Truck accidents in Norfolk and Virginia Beach can result in life-long injuries or death due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Trucker and trucking company negligence can cause these wrecks, leaving victims with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If a trucker caused you to suffer injuries in a truck crash in Virginia, it is crucial to understand the different types of truck collisions that can occur and the importance of having an experienced truck accident lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve.
5 Types of Truck Collisions Caused by Negligent Truck Drivers
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash, a skilled truck collision attorney could help determine the cause of your wreck and whether the trucker was at fault. Common types of truck accidents caused by a truck driver and trucking company negligence include the following:
1. Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions involving trucks can be extremely dangerous and often cause victims to suffer severe injuries or death. These accidents can happen due to various causes, including trucker fatigue, distracted driving, or driving on the wrong side of the road.
2. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving trucks can happen when a truck fails to stop in time and crashes into the rear of another vehicle. These crashes can result in surprisingly serious injuries, especially for victims in the smaller vehicle that is hit from behind by a large truck.
3. Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife collisions occur when a truck's trailer swings out to the side and forms a 90-degree angle with the truck cab. Truckers cause these crashes for many reasons, including taking curves too fast, speeding, and failing to maintain the truck properly.
4. Rollover Crashes
Rollover collisions involving trucks occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, sometimes over multiple lanes of traffic. Speeding, distracted driving, and improper cargo loading are a few of the negligent actions that lead to these tragic accidents.
5. Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have large blind spots in the truck’s front, back, and sides. Blind spot crashes occur when the trucker does not check their blind spots before switching lanes, turning, and backing up.
Types of Compensation Victims Can Recover in Truck Accident Cases
If you prove the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties’ negligence caused your truck collision, you are entitled to compensation under Virginia law. A knowledgeable car crash lawyer can determine the value of your claim. Types of damages you could receive in your settlement include the following:
- Medical Expenses. Compensation may be awarded to cover the costs of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages. You can recover your past and future lost income if you have to be off work while you recover from your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering. You should receive compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you suffered from your injuries and the truck crash.
- Property Damage. The negligent trucker and trucking company should pay to repair or replace any property, such as vehicles or personal belongings, that were damaged in the truck accident.
- Wrongful Death. If a loved one suffered fatal injuries, you might be entitled to funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship in a wrongful death action.