Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

A crash with a commercial truck is not like a fender bender. It can change your life in seconds. When an 80,000-pound vehicle collides with a car, the people in the smaller vehicle almost always suffer the worst of it. 

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident in Virginia, you deserve answers, support, and someone who knows how to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers. That is where we come in.

The Smith Law Center has been standing up for injured people since 1949, and our team has handled some of the toughest truck and catastrophic injury cases in Virginia. We know how these crashes happen, what evidence disappears quickly, and how to protect you from tactics designed to shift blame onto you.

If you are ready to talk about what happened or even if you are just unsure where to start, contact our Virginia truck accident attorneys online or call (757) 244-7000.

“From start to finish, the Smith Law Firm is 1st class all the way. Stewart Gill has been a pleasure to know and to work with. In 2019, I was involved in a semi-truck rollover and suffered some serious injuries. Mr Gill was the attorney. He and his legal team explained every step of the process and handled every detail professionally. It's a nice feeling to know that SLC  has my back if I need them. Thank you, Stewart Gill.”

- Ken S. | Client

Types of Truck Accidents Our Virginia Truck Crash Lawyers Can Guide You Through

When a large commercial truck, like an 18-wheeler, is involved in a crash, the results are often horrific. The sheer size difference between a passenger car and a big rig means occupants of the smaller vehicle often bear the brunt of the impact. At the Smith Law Center, our Virginia trucking accident lawyers have decades of experience handling all types of truck crashes on roads and highways across Virginia, including:

• Jackknife Accidents: This happens when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out, creating an angle resembling a folding pocketknife. 
• Rollover Accidents: A truck rolls onto its side. This is often caused by an improperly loaded cargo, speeding, or taking a curve too quickly.
• Underride and Override Accidents: An underride accident is when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often resulting in serious or fatal injuries. An override accident is when a truck drives up and over a smaller vehicle.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Accidents: These occur when a truck strikes another vehicle on its side.
• Rear-End Accidents: Truck driver negligence, such as following too closely or failing to stop in time due to speeding, can cause the truck to crash into the back of a vehicle.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have areas around them that drivers can’t see. When a truck changes lanes or makes sudden movements, these hidden zones can easily hide smaller vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Wide turns: Trucks need extra space to make turns, and if a driver swings too wide, they can end up hitting vehicles in the intersection.

Trucks Involved in Accidents in Virginia

Truck accidents aren’t just limited to the classic 18-wheeler. Many different types of commercial vehicles share Virginia’s roads, and all of them can cause serious crashes if something goes wrong. Some of the trucks we see most often in accidents include:

• Fuel and chemical trucks
• Dump trucks and cement mixers
• Refrigerated 18-wheelers (reefers)
• Large trailers and horse haulers
• Moving trucks
• Tow trucks

A Survivor’s Story: Finding Support After a Truck Accident

Before the crash, Nancy’s days were full of restoring historic pieces, volunteering, and staying connected to her community. The accident shattered that routine. Here, she talks openly about what she went through and how our firm helped her rebuild her life.

Virginia Truck Accident Statistics You Should Know

Understanding the real danger of large trucks on Virginia’s roads is important. Here are the 2024 truck accident statistics from the Virginia DMV:

• Total large truck crashes: 3,078 (2.4% of all traffic crashes)
• Fatal crashes: 48 
• Injury crashes: 874
• Property damage crashes: 2,156
• Large truck occupants killed: 9 (1.0% of all traffic fatalities)
• Large truck occupants seriously injured: 51 (0.7% of all serious traffic injuries)

Injuries a Virginia Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You With

Because of the massive difference in weight and size, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while an average car weighs about 4,000 pounds, the injuries from a commercial truck crash are often catastrophic and life-changing. 

Our firm is nationally recognized for our experience in handling serious and catastrophic injury cases, such as a proven record of success in TBI litigation, including a $60 million global record verdict for a brain injury survivor with a closed-head injury.

Some of the injuries we have experience with include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Severe Fractures and Bone Injuries
• Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
• Whiplash
• Burns and Disfigurement
• Emotional Distress and PTSD

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries don’t just hurt your body; they change your entire way of life.

