Key Takeaways
Truck accident cases in Newport News are more complex than standard car accidents because they often involve multiple parties, commercial insurance policies, and federal trucking regulations.
Liability can extend beyond the driver to include trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and other businesses involved in the operation of the truck.
These cases often require fast action to preserve critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and company records that can be lost or altered over time.
Since 1973, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has helped injured Virginians handle complex truck accident claims and pursue compensation after serious commercial vehicle crashes.
Many people assume truck accidents are handled the same way as car accident claims. In reality, crashes involving semi-trucks and commercial vehicles are often far more complex because they involve federal trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple potentially liable parties. Working through these cases successfully requires an attorney with experience handling truck accident litigation.
Since 1973, the Newport News truck accident attorneys at Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law have helped injured Virginians pursue the maximum compensation they are entitled to after serious collisions involving commercial trucks. As a family-owned law firm, we are committed to putting our clients’ well-being first and guiding them through every stage of the legal process with personalized care and attention.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a Newport News truck accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
18-Wheeler, Semi-Truck, and Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Newport News Explained
Accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles are often far more severe than standard passenger car collisions. Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage in a matter of seconds.
In many cases, these accidents are not “unavoidable;” they happen because someone else was negligent. Negligence can take many forms, from a speeding truck driver to trucking company that failed to properly train its drivers. In some situations, an accident even be caused that wasn’t anywhere near the scene, such as a cargo loading company that improperly loaded a truck.
That matters for accident victims because when another party’s negligence causes harm, Virginia law gives injured victims have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Understanding what negligence can look like is the first step in determining whether you may have a truck accident case.
Driver Fatigue, Negligence, and FMCSA Violations in Virginia Truck Accidents
Truck accident negligence often starts with the actions of the driver. One of the most common issues is driver fatigue. Because commercial drivers may spend long hours on the road, drowsy or overworked driving can significantly increase the risk of a serious crash by reducing reaction time and impairing judgment.
Other examples of driver-related negligence include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using in-cab devices
- Speeding or driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medications
- Unsafe lane changes or failing to properly check blind spots
- Following other vehicles too closely in congested traffic
- Failing to adjust driving behavior in hazardous road conditions
In many cases, however, driver behavior is connected to the policies and practices of the trucking company. Employers may create conditions that make unsafe driving more likely, such as pushing unrealistic delivery schedules, failing to properly train drivers, or neglecting required safety monitoring. Companies may also contribute to accidents through poor vehicle maintenance, ignoring known mechanical issues, or failing to enforce compliance with federal safety rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
In addition, other third parties involved in the trucking operation can also play a role in causing accidents. These may include:
- Cargo loading companies that improperly secure or distribute freight
- Maintenance or repair providers that perform inadequate or negligent service
- Manufacturers that produce defective truck parts or safety equipment
Because multiple parties can contribute to a single crash, determining the cause of a truck accident often requires a careful review of all potential sources of negligence.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Newport News
Truck accidents can occur in several distinct ways, often depending on the size and handling characteristics of commercial vehicles.
Some of the most common types include:
- Jackknifes: When hard braking or sudden swerving causes a truck’s trailer to swing out and fold at the hinge, creating a jackknife shape as the vehicle skids.
- Rear-end collisions: Large trucks need significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles, and inattentive drivers can cause devastating rear-end crashes when they cannot brake in time.
- Underrides: These dangerous accidents occur when smaller vehicles become trapped under commercial truck trailers, often resulting in catastrophic injuries, especially when required underride guards are missing.
- Cargo-related crashes: Poorly secured, overloaded, or improperly balanced cargo can fall onto roadways or make trucks difficult to control, causing serious accidents.
- Rollover accidents: These occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often due to speeding, sharp turns, shifting cargo, or unstable road conditions.
Each of these crash types presents unique risks, but all can result in severe injuries and significant property damage.
