Suffolk Truck Accident Lawyer

Suffolk isn’t just one of Virginia’s fastest-growing cities; it’s also a vital transportation hub within the Hampton Roads region. With major routes like Route 58, Route 13, and I-664 carrying heavy commercial traffic in and out of the city every day, truck-related crashes are an unfortunate reality for many in our community.

Because of their sheer size and weight, large trucks can dwarf smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles, often turning routine drives into catastrophic events. These collisions tend to cause far more severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. 

For over 75 years, The Smith Law Center has been helping Virginians get their lives back on track following catastrophic accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, a Suffolk 18-wheeler accident lawyer from our firm can fight for the compensation you need to move forward after such a life-changing event. Contact us today online or by calling (757) 244-7000.

“They communicated throughout the whole process, and it was very frustration-free. Very professional! They were so helpful. I would’ve been lost without them! I would definitely use them again if needed.”

- Quinesha M. | Client

Truck Accident Data in Suffolk, VA

Suffolk’s location along key highways and shipping routes makes it a frequent corridor for commercial truck traffic. Here’s a simple breakdown of what happened across Virginia in 2023 involving large trucks like semis and 18-wheelers:

• Total large truck crashes: 2,847 (about 2.2% of all traffic crashes in Virginia)
• Crashes with injuries: 870
• Fatal crashes: 49
• Most injuries happened to drivers aged 26 to 55
• Improper lane change (400 accidents) and following too closely (202 accidents) were the top contributing factors

If you were injured in a truck accident, do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance representative. Their goal is to gather information they can use to reduce or deny your claim. Even seemingly innocent answers can be twisted against you. 

Protect your rights and speak with an experienced Suffolk truck accident attorney at The Smith Law Center today.

Dangerous Intersections in Suffolk, According to a Suffolk Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can happen anywhere, but certain roads and intersections in Suffolk are especially risky. Heavy traffic, high speeds, and frequent truck activity can make these areas more dangerous for drivers: 

• Hampton Roads Parkway and College Drive
• Portsmouth Blvd and Nanesmond Parkway
• Bridge Road and College Drive
• U.S. Route 58
• North Main Street and West Constance Road
• U.S. 13 Exit and Holland Road

Recovering After a Truck Accident: One Client’s Experience with The Smith Law Center

After a devastating truck accident turned her life upside down, this Virginia woman turned to The Smith Law Center for help. Hear how our team stood by her side and fought to secure the support she needed.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Suffolk

Commercial trucks are massive, powerful machines that require constant attention, maintenance, and responsibility. Unfortunately, when one link in the chain fails, whether it's a tired driver or faulty brakes, the results can be catastrophic. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Suffolk:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long shifts under tight delivery deadlines. When rest breaks are skipped or drivers push beyond their limits, drowsy driving can impair judgment and reaction time, leading to serious crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Whether it's checking a phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating behind the wheel, distractions can be deadly. A moment of lost focus in an 80,000-pound vehicle can cause irreversible damage on the road.
• Improper Loading: Cargo that is overloaded or poorly secured can shift during transport, making a truck unstable, especially when turning or braking. This can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or spilled cargo hazards.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucking companies are required to keep their fleets in good working order, but not all do. Worn tires, faulty brakes, broken lights, and other mechanical issues are common factors in preventable truck accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and snow are especially dangerous for large trucks, which take much longer to slow down or stop. Poor visibility and slick roads raise the risk of hydroplaning or losing control, particularly when drivers fail to adjust their speed.

When Truck Accidents Lead to Brain Injuries, The Smith Law Center Can Help

In this podcast episode, The Smith Law Center partner David Holt discusses the unique challenges of traumatic brain injury litigation. Learn how high-impact crashes, like those involving commercial trucks, often result in serious brain trauma and why a skilled Suffolk tractor trailer accident lawyer is necessary when dealing with the aftermath of such injuries.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents aren’t like typical car crashes. When two regular drivers get into an accident, it’s usually about figuring out which person was at fault. But with commercial trucks, it’s not always that simple.

Oftentimes, truck drivers are working for a company, hauling goods for someone else, or driving vehicles owned by large businesses or even government contractors. That means multiple parties could be involved and held liable, including: 

• Truck driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding or texting while driving, resulted in the crash, they could be held responsible.
• Trucking company: The company may also be at fault if it hired an unqualified driver, forced unsafe driving hours, or failed to maintain the truck properly.
• Maintenance or repair companies: Trucks need regular check-ups, just like cars. If a company didn’t fix the brakes, replace worn tires, or do routine safety checks, and that failure caused the crash, they could be held responsible.
• Cargo loaders: If the truck was carrying a load that was too heavy or not secured properly, that can make the truck tip, jackknife, or lose control. 
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If the parts were poorly designed or built, the company that made them could be held accountable.

Determining who’s at fault in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. With multiple parties potentially responsible, these cases can quickly become complicated.

That’s where we come in. The Smith Law Center knows how to dig into the details, uncover who’s really at fault, and build a strong case on your behalf. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, you don’t have to handle this alone. Reach out today online or call (757) 244-7000 for a free consultation. A Suffolk truck accident attorney is here to help you make sense of it all.

What Types of Compensation Can a Suffolk Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me Recover? 

Getting into an accident with a semi-truck is nothing like a regular fender-bender. A fully unloaded 18-wheeler, just the truck and trailer, can weigh up to 35,000 pounds. That’s over seven times heavier than the average passenger car, which typically weighs around 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. And when these trucks are fully loaded, they can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

Therefore, these crashes are often catastrophic. Victims can be left with severe injuries that change their lives in an instant, or, in the most tragic cases, families are left mourning the loss of a loved one.

If you have been hurt in a truck accident, a Suffolk truck accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensation for: 

• Past and Future Medical Costs: You can recover the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other medical care.
• Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries kept you from working, or will continue to affect your ability to earn a living, you can seek compensation for that lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. That might mean anxiety, PTSD, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the crash, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacement, along with any other damaged personal property.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in the crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing someone too soon.

When your health, finances, and future are on the line, having the right legal help can make all the difference.

According to a Martindale-Nolo study, people who hired a personal injury lawyer received an average of $77,600 in compensation, compared to just $17,600 for those who handled their case on their own.

Partner With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Suffolk

Truck accident cases are complex. You're not just up against another driver, you're likely dealing with a trucking company, a team of corporate lawyers, and insurance adjusters trained to protect their best interests, not yours.

An experienced trucking accident lawyer in Suffolk can:

• Investigate the scene of the crash
• Deal with insurance companies 
• Fill out all necessary paperwork and meeting impending deadlines
• Maximize your compensation
• Negotiate on your behalf or fighting for you in court

“Every case is about people first. We never lose sight of that.”

- Emily Strak | Attorney at The Smith Law Center

Why Virginians Have Trusted The Smith Law Center for Over 75 Years

When you're involved in a truck accident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team with the skill, resources, and grit to stand up to powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

The Smith Law Center knows the roads, the courts, and the communities of Suffolk and Hampton Roads. Our track record speaks for itself: 

• $10.2 million jury verdict for a woman with a closed head injury following a truck crash. This is believed to be the largest personal injury verdict in Norfolk history.
• $5.2 million verdict upheld by the Virginia Supreme Court for a special education teacher severely injured in a six-vehicle truck accident on I-95.
• Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims across Virginia and the U.S.

Consultations are always free, and you pay nothing unless we win. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, get in touch with a Suffolk tractor-trailer accident lawyer today online or call (757) 244-7000.