We’ve spent decades helping Virginians adapt and heal from these life-altering injuries, including some of the toughest brain injury cases in the country. Reach out today online or by calling (757) 244-7000 and let us fight for the support you need while you focus on healing.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Virginia

Your health and safety come first. What happens in the moments and days after a truck accident can also impact your legal case, so it’s important to take the right steps:

1. Get to safety. If you can move without causing further injury, get yourself and your vehicle out of traffic. If you can’t move, make noise or signal for help so others can assist you. Check on anyone else who may be injured if it’s safe to do so.
2. Call 911 immediately. Police and emergency medical services should respond, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
3. Document the scene. Take photos or videos of your vehicle, the truck, skid marks, road signs, and visible injuries. Note the truck’s license plate, company name, and DOT number. If you can’t do this yourself, ask a bystander for help.
4. Gather information. Get the driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details. Write down details about the truck, the driver’s employer, and the accident itself.
5. Seek medical attention. Even minor aches or confusion should be checked by a medical professional. Your medical records are key evidence linking your injuries to the accident.
6. Be careful with statements. Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything for the trucking company’s insurance without first consulting an attorney. Only provide factual details to the police and your own insurance.
7. Keep everything organized. Save medical bills, treatment records, and accident photos in one place. This will help both your care and your case.
8. Call an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can take over the case to protect your rights.

Virginia Truck Accidents: How They Differ from Car Accidents

Truck accident cases aren’t just “bigger car crashes.” Instead, they involve a completely different level of complexity. Here’s how they differ:

• Sheer size and severity: A passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That kind of force often leads to far more serious and life-altering injuries.
• More people who may be responsible: In a car accident, liability usually falls on one other driver. In a truck crash, responsibility might involve the driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, the truck’s owner, or even the manufacturer.
• Stricter rules and regulations: Car accidents typically involve state traffic laws. Truck crashes are governed not only by Virginia law but also by complex federal rules under the FMCSA, which dictates regulations covering hours-of-service, maintenance, inspections, licensing, and more.
• A completely different kind of evidence: Car crashes rely on things like police reports and witness statements. Truck cases involve black box data, logbooks, maintenance files, company hiring records, and other evidence that can disappear quickly if it’s not preserved.
• Bigger insurance policies and tougher opponents: Trucking companies carry massive commercial policies, which means their insurers fight aggressively to limit what you recover.

All of this creates a playing field that’s anything but “fair” for an injured person trying to handle things alone. That’s exactly why having an experienced truck accident lawyer matters—someone who knows how to secure critical evidence fast, stand up to powerful companies, and protect you from getting steamrolled by their insurers.

Damages for Virginia Truck Accidents 

In Virginia, you may be able to recover damages in a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler or commercial truck accident. Damages refer to the compensation that may be awarded to a victim to cover losses resulting from the accident. Damages are either considered economic damages or non-economic damages.

The specific types of damages available can vary based on the circumstances of the case, the severity of injuries, and other factors. It is important to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney before pursuing legal action. 

Generally, damages available in a truck accident lawsuit include: 

• Medical expenses: Injuries sustained in commercial truck accidents may be severe. You may need to recover damages for past and future medical treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other healthcare costs related to injuries caused by the truck accident.
• Lost wages and loss of earning potential: If the injuries significantly impact your ability to earn income in the future, compensation may be awarded for the loss of earning capacity. You may also be able to recover for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. 
• Property damages: You may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle and any other property that was damaged or destroyed in the truck accident. 
• Pain and suffering or emotional distress: These are known as non-economic damages. They are meant to compensate for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and inconvenience caused by the truck accident and resulting injuries. Damages for psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from the truck accident may be available to you. 
• Wrongful death: When a person dies as a result of a truck accident, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit can help you recover damages for end-of-life care, burial costs, and loss of financial support. 

Note that the specifics of damages and legal procedures can vary. Insurance coverage and policy limits of the trucking company may impact the amount of compensation that can be recovered. Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in Virginia law is crucial to understanding your rights and pursuing a successful case. 

Tractor-trailer accidents can be very dangerous and can result in life-altering injuries. You may need to pursue a lawsuit for damages in order to have the financial means to heal and pay for your day-to-day expenses, like rent and costs of living. 

Contact the Smith Law Firm online or by calling our Hampton, Virginia-based offices at (757) 244-7000. We can evaluate your case and determine what damages you may be entitled to under the law.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Virginia

The causes of serious truck crashes are often complex and can be traced to the driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the truck’s parts. Many of these factors involve negligence or a failure to follow strict safety rules meant to protect everyone on Virginia roads.

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often pressured to meet tight deadlines, leading them to drive for long stretches without enough rest, violating federal hours-of-service rules. 
• Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone, texting, eating, or fiddling with a GPS while driving can have catastrophic consequences.
• Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions: Driving a massive truck at high speeds or in poor weather makes it nearly impossible to stop quickly or maintain control. According to 2024 Virginia DMV data, speeding was a contributing factor for 80 drivers (2.4% of truck drivers involved in crashes).
• Improper Lane Changes: Changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots is another frequent cause. DMV records show 464 drivers (14.1% of truck drivers involved in crashes) caused accidents due to improper lane changes.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces a driver’s reaction time. In 2024, 215 drivers (6.5%) were involved in crashes for this reason.
• Other Driver Actions: Some crashes are caused by unspecified driver errors. In Virginia, this applied to 557 drivers (16.9%) involved in truck crashes.
• Improper Truck Maintenance: Failing to inspect or repair critical parts like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to mechanical failure.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Trailers that aren’t loaded, secured, or balanced correctly can shift during transit, causing the truck to overturn or jackknife.
• Impaired Driving (Alcohol or Drugs): Though rare, some truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Every detail matters. We make sure those responsible for your accident, including drivers, companies, or anyone else, can’t escape accountability.