Why You Need a Newport News Truck Accident Lawyer After a Serious Commercial Truck Crash
If you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s natural to wonder whether you can handle the claim yourself. The reality is that truck accidents are vastly different from crashes involving only passenger vehicles, and trying to navigate the situation alone can put your recovery at risk. Here are a few of the reasons why hiring a lawyer is so important in these cases:
Larger Insurance Policies
Commercial trucking companies carry policies worth far more than typical car insurance, sometimes millions of dollars. This means that insurance companies often fight even harder to avoid responsibility by minimizing payouts, denying claims, or assigning blame to the victim. Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule makes this especially risky, since even a small share of fault can bar a victim from recovering anything.
Severe Injuries and Medical Costs
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of large commercial vehicles. Injuries can include spinal cord trauma, brain injuries, burns, amputations, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma. Serious injuries often mean extensive medical treatment, long recovery times, and permanent disability, which makes recovering a fair settlement all the more critical.
Complex Federal and State Regulations
Truck drivers and companies must follow federal and state rules, including licensing, logbooks, truck maintenance, and inspections. Knowing these regulations and how to uncover evidence of violations that contributed to the accident are often key to a successful claim.
Multi-Party Claims
Truck accidents often involve more than just the driver. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, repair shops, and other parties can share responsibility. Identifying all potentially liable parties is important because each may contribute to the accident, and missing a responsible party could limit the compensation available to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
How Our Newport News Truck Accident Attorneys Can Maximize Your Compensation
After a truck accident, you’re likely juggling medical appointments, dealing with bills, and trying to manage daily life while recovering. At the same time, insurance companies may be calling, pressuring you to settle quickly, or even trying to downplay your injuries. At Huffman & Huffman, our truck accident lawyers can step in to handle the legal and practical details so you do not have to face it all alone.
Our legal team can help by:
- Investigating every detail: We examine the accident from every angle. This includes police reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and the truck itself. We may inspect the vehicle for mechanical problems and gather witness statements or expert analysis to make sure the facts are clear.
- Documenting your full losses: Injuries from truck accidents can be life-altering. We make sure medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and emotional impacts like stress or anxiety are all accounted for. We can work with doctors and financial experts to fully capture how the accident affects your life.
- Coordinating multiple parties: Truck crashes often involve more than just the driver. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, or repair crews can all share responsibility. We gather evidence from all sides to build a clear picture of liability.
- Negotiating on your behalf: With all the evidence and documentation, we push back against insurers and other parties to fight for fair compensation so you do not have to navigate the pressure alone.
- Taking the case to court if needed: If a settlement is not enough, we are prepared to present your case in court, handling complex regulations and multi-party liability to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Having Huffman & Huffman by your side ensures that while you focus on recovering, we are protecting your rights, managing the details, and pushing for the full compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Huffman & Huffman for Your Truck Accident Case?
Huffman & Huffman brings decades of experience and deep local knowledge to truck accident representation in Newport News and across Virginia. Our family-owned firm has proudly served tens of thousands of families in the community since 1973, building a track record of trust, results, and personalized service.
With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have successfully represented injured victims against major trucking companies and their insurers, recovering millions in compensation. We understand Virginia law, the local courts, and the complexities of commercial truck cases, giving our clients a clear advantage when pursuing their claims.
When you work with Huffman & Huffman, you gain a dedicated legal team committed to protecting your rights, navigating insurance challenges, and fighting for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to put our experience to work for you.
Our Proven Truck Accident Case Results in Newport News
Our attorneys have won compensation for our clients across a wide range of serious commercial vehicle injury cases, including:
- $3.55 Million – Spinal Cord Injury
Recovery for a client who suffered a spinal cord injury in a commercial truck accident. - $2.5 Million – Brain Injury
We represented a Virginia state trooper who suffered a traumatic brain injury when debris fell from a truck, struck his vehicle, and caused him to crash off the roadway into an embankment and tree. - $637,000 – Back & Jaw Injuries
Compensation for a passenger injured in a violent rear-end collision on the interstate, resulting in back and jaw injuries that required surgical treatment. - $500,000 – Hand & Arm Injuries
Recovery for a passenger injured when a vehicle struck the rear of an improperly lit tractor-trailer at night, leading to severe arm injuries, surgery, and permanent scarring.
