Truck accidents occur quite frequently on Virginia roads and can cause serious injuries, like amputations, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Commercial trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds, so they are more likely to cause major damage in anything they touch. If you have recently been hurt in a truck crash, you should talk about your legal options with a truck accident lawyer soon.
Here are some common misconceptions about truck accidents that you should no longer believe.
Truck Drivers Are Always Responsible for Accidents
It is often assumed that truck drivers are always to blame for accidents. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes other motorists are responsible for collisions involving commercial trucks. For example, if a motorist is talking on a cellphone and does not notice a truck approaching, that motorist may be considered at-fault in an accident. Likewise, if a motorist is speeding or driving recklessly, he or she can cause an accident with a truck.
Limiting Driving Hours Are Enforced in the Trucking Industry
The law does prohibit truck drivers for being on the road too many consecutive hours in a row without a break. However, some truck drivers enter false information in their log books so that they can drive longer and make more money. Unfortunately, this can contribute to truck driver fatigue, one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers who haven’t gotten enough rest may have trouble focusing and have lower reaction times.
Trucking Companies Are not Held Responsible for Driver Errors
This is not true either. In fact, as the legal professionals from Cohen & Cohen can confirm, trucking companies are often held liable for the negligent actions of their drivers. For example, if a truck driver caused an accident due to worn out brakes, the truck company may be held liable for not properly maintaining their trucks.
You Can File a Truck Accident Claim at Any Time
Just like other personal injury claims, truck accident claims come with a statute of limitations. In Virginia, the deadline to file a truck accident claim is two years after the accident. Once that deadline has passed, you will no longer be eligible to receive compensation.
All Truck Drivers Have Extensive Training
While you would like for this to be true, it is not always the case. Although trucking companies are required by law to provide their drivers with adequate training, some companies may skimp on it to save a buck. Unfortunately, truck drivers with poor training are more likely to cause accidents.
You Do not Need a Lawyer
Truck accident claims can be especially complex because they often involve severe injuries and multiple liable parties. As such, it is wise to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer. He or she will know the true value of your case and help you fight for fair compensation.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, you should schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer to discuss your case in detail.
