Navigating Virginia Law: Suing After a Delivery Truck Accident
- Bettina Altizer
- Mar 26, 2024
- 7 min read
Welcome. I am Bettina. I’m so glad that you’re here. If you’ve been involved in an accident. You may be wondering what your options are and who you can trust. Fighting big insurance companies and hospitals may seem like a hopeless struggle, but my team and I are fiercely and fervently determined to right the wrongs that have caused you and your family harm.
As your local Virginia personal injury lawyer, we at Altizer Law understand the devastating impact a delivery truck accident can have on your life. These collisions oftenn result in catastrophic injuries that can leave victims and their families feeeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsuree of where to turn.
We believe that you deserve caring, one-on-one attention from an experienced team of professionals who will not stop until you receive the justice that you deserve. That's why we're here to guide you through the complex legal process and fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our team of personal injury attorneys is resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Altizer Law today at 540.345.2000.
Seeking Medical Attention is Priority #1
In the immediate aftermath of a delivery truck crash, your health and safety are the top priorities. Even if you walked away from the collision and don't notice any severe injuries, it's crucial to get examined by a medical professional right away.
Many serious internal injuries can masquerade as minor aches and pains in the hours and days following an accident. We always advise our clients to undergo a full medical evaluation at the nearest emergency room or health clinic immediately after a truck accident occurs.
The medical reports and documentation from this visit create a paper trail that will become vital evidence supporting your injury claims down the road. Your Altizer Law, personal injury attorney, will need these records to illustrate the full extent of damages you've suffered.
Do Not Admit Fault or Provide Statements
As overwhelming as it feels to be involved in a truck crash, it's important to avoid admitting any fault or providing lengthy statements about the incident right away.
Exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing the basic facts to the police officers at the scene. Anything else you say could potentially be used to damage your legal case later. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters ready to shift blame away from their drivers and minimize their liability exposure.
They may try to get you to admit partial fault or make a recorded statement minimizing your injuries right at the accident scene while you're still in shock. Don't fall for these tactics.
Politely decline to make any statements and call Altizer Law immediately so we can handle all communication with the trucking company on your behalf.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Will Gather Key Evidence
Collecting all available evidence is a critical first step in any personal injury case against a trucking company and commercial driver.
Preserving physical evidence at the scene and eyewitness testimony right away gives you the best chance at success. Your Altizer Law attorney will:
Visit and thoroughly document the accident scene while evidence is still present
Obtain any available video footage from traffic cameras or mobile devices
Interview any eyewitnesses willing to provide statements
Request all police and ambulance reports related to your case
We'll also need to launch an investigation into the truck driver's employment records, driving logs, vehicle inspection history, and other background information.
Regulated trucking companies must follow strict federal guidelines with detailed records that our truck accident lawyers can subpoena if negligence is suspected related to overworked drivers, improperly maintained trucks, or other liability issues.
Damages You Could Recover After a Truck Accident
Determining just how much your personal injury claim could be worth after a serious truck crash requires meticulous calculation by an experienced truck accident attorney.
General damages like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering are just the start. At Altizer Law, we'll also carefully evaluate whether your case merits pursuing punitive damages against the trucking company.
These are awarded in personal injury cases where the defendant's actions were abnormally negligent or showed a willful disregard for the safety of others. Delivering companies who knowingly allow overweight loads, unqualified drivers, or defective trucks on the road could potentially be subject to punitive damage claims in the millions.
Continuing Treatment is Crucial for Your Delivery Truck Accident Case
One mistake we see some personal injury clients make is deciding not to continue treating with their doctor because they start to feel better in the weeks or months after an accident. Stopping medical treatment sends the wrong message and damages your credibility should your case go to trial. It implies to the defense that your injuries weren't as severe as claimed.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep all scheduled medical appointments and follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed until your doctor clears you. If you have a surgery scheduled or still need to attend physical therapy sessions, do not miss them or quit early when the symptoms begin to subside. Maintaining comprehensive medical records showing the full course of treatment required for your injuries strengthens your overall case.