How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Newport News, VA Step-by-Step
As mentioned previously, truck accident claims are complex, and getting legal guidance can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. For that reason, it’s best to start by scheduling a consultation with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review what happened, explain your options, and outline the next steps. From there, your legal team can move quickly to begin building your claim.
Here is what that process generally looks like:
- Investigation by your attorney and legal team: Once you hire a lawyer, your legal team immediately begins investigating the crash. This includes collecting the police report, interviewing witnesses, reviewing available photos or video footage, and identifying all potentially responsible parties. Your attorney will also work to secure key trucking evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck before it can be altered or lost.
- Filing the insurance claim: After the initial investigation, your attorney files a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and, when applicable, the trucking company’s commercial insurer. These insurers will conduct their own review while your lawyer presents evidence supporting liability and damages.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Your attorney handles all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf. This stage focuses on reaching a settlement that accounts for your medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment needs, and other accident-related losses.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit and continue pursuing your case through the court system.
Having an experienced lawyer involved from the start helps ensure important evidence is preserved and your claim is positioned as strongly as possible.
Who Is Liable in a Newport News Truck Accident and How Fault Is Determined
Identifying who is at fault in a truck accident typically requires a detailed investigation. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The truck driver, if the crash was caused by distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or other unsafe behavior
- The trucking company, if it failed to properly train drivers, enforce safety rules, or maintain its fleet
- A cargo loading company, if improperly secured or overloaded freight contributed to the crash
- A maintenance or repair provider, if negligent service or overlooked mechanical issues played a role
- Another driver, if a passenger vehicle contributed to the crash by cutting off the truck, following too closely, or driving recklessly in traffic
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer, if a defective component contributed to the accident
Liability is typically established by gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, crash scene photos and videos, and vehicle data such as electronic logging device (ELD) information or “black box” records.
Katey Green, attorney at Huffman & Huffman, says, “One of the most important early steps after a truck accident is making sure key evidence is preserved before it disappears. That often means promptly sending a preservation or spoliation letter to the trucking company and other involved parties so that critical materials like black box data, video footage, driver logs, and vehicle inspection records are not lost or altered.”.
Trucking Company Liability in Newport News Accident Cases
As discussed earlier, liability in trucking cases rarely ends with the driver alone. Trucking companies can often be held responsible for a crash when their own negligence contributes to unsafe conditions on the road.
A trucking company may be liable if it failed to properly screen or train drivers, ignored safety violations, or pressured drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules that encourage speeding or fatigue. Companies can also be responsible when they fail to maintain their vehicles, overlook required inspections, or allow trucks to operate in unsafe conditions.
In many cases, trucking companies may also be held responsible for their drivers’ actions under a legal principle known as “vicarious liability.” In simple terms, this means that if a driver causes a crash while performing job-related duties, the employer can also be held legally responsible, even if the company did not directly cause the mistake. Because the driver is acting within the scope of their employment, the law may treat the company as sharing responsibility for the harm caused.
Delivery Truck Accidents in Newport News Involving Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
Delivery truck accidents often involve smaller box trucks, step vans, or cargo vans operating on tight residential and commercial routes. Like tractor-trailer accidents, these crashes can involve complex liability questions.
In some cases, the driver is employed directly by a company like UPS or FedEx. In others, the driver may work for a contracted delivery company that owns or leases the vehicle and provides insurance coverage. Amazon delivery operations are often handled through independent delivery service partners that operate fleets under broader delivery agreements.
Because of this structure, liability is not always limited to a single employer. Depending on how the operation is set up, responsibility may involve the driver, the contracted delivery company, and potentially other entities involved in controlling or directing the delivery work. These differences can affect what insurance policies apply and how fault is allocated after a crash.
Our attorneys can help you navigate these cases by identifying how the delivery operation is structured, determining who may be responsible, and pursuing compensation from all available sources of recovery.
