Essex County truck accident attorneys

Helping our neighbors in Essex County

Truck drivers and their companies have the responsibility of safely transporting cargo across the Commonwealth of Virginia, but many neglect this responsibility in the name of profit. Truckers should always obey the rules of the road, and trucking companies should follow proper procedures. When a truck driver or company acts negligently, it puts everyone on the road in danger of being injured or killed in a truck accident.

Unfortunately, these accidents happen more often than you may think. More than 950 fatal truck accidents happened in Virginia over a recent 10-year period, and the number of deaths has increased over the past few years. In 2019 alone, more than 100 people were injured in vehicle collisions in Essex County, and one person was killed.

Route 17, a major north-south highway, is the primary transportation corridor through Essex County. Tractor-trailer trucks regularly travel Route 17 to connect with Interstate 95 heading north or Interstate 64 East if they are headed to the Tidewater area.

After a truck accident, contact your neighbors at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Both of our founding partners have been injured in serious accidents, and we know how hard it is to move forward. We know you just want to get your medical bills paid and start recovering. The best way to do that is to file a claim against the trucking company that injured you.

We are truck accident attorneys serving Essex County. We can sit down with you in a free consultation, talk about what happened, and explain your options. When you’re ready, call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777. And remember: trucking corporations move fast, and so should you.

Back to Top

Why are big rigs dangerous?

A large truck has more weight to throw around, whether it’s a pickup or an 18-wheeler. The larger they are, the more inherently dangerous. Commercial truckers are responsible for driving boxy, heavy machines that often carry dangerous cargo. These drivers should always be focused, well-trained, and experienced at handling the highways and roads around Essex County.

Truck accidents are 99% preventable if the driver obeys the law. Sadly, many do not. Drivers and trucking companies make money based on how many deliveries they complete. This encourages them to rush through deliveries and ignore important safety steps. When they make these reckless decisions, everyone suffers.

Truck accidents are often caused by the following:

• Speeding
• Sharp turns
• Braking too late
• Drug and alcohol use
• Fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Equipment failures
• Overloaded vehicles

Back to Top

Do truck drivers have to follow special laws?

When someone takes on the responsibilities of driving a big rig, they are expected to follow specific laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations, and trucking companies are expected to enforce them.

In our experience, when a truck is involved in an accident, it is usually because the driver or trucking company broke one of the following rules:

• Alcohol and Drug Use: The legal limit is 0.08% blood alcohol content for all drivers over 21 in Virginia, but commercial truck drivers have a legal limit of 0.04%. Drinking alcohol is reckless when piloting any vehicle, but the risk is much worse when it involves a 10,000-lb. truck. Truckers also need to be regularly tested for drugs, as nearly 48% of truck accidents involve drug use.
• Distracted Driving: 71% of truck accidents in the U.S. occurred because a driver wasn’t paying attention to the road. Here in Virginia, it is illegal for a driver to hold a cellphone while driving, and truck drivers are only allowed to hold CB radios. Violating this ban increases the chances of a serious accident.
• Rest Breaks: In the past, it was normal for truck drivers to work long hours. But this made them more likely to become fatigued and fall asleep at the wheel, which is why FMCSA created the Hours of Service. Based on these rules, drivers must take regular rest breaks and stop driving once they reach the legal limits.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Large trucks suffer a lot of wear and tear over the years, which means they need regular maintenance. Both truck drivers and companies should schedule maintenance on their vehicles and replace any damaged parts. Failing to do so can allow the truck’s brakes, hitch, or tires to break down, causing a collision.

Back to Top

If a truck driver hit me, how do I pay my medical bills?

Semi-trucks are insured by massive liability policies, which means the company can afford to pay for your injuries. But these companies are not charities. Insurers make their money by charging high premiums and dismissing injury claims. If you try to ask for compensation for your injuries by yourself, they will offer you a lowball settlement, if anything.

To get the money you need to heal, work with an experienced Essex County injury attorney who is not afraid to go head-to-head with a big insurance corporation. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we do not simply fight hard, but smart, and we know how to deal with a trucking insurance company’s tactics. We can recover compensation for your:

• Medical bills, both past and future
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential if you cannot go back to work
• Pain and suffering

Back to Top

Who do I talk to about my accident?

We at GibsonSingleton serve our neighbors in Virginia, and we work to prevent injuries from happening by sharing safety information widely. But when a serious accident happens, we consider it a calling to help those who are hurt.

As former members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Ken Gibson and John Singleton have served their country, and now they’re ready to serve you. They know how to prepare a plan and execute on it successfully.

We have helped many injured drivers in Virginia recover full compensation after a serious accident, and we are just as dedicated to helping our neighbors in Essex County. We will sit down with you in a free consultation to learn about what happened to you. To get started on your case, call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777.

Back to Top