The provided section contains a significant error regarding Virginia's negligence law. Here's the corrected version:
Virginia's Pure Contributory Negligence Rule
Unlike many states, Virginia actually follows a pure contributory negligence rule for personal injury lawsuits.
This means that if you were any way at fault for contributing to the accident, you are generally barred from recovering any damages from the other party. Even a small degree of fault on your part can completely eliminate your ability to collect compensation.
For example, if the trucking company was entirely at fault (100%) for the crash but you were also found to be partially responsible (even 1%), you would not be eligible for any compensation under Virginia's pure contributory negligence law. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with Virginia's negligence laws is highly recommended.
Altizer Law's Proven Truck Accident Case Results
Over the years, we've successfully litigated personal injury claims against all of the nation's largest trucking companies on behalf of clients just like you who were injured in delivery vehicle crashes throughout Virginia.
Companies like FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and regional carriers have all been held accountable by our skilled attorneys.
While we can't promise the same multi-million dollar results in every case, we can assure you that the determined Altizer Law team will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. You've already been put through enough by a negligent truck driver and delivery company that appears more concerned about profits than public safety. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders.
How Altizer Law Can Assist After a Truck Accident
The complexities of personal injury law in Virginia demand an experienced advocate on your side after being injured in a serious truck accident. Trying to handle this type of claim on your own or with an overmatched attorney puts your ability to recover fair damages at risk.
At Altizer Law, our accomplished legal team has spent decades establishing a track record of impressive truck accident case wins throughout the state.
From conducting exhaustive accident scene investigations to tenaciously negotiating with billion-dollar trucking companies and their insurers, we'll work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, vehicle repair costs, pain and suffering, and more. When trucking companies refuse to make responsible settlement offers, our respected litigators won't hesitate to take them to trial.
Don't take a chance with your family's future after being harmed by a negligent delivery truck driver and employer. Call Altizer Law today for a free, confidential consultation about your legal rights and options.
There are no obligations, and we don't get paid unless we deliver a successful case result for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delivery Truck Accident Claims
What Should I Do If I've Been Involved In A Delivery Truck Accident In Virginia?
Suppose you've been involved in a delivery truck accident in Virginia. In that case, the first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention, even if you don't think your injuries are serious. It's crucial to document your injuries and the impact they've had on your life.
Once you've received medical care, it's important to contact a skilled Virginia personal injury lawyer, like those at Altizer Law, who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After A Delivery Truck Accident In Virginia?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a delivery truck accident is typically two years from the date of the accident.
However, it's important to act quickly, as the sooner you file your claim, the better your chances of securing the maximum compensation.
At Altizer Law, we recommend reaching out to a Virginia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What If The Delivery Truck Driver Was At Fault For The Accident?
If the delivery truck driver was at fault for the accident, they and their employer (the delivery company) may be liable for your injuries and damages.
Our Virginia personal injury lawyers at Altizer Law will work to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and demonstrate the driver's negligence, whether it was due to distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or any other form of reckless behavior.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault For The Delivery Truck Accident?
Unlike many states, Virginia applies a strict "pure contributory negligence" rule in personal injury lawsuits. This means that if you bear any responsibility for contributing to the accident, you are generally barred from recovering any damages from the other party. Even a minor degree of fault on your part can completely eliminate your ability to collect compensation. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with Virginia's negligence laws is essential.
How Much Can I Expect To Receive In Compensation For A Delivery Truck Accident In Virginia?
The amount of compensation you can expect to receive for a delivery truck accident in Virginia will depend on the specific details of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the extent of your financial losses.
Work With A Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
Altizer Law has navigated multiple personal injury claims throughout the years and helped our clients win their settlements. Call our team of experienced and results-driven personal injury lawyers today at 540.345.2000 for your free consultation.
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