Black Box Data, Driver Logs, and Key Evidence in Newport News Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident cases often turn on evidence that is not visible at the crash scene. Much of it comes from electronic systems and company records that must be identified and preserved early in the case.
Key sources of evidence may include:
- Black box (ECM) data: Information from the truck’s electronic control module that can show speed, braking, steering inputs, and engine performance in the moments before the crash
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records: Data showing driving time, rest periods, and potential hours-of-service violations
- Driver logs and dispatch records: Route assignments, delivery schedules, duty status logs, and communications between the driver and the trucking company
- Trucking company safety files: Hiring and training records, prior safety violations, and internal compliance documentation
- Maintenance and inspection records: Service history, repair logs, and documentation of known or unresolved mechanical issues
- Event data and communications: In-cab messages, GPS tracking data, and system alerts that may show driver behavior or company oversight in real time
Because much of this evidence is controlled by the trucking company or its insurer, it can be lost or altered if not preserved quickly. Once obtained, however, it can provide a detailed, time-stamped picture of how the crash occurred and whether safety rules were followed.
Federal Trucking Regulations That Impact Newport News Cases
Commercial trucking companies and drivers must follow safety regulations established by the FMCSA. These rules are designed to reduce accidents and promote safe operation of commercial vehicles on public roads.
FMCSA regulations cover many aspects of the trucking industry, including:
- Hours-of-service limits: Rules restricting how long drivers can operate without rest in order to reduce fatigue-related accidents
- Electronic logging device (ELD) requirements: Regulations requiring many commercial drivers to electronically track driving hours and rest periods
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance standards: Requirements for routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance to help keep trucks safe to operate
- Cargo securement rules: Standards governing how freight must be loaded and secured to prevent shifting cargo or roadway hazards
- Driver qualification requirements: Rules related to commercial licensing, medical certifications, training, and driver safety history
Violations of these regulations can become important evidence in a truck accident claim. For example, evidence that a driver exceeded allowable driving hours or that a trucking company ignored maintenance requirements may help establish negligence or support claims that safety rules were violated leading up to the crash.
How Much Is a Truck Accident Case Worth in Newport News, Virginia?
The value of a truck accident case is based on the injuries you suffered, the financial losses you incurred, and the overall impact the crash has had on your life. In most cases, that value is measured through economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses. These include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and future medical needs
- Lost wages for income you’ve already missed due to your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if your ability to work is reduced in the future
- Property damage compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement and other damaged personal property
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the crash that does not have a specific dollar value, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and permanent disability
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Newport News and Their Settlement Value
Truck accident injuries can range from relatively minor to more serious. Some common injuries we see in truck accident cases include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Injuries to the neck, shoulders, and back caused by sudden impact or forceful movement. These often require physical therapy and can lead to lingering pain or stiffness.
- Cuts and lacerations: Wounds caused by broken glass, metal, or debris, sometimes requiring stitches or minor medical care.
- Broken bones and fractures: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or other bones that may require casting, temporary immobilization, and follow-up care. Recovery time and whether the fracture fully heals can affect the value of a claim.
- Joint injuries: Damage to the knees, shoulders, or other joints caused by bracing for impact or being struck inside the vehicle, sometimes resulting in ongoing discomfort or reduced range of motion.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and missed time from work. They may also leave a victim with lasting physical pain and emotional distress. All of these impacts can contribute to the overall value of a claim.
Catastrophic Injuries From Truck Accidents in Virginia
Some large truck crashes result in catastrophic injuries. These are injuries that affect a person’s health, mobility, or ability to work in the long-term. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Serious head injuries can affect memory, concentration, speech, personality, and other cognitive functions. In severe cases, victims may require lifelong medical care or assisted living support.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to chronic nerve pain, limited mobility, partial paralysis, or complete paralysis depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Severe or multiple fractures: Complex fractures, crush injuries, and injuries requiring multiple surgeries can result in long-term complications, permanent mobility limitations, or chronic pain.
- Amputations: Some truck accidents cause traumatic limb loss or injuries severe enough to require surgical amputation, often leading to permanent physical limitations and extensive rehabilitation.