Which Trucking Companies Commonly Cause Accidents in Virginia?

In Virginia, thousands of local, regional, and national trucking companies operate every day on major highways like I-95, I-81, I-64, I-66, and I-77, as well as on local roads across Virginia. While we can’t list every company involved in crashes, some of the most common carriers traveling Virginia roads include nationally recognized names such as UPS, FedEx, and Central Transport, along with numerous regional delivery fleets and independent truck operators.

At the Smith Law Center, we are not intimidated by the biggest names in trucking. With over $1 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts nationwide, we have the experience and determination to go head-to-head with major carriers and their insurance teams to fight for the justice our clients deserve.

Call our team today at (757) 244-7000 or fill out our quick online form to schedule a 100% free case review.

Virginia Laws That Affect Your Truck Accident Case

When you are hurt in a truck accident in Virginia, there are specific state laws that can strongly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Virginia has a strict two-year deadline known as the statute of limitations to file most personal injury lawsuits, including truck accident claims. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation forever.

Also, Virginia follows a very strict and tough rule called contributory negligence. This rule means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation from the other party. This is why the trucking company’s lawyers will aggressively try to shift the blame to you. 

Because Virginia’s laws are so tough, you cannot afford to hire an attorney who is not prepared to fight and win in court. Our attorneys are courtroom-ready and prepare every case for trial to maximize client outcomes.

What Our Virginia Truck Crash Lawyers Do for Your Case

A knowledgeable and experienced truck accident lawyer in Virginia can help you build a strong case, navigate any legal complexities, and advocate for your best interests. If you have sustained these injuries or any other, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to pursue a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. 

A truck accident lawyer can help you by: 

• Determining liability: A lawyer can help identify and establish liability by examining factors such as driver negligence, trucking company negligence, maintenance issues, and any other contributing factors.
• Understanding Virginia laws and regulations: An experienced Virginia attorney will have a deep understanding of Virginia state laws and regulations relevant to truck accidents, as well as federal regulations governing the trucking industry. This is critical in building a solid legal case.
• Calculating damages: Calculating damages can be difficult. Your attorney will evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and determine how much your case is worth. 
• Handling complex truck accident issues: Laws surrounding truck lawsuits can be complicated. An attorney can address the legal issues specific to truck accidents, such as issues related to truck driver hours of service, truck maintenance, compliance with safety regulations, and potential corporate liability of the trucking company.
• Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments to support your claim.

A truck accident lawyer can provide crucial assistance in various ways to help you navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you are considering legal action after a truck accident, consult with an attorney who is experienced in personal injury and truck accident cases.

A study by Martindale-Nolo found that over 9 out of 10 people who enlist the help of an attorney were able to walk away with compensation, compared to only half of those who handled the case on their own.

What a Truck Accident Investigation Looks Like

A truck crash case is often much more complicated than a regular car accident. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers and investigators working fast to protect their business and minimize your claim. 

That’s why a Virginia truck accident attorney springs into action immediately, often hiring our own investigators and accident reconstruction experts to gather and preserve key evidence. 

We will do the following to build out your case:

• Reviewing the Truck's "Black Box" (Event Data Recorder, or EDR): This device records vital data points like the truck’s speed, braking history, and steering angle in the seconds leading up to the crash.
• Gathering the Driver’s Logbooks and Hours of Service (HOS) Records: We investigate whether the driver was fatigued or violated federal limits on driving hours, known as the HOS rules, which are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Inspecting the Truck's Maintenance Records: We check to see if the truck was properly maintained, looking for mechanical failures like brake problems or bad tires that may have caused the crash.
• Securing Video and Photographic Evidence: We look for security camera footage from nearby businesses, dashcam video from the truck or other cars, and photos taken at the scene.
• Interviewing Witnesses: Our team finds and interviews all witnesses who saw the accident occur.
• Subpoenaing Trucking Company Documents: We use the legal process to force the trucking company to turn over internal documents related to driver training, hiring practices, and company safety policies.

Our goal is to build a solid case that clearly proves the truck driver or the trucking company was at fault.

“We bring the right response at the right time because we’re committed to your success.”

- Stewart Gill | Attorney at the Smith Law Center