Richmond truck accident lawyers

Richmond Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accident lawyers in Richmond handling complex truck & tractor-trailer accident claims throughout Virginia

At Phelan Petty, our Richmond truck accident attorneys fight for justice on behalf of truck accident victims. We know that successfully handling a truck accident case requires more than aggressive negotiation techniques. We also have a thorough understanding of the complicated state and federal regulations that govern the industry. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know these laws even better than the truck drivers and the companies that employ them.

Common causes of truck accidents in Richmond

In 2020, the Virginia Department of Transportation reported 4,296 commercial vehicle crashes — and 2,356 of these wrecks involved a large truck. Our state’s challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and congested highways pose challenges to even the most responsible truck drivers. Unfortunately, many truckers today are under pressure from their employers to drive unsafe equipment without adequate rest. Their employers remain more focused on profits than safety.

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Catastrophic truck accidents typically result from multiple causes. While some of the crash factors might seem obvious, others are more complex and difficult to uncover. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, our Richmond truck accident lawyers carefully investigate our clients’ claims, searching for evidence that identifies exactly who was at fault. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

When necessary, our Richmond truck accident lawyers work with expert witnesses, including physicians, accident reconstruction specialists, psychologists, and occupational therapists to uncover all the complex factors that may have contributed to a collision.

Related: Documenting Your Richmond Truck Accident Injuries

Common types of truck accidents near Richmond, VA

Because of the size and weight of trucks, an accident is nearly always serious for the passenger vehicle involved. The type of accident can also make a difference in the severity of the accident, as well as your injuries. Some of the more common types of truck and tractor-trailer accidents our Richmond truck accident attorneys encounter include:

  • Jackknifes. A truck jackknifes when the trailer skids and slides, ending at an angle to the truck’s cab, similar to an open pocketknife. A jackknifing tractor trailer causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle and can cause a serious accident.
  • Rollovers. Drivers with improperly loaded trucks, or drivers who take a turn too fast, are at risk for a rollover accident. Once a truck begins tipping and rolling, a trucker will be unable to stop it.
  • Tire blowouts. If a tire blows out on a semi-truck, it can cause a deadly accident. Whether it is the flying debris or the truck driver losing control, blowouts are dangerous for everyone on the road.
  • Underride accidents. These are among the most serious types of truck accidents, and occur when a vehicle slides underneath a truck. If the car hits a tractor-trailer with enough force, it can be completely crushed under the truck, with fatal results.
  • Back-up accidents. Trucks going in reverse can not only hit other drivers; they can also hit pedestrians, cyclists, and other passersby. They often occur at worksites, such as construction sites and loading bays.

Our injury attorneys can talk to you about your accident, how it happened and who to hold accountable.

Why do I need a Richmond truck accident attorney?

Many lawyers say they will take truck wreck claims, but few firms have the knowledge and resources to handle these cases successfully. Truck accidents are far more complex and destructive than collisions between passenger vehicles, and the resulting claims require much more investigation, analysis, and preparation.

Trucking companies use aggressive strategies to defend against injury claims. Some inexperienced attorneys do not realize that companies and drivers can destroy crucial evidence if it is not preserved by a certain date following a truck accident.

As an example, federal law only requires trucking companies to preserve their drivers’ logbooks for six months. These logs can often help an attorney identify regulatory violations and negligent behaviors. However, unless an injury lawyer preserves this evidence, the company will destroy it as soon as they can after a crash.

Additionally, some truck companies rush teams of representatives and lawyers to accident sites to minimize liability and influence official investigations. They may even remove telematic systems and other equipment, such as on-dash cameras, from the truck. These devices track a driver’s behavior and can provide crucial evidence in an injury claim.

If you have been hurt in a truck accident, time is of the essence. Trucking companies have significant resources at their disposal and will try to protect themselves after a crash. Our Richmond truck accident attorneys start preserving evidence and protecting your rights immediately.

Related: How Do I Know If I Have a Truck Accident Case?

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What is the value of my Richmond truck accident claim?

At Phelan Petty, one of the most common questions our Richmond truck accident attorneys hear is, “What is my truck accident claim worth?” The monetary value of your truck accident claim will depend on many factors, including:

  • The extent of your injuries
  • Your likelihood of fully recovering from your injuries
  • Your ability to return to work and earn income
  • The cost of your current and expected future medical treatment
  • The amount of insurance coverage involved in your claims
  • The strength or weakness of the liability case against the truck driver or the trucking company
  • The scope of your pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages
  • The strength of the insurance company’s defenses

It is important to note that the truck companies are not the only opposition victims of truck accidents face. Insurance companies also try to take advantage of unrepresented accident victims by pressuring them into unreasonably low settlements.

Before you accept a truck accident settlement, you need to know what your case is really worth. To protect yourself, you should always consult with a Virginia truck accident lawyer before you respond to an insurance company's settlement offer. A lawyer can help you accurately calculate the value of your claim and determine if the insurance company’s offer is fair and reasonable.

Our Richmond truck accident lawyers understand that every truck accident claim is different. That is why we carefully assess the individual strengths and challenges of each case and then craft aggressive, thoughtful legal strategies to address them and get victims the compensation they deserve.

Aggressive and dedicated attorneys for truck accident victims in Richmond

At Phelan Petty, our Richmond truck accident lawyers give complex truck accident cases the time, attention, and resources they deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys will listen to your story, assess your claim, and educate you about your legal options – and, when you’re ready, work with you to seek the maximum compensation for your case.

To schedule a free consultation, please call 804-980-7100 or fill out the contact form. Our Richmond truck accident lawyers are located near I-64 and Route 250.

Learn more about truck accidents in Richmond:

Truck Accident Blog Posts

How Long Could My Virginia Truck Accident Case Take to Settle or Resolve?

By Michael Phelan | March 11, 2025

It could take months or years to settle or resolve your Virginia truck accident case. How long it takes depends on your case’s complexity, the severity of your injuries, settlement negotiations with an at-fault party or their insurer, and other factors. By working with Richmond truck accident attorneys, you have a better opportunity to achieve…

Virginia’s Rules for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)

By Michael Phelan | February 6, 2025

Many — but not all — truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license. Cargo van, semi-truck, and bus drivers are three categories of drivers who may need a CDL. If a truck driver operates a vehicle without a valid license, this individual or their employer is subject to penalties. On top of that, the trucker…

How to Drive Safely Around Commercial Trucks

By Michael Phelan | October 7, 2024

At the recent Delaware State Fair, fair-goers were able to learn what it is like to sit in the driver’s seat of a commercial truck. People could sit in the truck and see a big rig’s blind spots from the truck driver’s perspective. All of this was to help educate people on avoiding accidents with…

Navigating Truck Accidents on I-95 in Richmond

By Michael Phelan | August 13, 2024

Interstate 95, also known as I-95, stretches from Florida all the way to Maine. Here in Richmond, I-95 serves as an important artery, connecting the city to major economic hubs and facilitating the flow of goods and people. However, the sheer volume of traffic, coupled with the presence of large commercial trucks, can transform I-95…

Documenting Your Richmond Truck Accident Injuries

By Michael Phelan | August 6, 2024

After a commercial truck accident in Richmond, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the immediate challenges. Between the shock of the collision, potential injuries, and dealing with insurance companies, it is easy to overlook important details. However, thorough documentation of your injuries is essential for building a strong case and maximizing your compensation. Here is…

Wrongful Death Claims After a Richmond Truck Accident

By Michael Phelan | July 29, 2024

The sudden loss of a loved one is devastating. But when that loss is caused by a preventable truck accident, the grief can be compounded by anger and injustice. If you have lost a spouse, child, parent, or other close family member in a truck accident caused by negligence, you might be eligible to file…

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident

By Michael Phelan | July 24, 2024

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Between the shock of the collision, the potential for serious injuries, and the hassles of dealing with insurance companies, it is easy to make mistakes that can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Today, we will explore some of the most common mistakes truck accident victims…

Causation Is Key to Any Truck Accident Injury Case

By Michael Phelan | June 18, 2024

Commercial truck accidents can be devastating events. The sheer size and weight of a truck compared to a passenger car creates a significant imbalance in any crash. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Virginia, the road to recovery can be long and difficult, both physically and emotionally. While the fight for compensation…

Truck Sway Can Cause Devastating Damage and Injuries

By Michael Phelan | June 11, 2024

Sharing the road with massive commercial trucks is a reality for all drivers. While these huge vehicles deliver essential goods across Virginia and the rest of the country, their immense size and weight also introduce significant safety concerns. One major risk often underestimated is trailer sway, a seemingly unimportant movement that can escalate into catastrophic…

Can You Sue a Trucking Company If the Truck Never Touched You?

By Michael Phelan | June 4, 2024

The short answer is: Yes. You can sue a trucking company even when the truck never actually touched you or your vehicle. All drivers must prioritize roadway safety. This is especially true for truck drivers, who are in control of up to 80,000 pounds of metal and cargo hurtling up and down Virginia’s highways at…

Can AI Make Trucks (and Truck Drivers) Safer?

By Michael Phelan | May 29, 2024

Commercial trucks are vital to Virginia’s economy, transporting goods across vast distances. However, their immense size and weight also pose a significant safety threat on the road. While driver training and safety regulations are important, a new technology is emerging that holds the potential to revolutionize commercial truck safety: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Can AI truly…

Traumatic Brain Injuries After Truck Accidents

By Michael Phelan | May 14, 2024

Truck accidents are some of the most worst motor vehicle collisions on the road. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, even seemingly minor accidents can result in catastrophic injuries for occupants of other vehicles. One of the most concerning and complex injuries sustained in truck accidents is a traumatic brain injury…

What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

By Michael Phelan | May 8, 2024

The aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating. These types of accidents often result in severe injuries and significant emotional trauma. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Understanding the types of damages recoverable in a truck accident claim…

What Kind of Proof Is Used in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

By Michael Phelan | March 4, 2024

While the black box in a truck (the electronic control module or ECM) is important for understanding what happened in an accident, it’s not the only thing lawyers consider. While the black box provides data about the truck’s performance, like its speed and brakes, to prove who’s responsible for the accident, other factors need to…

The Role of Insurance in a Truck Accident Case

By Michael Phelan | February 26, 2024

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, understanding how truck insurance works is vital  to obtain the compensation you deserve. Insurance policies, including the truck driver’s personal insurance and the trucking company’s commercial liability coverage, determine where the money comes from to cover your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses from…