- Severe burns and disfigurement: Fires, explosions, and high-impact collisions can cause significant burns and permanent scarring that may require reconstructive surgery and long-term treatment.
Because these injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care, these are typically the highest value truck injury cases.
Wrongful Death Truck Accident Claims in Newport News, VA
Sadly, some truck accidents result in fatal injuries. When a person loses their life because of a truck driver’s negligence or another party’s misconduct, certain surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Virginia law.
In Virginia, a wrongful death claim is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of eligible surviving family members. Compensation may be available for losses such as medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost income and financial support, and the emotional loss suffered by surviving loved ones.
Our attorneys can help families investigate the accident, determine who may be responsible, and pursue accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Virginia Truck Accident Laws That Affect Your Newport News Injury Claim
Virginia law can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation after a truck accident. Two of the most important legal rules affecting these claims are the statute of limitations and Virginia’s contributory negligence rule.
Under Virginia’s statute of limitations, injured victims generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within that time period, you may lose the right to pursue compensation entirely.
Virginia also follows a strict contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, an injured person may be barred from recovering compensation if they are found even partially responsible for causing the accident. Because trucking companies and insurance carriers often try to shift blame onto other drivers, disputes over fault can play a major role in these cases.
How Newport News Courts Handle Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuits
Commercial truck accident lawsuits in Newport News are generally handled through the Virginia state court system. Depending on the amount of damages involved and where the accident occurred, a case may be filed in the appropriate local circuit court.
Like other personal injury lawsuits, truck accident cases typically begin with an investigation, the filing of a complaint, and a period of evidence exchange known as discovery. During discovery, both sides may request records, question witnesses under oath, and review evidence such as black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and trucking company safety documentation.
Truck accident lawsuits are often more complex than standard car accident cases because they may involve multiple defendants, commercial insurance policies, federal trucking regulations, and extensive technical evidence. In some cases, expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or trucking industry professionals may be used to help explain key issues to the court.
Many truck accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial. However, if the parties cannot agree on liability or compensation, the case may proceed to court where a judge or jury will determine fault and damages.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Newport News, VA to Protect Your Claim
Taking the right steps after a truck accident protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Medical documentation establishes the connection between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the scene: Take photos of all vehicles, any visible injuries, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area. This evidence can be critical in proving liability and the extent of damages.
- Report the truck accident to the police: Obtain a copy of the official accident report. Police reports provide valuable, unbiased documentation for your claim.
- Collect witness information: Get names and contact information for anyone who saw the accident. Witness statements can support your version of events.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer: Early legal involvement allows your attorney to begin investigating while the evidence is fresh and protects you from insurance company tactics.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media: Insurance companies monitor social media accounts for posts they can use to challenge your claim.
- Follow all medical advice and attend appointments: Skipping treatment or appointments gives insurers grounds to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Dealing With Trucking Company Insurance After a Newport News Accident
Truck accident claims often involve commercial insurance companies that move quickly after a crash and work to limit what they pay.
To protect your claim when dealing with trucking company insurance:
- Avoid giving recorded statements before speaking with an attorney
- Do not sign medical or broad authorization forms without review
- Be cautious with early settlement offers that may not reflect the full value of your injuries
- Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and missed work
Our attorneys can deal directly with the insurance companies, handle negotiations on your behalf, and work to ensure that your claim is evaluated fairly based on the full extent of your losses.
What to Do If Your Truck Accident Claim Is Denied in Virginia
A denied truck accident claim does not mean your case is over. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, and in many situations, the denial can be challenged with additional evidence or legal action.
If your claim is denied, there are important steps you can take:
- Review the denial letter to understand the specific reason the insurance company gave
- Continue medical treatment and keep all records of appointments, diagnoses, and expenses
- Preserve all documentation related to the crash, including the police report, photos, and any communication with the insurer
- Speak with a truck accident attorney who can evaluate the denial and explain your options
In some cases, a denial can be reversed through additional documentation or negotiation. In other situations, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to pursue compensation through the court system and obtain evidence through the legal discovery process.
