New Kent County truck accident attorneys

Standing by our injured neighbors in New Kent County

We trust trucking companies and their drivers to follow the same rules of the road as everybody else, but the reality is that they do not always obey the law. Trucking companies are often driven by big profits, which means they can cut corners to rush through deliveries. But taking shortcuts is never a good option, especially when it puts people in danger.

Nearly 2,500 trucks crashed in Virginia in 2019. These accidents resulted in more than 850 injuries, almost 50 deaths, and millions of dollars in property damage. What its more distressful is that they could have been avoided.

Our law firm serves our neighbors in New Kent County, and we work to prevent injuries from happening by sharing safety information here. But when a serious accident does happen, we consider it a calling to help those who are hurt.

After being injured by a truck driver, you deserve full compensation for what you’ve lost. Getting that compensation means going up against a big insurance company, so you’ll need an experienced New Kent County truck accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys can provide the service you need right now. Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to tell us what happened and get solid advice in a free consultation.

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Why do truck accidents happen in New Kent?

In New Kent County, almost 200 people were injured on our roads in a recent year, some due to truck accidents. While we like to believe the best in people, most truck accidents are the result of negligent drivers.

A major highway, Interstate 64, is one of the most trafficked east-west highways in Virginia, and it cuts right through New Kent County. Big rig trucks hauling shipments to and from the major shipping ports of Norfolk and Portsmouth travel Interstate 64 in New Kent County at all hours of the day and night. With all of that truck traffic going through the county, truck accidents in New Kent are a sad reality that often lead to serious injuries or death.

According to the Virginia DMV, the most common causes of truck accidents in the Commonwealth involve the trucker:

• Making improper lane changes
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Tailgating
• Making dangerous turns
• Running red lights
• Speeding
• Using alcohol

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How do I keep safe around a large truck?

Driver’s ed can teach you a lot of things about avoiding car accidents, but it does not normally cover how to act around a big truck. Most of the roads around New Kent are two to four lanes, which can become crowded when you pull up near a semi-truck. While it is the responsibility of the truck driver to always obey the law and take precautions, there are some ways you can protect yourself. From our experience on the roads around New Kent County, we suggest that you:

• Avoid tailgating the truck: Trucks need a lot of room and time to come to a full stop, and they often slow down at turns and railroad crossings. If you are behind a truck, make sure to give it the space of two to three cars – more if you are going faster. This will give both of you enough space to brake in an emergency.
• Pull to the side of the road if a truck tailgates you: Truck drivers can get aggressive when they are rushing to complete deliveries. They may honk the horn at you or tailgate you in the hope of getting you to speed up. However, you should never give in to this pressure. Instead, when it is safe to do so, pull to the side of the road and let the truck pass.
• Watch out for blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots near the back wheels and directly behind the trailer. If you are pulling up beside a truck, make sure to leave this area as soon as safely possible. Otherwise, you may be sideswiped if the truck changes lanes.
• Report dangerous drivers: If you notice a driver swerving, using a cell phone, driving aggressively, or speeding, do not hesitate to pull over and call 911 to report the truck’s license plate to the local police. New Kent County officers and Virginia Highway Patrol can pull the truck over and question the driver about his behavior. The Virginia DMV could also cite the trucking company for a violation if the truck is overloaded or does not have the proper permits. It could save someone’s life.

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Who is responsible for my injuries?

Truckers have a duty to drive their vehicles as safely as possible and maintain their focus when traveling through New Kent County. Unfortunately, not every driver is experienced with our roads and highways, much less with handling a heavy vehicle. The trucking industry has a high turnover rate, meaning many young and inexperienced drivers are behind the wheel. If they make a single mistake, it could cost someone their life.

Trucking companies also share responsibility when a truck wreck occurs. The companies are expected to follow the guidelines outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, including:

• Hiring and training competent drivers
• Performing background checks on new drivers
• Performing regular and random drug tests on drivers
• Making sure vehicles are loaded properly
• Requiring drivers to take regular rest breaks
• Applying for proper permits when transporting hazardous materials
• Maintaining and repairing all vehicles

When a truck driver injures or kills someone in a collision, his employer can be found liable for his reckless actions. Trucking companies are expected to keep their drivers in line and make sure they obey the law. In addition, if something the trucking company did contributed to the crash, you can file a personal injury claim against their insurance company to recover full compensation.

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Who can help me after a truck accident?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we understand you are feeling upset, scared, and stressed over the future after your wreck with a truck. Truck accidents cause widespread damage and seriously injure hundreds of people every year in Virginia, leaving other drivers and pedestrians with high medical bills. But you shouldn’t have to pay for the reckless actions of a negligent truck driver.

Our partners, Ken Gibson and John Singleton, know firsthand what it’s like to be an injury victim. So we bring empathy and compassion to every client.

We’ve experienced the frustrations our clients face — pain, suffering, fear, difficulty dealing with insurance companies, pressure to settle without a lawyer. That’s why we do everything in our power to make the legal process easy for our clients, so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back.

If you were injured by a negligent truck driver, reach out to GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. When you work with us, you don’t just get the expertise a single lawyer, but the experience of a whole legal team. Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation to talk about your case today with a New Kent injury attorney.

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