Chesapeake Truck Accident Lawyer

All motor vehicle accidents have the potential to become life-changing in an instant, but when a large truck is involved, the odds of serious injury or death skyrocket. To make matters worse, truck accident cases can also be notoriously challenging to manage in court, especially when it comes to determining liability, calculating damages, and understanding the unique federal and state regulations that apply to trucking companies and their drivers.

Simply put, if you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit following a truck accident in Chesapeake, you’ll want to make sure that the best legal resources are available to you. Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law understands the many nuances associated with truck accident cases, and our Chesapeake truck accident lawyers​ can prepare your case with the attentiveness and proficiency that you deserve.

Why It’s Important To Hire a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in Chesapeake, VA

Truck accidents involve many more layers than a typical car accident. You might think that if a truck driver hits you, it’s the driver alone who is responsible, but the reality can be more complex. What if the accident happened because the driver was undertrained, the brakes on their truck failed, or the cargo they were transporting shifted unexpectedly?

Truck accidents can have many causes and involve multiple liable parties. That means conducting an in-depth investigation to determine what happened and who’s responsible is incredibly important. That may involve gathering black box information, trucking logs, dash cam footage, and other evidence a trucking company may not be willing to give up.

On top of it all, the success of a truck accident case can also depend on proving whether the driver and trucking company violated federal trucking regulations, unique rules meant to ensure these companies operate safely.

How the Chesapeake Truck Accident Lawyers at Huffman & Huffman Can Help

While there’s a lot at play when it comes to truck accident cases, managing one is far from impossible with the right legal representation. To start the process, our law firm will schedule a free consultation with you to go over the details of your accident and answer any questions you may have about the process. Then, we’ll begin investigating the accident by tracking down evidence such as black box info or travel logs, interviewing witnesses, and developing a case based on our findings. Finally, we’ll submit our evidence and advocate for a settlement on your behalf, noting all of the damages you’ve endured. If a fair settlement cannot be made, we are willing to explore all legal options needed to do so.

Why Choose Huffman & Huffman for Your Case?

Huffman & Huffman has served the people of Chesapeake and its surrounding areas for more than 50 years. Since our founding in 1973, we’ve secured millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients, including several multi-million dollar settlements in truck accident cases. If you’ve been hit by a truck in Chesapeake, you can count on our:

• Deep understanding of trucking regulations
• Familiarity with local courts and procedures
• Connections with expert witnesses who can strengthen your case
• Courtroom experience

We bring the experience, resources, and confidence to give you the best chance of winning your case.

We Fight for Full Compensation for Chesapeake Truck Crash Victims

One of the many challenges for victims of any motor vehicle accident is determining the true value of their claim. While the immediate concern is getting compensation for hospital stays and follow-up appointments, truck accidents typically come with extended recovery periods that can last months or even years. During this time, you may find that you are unable to work or may have trouble with mobilization or caring for yourself.

Our Chesapeake truck accident lawyers can anticipate these hardships, along with the emotional trauma, lost wages, funeral or burial expenses, and other damages that might not be immediately apparent in the days or weeks following your accident.

How Liability Works After a Commercial Truck Accident in Chesapeake

Determining liability in truck accidents is rarely a simple process, as there are often multiple parties who may have directly or indirectly caused the accident to take place. Here are a few of the parties who may be liable or partially liable for your truck accident:

• Truck drivers: If they were speeding, driving recklessly, intoxicated, or fell asleep at the wheel when the accident took place, the truck driver may be the liable party. Truck drivers are responsible for following both traffic laws and strict federal hours-of-service regulations designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
• Trucking companies: The company that employs or contracts the driver may share liability if it engaged in unsafe hiring practices, failed to train drivers properly, pressured them to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, or ignored safety regulations. They can also be responsible for a driver’s actions under the legal principle of employer liability.
• Maintenance providers: If a third-party mechanic or maintenance company failed to properly service the truck, skipped necessary repairs, or used faulty replacement parts, they could be liable for mechanical failures that led to the accident. Regular inspections and upkeep are legally required for commercial trucks.
• Manufacturers: When a defective truck or truck part contributes to a crash, the manufacturer or parts supplier can be held responsible under product liability laws. This could include defective brakes, steering components, or tires. In these cases, the defect may be the primary cause or a factor that worsened the accident’s severity.
• Cargo loaders or shipping facilities: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can make a truck unstable, increase stopping distances, or cause dangerous shifts during transport. If a loading crew or shipping facility failed to follow weight limits, balance guidelines, or securement procedures, they may be liable for accidents caused by shifting or spilled cargo. These parties have a duty to ensure freight is safe for transport before the truck leaves the facility.

