The impact of being hit by a truck or tractor-trailer can be life-changing. Victims often suffer severe injuries, face significant medical expenses, lose income while recovering, and endure a long road to recovery.
If a truck driver or trucking company was negligent, Virginia law allows injured victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
After a truck accident in Norfolk, trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly, dispatching investigators, adjusters, or accident response teams to protect their interests. For that reason, it is often in your best interest to speak with an experienced Norfolk truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, our Norfolk personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling the complex legal issues involved in motor vehicle accidents, including truck and tractor-trailer crashes.
We offer free consultations, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Norfolk Truck Accident Cases We Handle
Our Norfolk legal team represents clients injured in crashes involving many types of commercial vehicles, including:
- Tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler accidents
- Shipping container truck accidents
- Port truck accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Box truck accidents
- Dump truck accidents
- Cement truck accidents
- Tanker truck accidents
- Flatbed truck accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Tow truck accidents
- Utility truck accidents
- Commercial van accidents
- Wrongful death caused by a truck accident
Regardless of the type of commercial vehicle involved, our Norfolk truck accident lawyers investigate the crash, identify the parties responsible, and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Why Clients Choose the Serpe Firm
Truck accident claims demand careful investigation and experienced legal representation.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has spent nearly 40 years representing people seriously injured by negligence and is recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for his work in personal injury litigation. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has also been recognized by Best Law Firms as one of the top personal injury law firms in Norfolk. He has handled cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, and understands the unique legal and insurance issues that often arise in commercial truck accident claims.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord is recognized for her careful case preparation, responsive communication, and unwavering commitment to her clients. She understands that every detail matters when building a strong case, from reviewing the evidence and consulting with experts to keeping clients informed throughout the legal process.
When you work with us, you receive:
- Decades of first-hand experience and knowledge
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
Our law firm carefully selects the cases we accept so we can dedicate real time, resources, and personal attention to our clients.
What Happens After You Contact Us?
Here’s what you can expect after contacting our Norfolk truck accident attorneys.
- Free Consultation. We listen to what happened and review the details of your accident to see if we are a good fit for your case.
- Investigation. We gather evidence, including driver logs, black box data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, and other critical evidence. When appropriate, we also work with accident reconstruct specialists and other experts to help determine how the crash occurred.
- We Deal With the Insurance Companies. We handle all communication with the trucking company’s insurer, so you’re not pressured into a lowball settlement while you’re still recovering.
- We Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim. This includes medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may need.
- Negotiation or Trial. Many cases settle outside of court, but if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we may have to take your case to trial.
Truck accident claims often involve extensive investigations and complex legal issues. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible while handling the legal work on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer after a truck accident? Truck accident claims are often far more complicated than ordinary car accident cases. They may involve federal trucking regulations, multiple insurance policies, electronic data, and more than one party who may be responsible for the crash. An experienced Norfolk truck accident lawyer can investigate the collision, preserve important evidence, and protect your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Who is responsible for a truck accident? Responsibility depends on how the crash occurred. In some cases, the truck driver is at fault. In others, the trucking company may be responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, poor maintenance, or requiring drivers to violate safety regulations. Depending on the circumstances, cargo loading companies, maintenance providers, or manufacturers of defective truck parts may also share liability.
What is my truck accident case worth? Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment you require, whether you can return to work, and the impact the accident has had on your life. You may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, Virginia law may allow your family to pursue a wrongful death claim.
How is a truck accident different from a car accident? Truck accident cases often involve federal safety regulations, commercial insurance policies, electronic logging devices, black box data, and multiple companies that may be involved in operating or maintaining the truck. Because of these additional issues, truck accident claims typically require a more extensive investigation than most passenger vehicle accidents.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Virginia? In most cases, Virginia law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims are also generally subject to a two-year deadline. However, exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How much does it cost to hire a Norfolk truck accident lawyer? We offer free consultations and handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Our Norfolk Truck Accident Lawyers
Norfolk is one of Virginia’s busiest commercial trucking corridors. With the Port of Virginia, Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), and Naval Station Norfolk generating constant freight traffic, tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are a common sight on the city’s roads.
Every day, trucks travel through Norfolk using I-64, I-264, and I-464, as well as the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Downtown Tunnel, and Midtown Tunnel to move goods throughout the region. Commercial trucks also share busy local roads such as Military Highway, Hampton Boulevard, Tidewater Drive, and Brambleton Avenue with commuters, pedestrians, and other motorists.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident in Norfolk, you don’t have to deal with the insurance companies alone. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has represented injured Virginians for decades and understands the unique challenges commercial truck accident cases present.
Call or text 757-233-0009, use our online chat, or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.