How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Newport News, Virginia
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and the outcome you receive. Truck accident claims are more complex than typical car accident cases because they often involve multiple parties, commercial insurance policies, and federal trucking regulations.
When evaluating a truck accident lawyer, look for:
- Experience with truck accident cases specifically: Not just general personal injury work, but a track record handling commercial truck and tractor-trailer claims.
- Understanding of trucking regulations and evidence: Familiarity with issues like black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and FMCSA rules is often critical in these cases.
- Ability to investigate and identify all liable parties: Truck accidents frequently involve drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and insurers.
- Strong negotiation and litigation experience: Insurance companies in these cases are highly aggressive, so you want a lawyer prepared to take a case to trial if necessary.
- Clear communication and responsiveness: You should be able to understand what is happening in your case and have access to your legal team when you need updates.
It’s also important to be cautious of guarantees or unrealistic promises. A reputable truck accident lawyer will evaluate your case honestly and explain your legal options based on the facts and evidence available.
Newport News Truck Accident Lawyer: FAQs
How many truck accidents happen each year in the United States?
There are about half a million commercial truck accidents across the United States each year. Tens of thousands of drivers caught in these crashes suffer serious injuries, and another 5,000 or so lose their lives. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created numerous regulations to help prevent truck accidents, but there is clearly much more work to be done.
What are average truck accident settlements in Newport News and what affects them?
There is no reliable “average” truck accident settlement in Newport News because every case depends on its own facts. The value of a claim is shaped by factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment (including future care), time missed from work, and the impact on your ability to earn income going forward.
What is the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Virginia?
Virginia law generally requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years from the accident date. Wrongful death claims must typically be filed within two years of the death. Missing these deadlines usually bars you from recovering compensation.
How much does a Newport News truck accident lawyer cost?
Most truck accident lawyers in Newport News, including Huffman & Huffman work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront legal fees, and the attorney is only paid if they recover compensation for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the recovery and can vary depending on whether the case settles or goes to litigation, but the exact terms are set out in the fee agreement before representation begins.
Will my truck accident claim take a while to settle?
Ideally, your truck accident claim will reach a settlement and not need to go to court. No one likes going to court because it is time-consuming and adds expenses for both sides of a case. But if your case looks like it will settle, how long will that take? The answer varies noticeably from one case to another due to varying factors like questions of liability, the extent of the damages, etc. If we had to estimate, though, then we could say that a straightforward truck accident claim can still take 6 to 12 months to settle.
Do commercial trucks really have “black box” devices?
You might have heard that commercial trucks have “black boxes” that record important travel data, much like the same device in an airplane. This is not always true, though. Only some semi-trucks must be equipped with black boxes. However, if the truck that hit you did have a black box recorder, then our experienced attorneys will know how to access its data, which can show how quickly the truck was traveling, when the truck driver was last on break, and other important information that can be used as evidence.
Can I sue the trucking company, too?
The truck driver who hit you might not be the only party that is liable for your damages and losses. If the trucker’s employer has done anything negligent to contribute to the crash, then you might be able to file against the company’s insurance policy, too. For example, if the company knowingly hired a truck driver who does not have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), then the company could be partially liable for any crashes that the driver causes. Furthermore, if the driver is an employee and not an independent contractor, then strict employer liability rules could benefit your case.
Do you have a truck accident lawyer near me?
Yes, Huffman & Huffman serves Newport News and the surrounding areas from our local office at 12284 Warwick Boulevard, #2A, Newport News, Virginia, 23606. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced truck accident attorneys.
No Fee Until We Win: Contingency Fee Truck Accident Lawyers in Newport News
While the thought of filing a truck accident claim may seem daunting right now, our Newport News truck accident attorneys are ready to make everything simpler for you. We have years of experience handling cases much like yours and going up against nationwide truck insurance companies. Let us help you uncover the path to compensation without adding more stress and responsibilities to yourself.
Trust us to help you recover quickly from your injuries. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.