Understanding Commercial Truck Accidents in Chesapeake and Their Effects

Common Causes of Chesapeake Truck Accidents

Chesapeake saw a total of 2,459 accidents in 2024, resulting in 1,548 injuries and 19 fatalities. The most common cause of these accidents was speeding, which caused a total of 532 accidents. Speeding-related accidents contributed to 331 injuries and 8 deaths. The second-highest cause of accidents in Chesapeake was drinking and driving. Of the total accidents in 2024, 127 were alcohol-related, resulting in 89 injuries and 5 deaths.

Where Do Most Truck Crashes in Chesapeake Happen?

Because large trucks primarily travel on large highways, the bulk of Chesapeake’s truck accidents typically take place near or on interstates. Approximately half of all truck accidents in 2024 were recorded near the intersection/on-ramp of Route 58 and I-664, with the remainder of the accidents taking place on I-64, mostly concentrated near the intersection of I-464.

What Types of Injuries Do Truck Accident Victims Often Suffer?

Because of the sheer weight and volume of a semi truck in comparison with a car, victims of truck accidents often sustain significant injuries. Most victims require long-term care and often suffer temporary or permanent disabilities. Below are some of the most common types of injuries that our firm witnesses every year:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations or open wounds
• Internal injuries
• Amputations
• Emotional trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression

Chesapeake Truck Accident Lawyer: FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Chesapeake Truck Crash?

After a truck accident, your safety and well-being should be your top priority. Here’s what you should do:

• Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if needed.
• Move to a safe location if possible to avoid further harm.
• Exchange information with the truck driver and any witnesses.
• Document the accident scene by taking photos and noting details.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor.
• Contact a truck accident lawyer at Huffman & Huffman for legal guidance.

How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim in Chesapeake?

Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accident claims, is generally two years from the accident date. However, the specific time limit can vary based on the circumstances of your case. It’s essential to consult with one of our truck accident attorneys in Chesapeake as soon as possible to determine the exact deadline for your claim and initiate the legal process promptly.

How Much Does a Chesapeake Truck Accident Attorney Cost?

At Huffman & Huffman, we serve clients on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t pay anything until we win your case. All of our fees are received as a percentage of your final settlement.

What If I’m Being Blamed for the Accident?

Because Virginia works within a pure contributory negligence system, if you are found even 1% at fault for your accident, you will not be eligible to receive any damages. This is why, if at any point you feel that the other party is attempting to place the blame on you, it’s essential that you contact our Chesapeake truck accident lawyers right away.

Will I Have To Go To Court For My Chesapeake Truck Accident Case?

While many truck accident cases are settled through negotiations with the insurance companies, some may ultimately go to court. Whether your case goes to court depends on factors such as liability disputes, the extent of your damages, and the willingness of the involved parties to reach a fair settlement. Our truck crash attorneys in Chesapeake will be prepared to represent your interests in court if necessary, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Get in Touch With a Chesapeake Truck Accident Lawyer at Huffman & Huffman To Learn More About How We Can Help

There are many things that can go wrong when handling truck accident cases, and when you’re dealing with what is likely to be one of the most painful and traumatic events of your life, the last thing you likely want to worry about is managing a lawsuit.

That’s where we come in. Regardless of how your truck crash may have taken place, Huffman & Huffman can provide you with quick and supportive legal answers, help gather evidence and build your case, and handle all communication between you, the various parties involved, and the insurance companies.

Our firm is proud to have served the Chesapeake community for over 50 years, and in that time, we’ve developed strong relationships with local courts and accident experts. This means that you receive timely and effective processing for your case every step of the way. Contact our Chesapeake truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation.