Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C., Northern Virginia Truck Accident Attorneys
Our team of experienced lawyers, aggressive litigators, and dedicated paralegals are ready to fight for your rights. With decades of combined experience handling truck accident cases, we understand the unique challenges and complexities that truck accidents present.
We know how devastating truck accidents can be, and our team will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Our truck accident lawyers understand how to investigate and build strong cases to get you the best possible outcome. We will leverage our knowledge of the law and skillful negotiation strategies to maximize your compensation.
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C., we believe that victims of truck accidents have the right to be represented by qualified and experienced legal professionals. We can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim for compensation and will fight diligently to get you justice. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized, compassionate representation that considers all aspects of your case.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. today.
The Potential Consequences of a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be dangerous. People can get hurt or even killed. The damage to vehicles and property can also be expensive to fix or replace. Additionally, the aftermath of a truck accident can be emotionally and financially devastating for both the victim and the truck driver. Victims may suffer from trauma, physical injuries, loss of income due to missing work, medical bills, and other financial costs that can add up quickly. Remember that you are not alone after a truck accident; an experienced Northern Virginia truck accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Trucking accidents are a serious and persistent problem in the Virginia section of I-66 and the beltway. The Commonwealth of Virginia has some of the most heavily trafficked highways in the United States, with many commercial truckers driving through daily. With so much traffic on the beltway, it’s no surprise that trucking accidents are quite common. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need to take action. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses and damages, including medical bills and lost wages.
Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. for a free consultation about your case and to learn more about how our truck accident lawyers can help you. We are dedicated to fighting hard for our clients and will work diligently to get you the best possible outcome.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you need to follow specific steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved and preserve evidence. Here are some critical steps to take after a truck accident:
1. Check for Injuries: Immediately after a truck accident, check for any injuries. Make sure that everyone is safe and seek medical attention if necessary.
2. Call the Police: Contact the police to report the accident and have them examine the scene for evidence.
3. Get Information: Exchange information with other truck drivers involved in the accident and get their contact information, insurance details, vehicle registration numbers, and license plate numbers.
4. Take Photos: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
5. Preserve Evidence: Wait to touch or move anything at the accident scene until a police officer arrives.
6. Contact an Experienced Attorney: An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Should Victims Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer?
When it comes to trucking accidents, victims should always seek the help of experienced attorneys to protect their rights and best interests. Victims often face an uphill battle when seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with a truck accident. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable insight into the laws governing Virginia truck accidents and help you build a strong case for damages. An experienced attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible. Additionally, an experienced attorney will ensure that deadlines are met and that all paperwork is filed correctly.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire A Truck Accident Attorney?
The cost of hiring an attorney after a truck accident can vary depending on the specific facts of your case. In most cases, you can obtain representation through a contingency fee agreement, where the lawyer will only receive a payment if they can secure compensation for you. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C., we understand that victims can face a financial burden due to their often severe and life-altering injuries. We only get paid when we win your case. Our attorneys have a combined 100+ years of experience working in Northern Virginia and have recovered over $500 Million for our clients. We also do not collect any fees unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your truck accident case.
Types of Damages That Can be Recovered in Truck Accident Lawsuits
In truck accident lawsuits, victims may be able to recover various types of damages. These damages may include:
-Medical expenses: Victims often face significant medical bills due to their injuries. Damages for medical expenses can help cover the cost of hospital bills and rehabilitative treatments, as well as any ongoing care that may be needed.
-Lost wages: Victims may also be able to recover damages for lost wages due to their inability to work as a result of their injuries.
-Pain and suffering: Victims may also be eligible for damages to compensate them for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
-Property damage: Damages can also be recovered for any property damaged in the accident, such as a vehicle or other personal items.
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to learn about what damages you may be able to recover for your unique truck accident claim.
The Legal Process for Filing a Claim Against an At-Fault Party in a Truck Accident Case
If you have been involved in a truck accident, the legal process for filing a claim against an at-fault party may include the following steps:
1. Contact an experienced Northern Virginia truck accident lawyer to discuss your case and options for pursuing compensation.
2. Collect evidence related to the accident, such as photographs, witness statements, and medical records.
3. File an official claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Truck drivers are required to have insurance, and will be able to provide you their insurance information.
4. Negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement agreement or proceed to trial if a fair offer is not made.
5. Prepare for trial if necessary, including gathering evidence to prove liability and damages.
6. Your experienced truck accident attorney will present your evidence at trial, if the case does not settle.
Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Various factors, including fatigue, inadequate training, and mechanical failure, often cause truck accidents.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers must adhere to strict regulations regarding how many hours they can drive without rest breaks. When these regulations are not followed, it can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of a trucking accident. Truck drivers must be aware of their fatigue and take proper action to ensure they do not drive fatigued.
Inadequate Training
Truck drivers must obtain the proper commercial driver’s license and complete the required safety courses to operate a large truck. When these requirements are not met, it can increase the risk of truck accidents occurring.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts and brake problems, can also lead to trucking accidents. Regular maintenance is essential for large trucks to address any potential mechanical issues before an accident occurs.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents are one of the most common types of motor vehicle collisions. In 2019, over 500,000 truck crashes in the United States resulted in more than 4,500 deaths and 126,000 injuries. That same year, heavy trucks accounted for 11 percent of all fatal crashes and 8 percent of injury crashes.
Truck accident fatalities have been increasing in recent years. In 2020, 4,965 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks. Most truck accident fatalities are occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians and cyclists rather than drivers or passengers of the trucks themselves.
Injuries Suffered From A Truck Accident
Truck accidents can cause significant damage and injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Common injuries suffered by victims of these accidents include:
-Head, neck, or back injuries
–Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
-Broken bones, fractures, or amputations
-Internal organ damage
-Burn injuries
-Psychological trauma or PTSD
-Lacerations or bruises
If you have suffered any of these injuries, contact a truck accident lawyer in Northern Virginia to learn about your options for seeking compensation. With the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to obtain damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Virginia Laws That Affect Your Case
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is essential to understand the legal process and your rights. In Virginia, certain laws can affect how your case is handled. These include:
1. Statute of Limitations – The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing truck accident claims against a truck driver, trucking company, or other negligent party. In Virginia, the statute of limitations is usually two (2) years from the date of the incident.
2. Contributory Negligence – Under Virginia law, an injured party can only recover damages if they are at no fault for the accident. If the victim was even slightly careless themselves and that carelessness played a part in their injuries, they are barred from receiving compensation for their injuries even if the other person was primarily responsible for the harm.
3. Joint and Several Liability – This law allows a court to assign liability to multiple parties involved in an accident, who all share equal responsibility regardless of their percentage of fault. In Virginia, joint-and-several liability can help if any one defendant cannot pay the full amount of damages awarded.
A Virginia truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights, correctly file a truck accident claim, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
How Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. Can Help
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C., we understand the devastating effects of truck accidents and the legal process that needs to be followed. We are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents in Virginia get the justice they deserve and work hard to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help you understand the laws that apply to your case and provide knowledgeable advice on how to proceed. We are here to support and guide you throughout the legal process, advocating on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Types Of Truck Accidents Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel Handles
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, our truck accident attorneys have extensive experience handling all truck accident cases in Virginia. These include:
1. Rear-end collisions – Truck rear-end accidents often occur when a truck is driving too fast or fails to stop in time. Common causes can include truck driver fatigue, distracted driving, and mechanical failure.
2. Head-on collisions – These are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents due to the high speed involved. Improper lane changes, inadequate maintenance, and careless driving can all contribute to head-on collisions.
3. Rollovers – Truck rollover accidents often occur due to excessive speed, improper loading, unbalanced cargo, or truck driver fatigue.
4. Jackknife collisions – These accidents occur when a truck trailer skids at an angle that creates a “V” shape with the cab. Common causes of jackknife collisions include lousy weather conditions, sharp turns, and inadequate maintenance.
5. Other accidents – tanker truck accidents, red light accidents, garbage truck accidents, underride accidents, and more.
We are equipped to handle any type of trucking accident. Do not hesitate to contact our team if you have been injured in a truck accident.
Choose Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C., as Your Trusted Truck Accident Attorneys in Northern Virginia
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, contact the truck accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. for legal help. We are committed to helping victims of truck accidents and their families seek justice and get the compensation they deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more. With decades of experience representing clients in truck accident cases, we are confident that we can help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wait – contact us today.