entity

Each party involved in a semi-truck accident lawsuit will have legal representation. These lawyers will be fighting for their clients and may employ devious tactics to deny negligence or shift blame. 

To receive a fair settlement, hire Breit Biniazan’s team of truck accident lawyers to represent you.

Building a Truck Accident Case

In the days and weeks following a truck accident, you may feel confused, angry, and disoriented. Breit Biniazan can help by providing compassionate support and expert guidance. We’ll begin with a free case evaluation, reviewing your case to determine its viability. 

To build a strong case, we employ successful tactics such as: 

• Conducting meticulous research
• Extensive gathering of evidence like maintenance logs and cellphone records
• Enlisting the help of accident reconstruction specialists and other professionals 
• Recruiting key witnesses to provide firsthand testimonials

Needless to say, we’ll do everything in our power to build a compelling and winning case. What’s even better? You won’t pay anything until we secure your settlement.

Choose an Experienced Truck Accident Law Firm

At Breit Biniazan, we believe in protecting the underdog. Our truck accident attorneys bring decades of collective experience to the table. This experience shows in our record-setting verdicts and high-dollar settlements. It also shows in how we carry ourselves in the courtroom—confidently, aggressively, and with a relentless passion for justice.   

To get a free, confidential case evaluation, contact us online or call our experienced legal team at 855-212-8200 today.

Truck Accident Lawsuits: Frequently Asked Questions