Our Norfolk truck accident lawyers can be an invaluable resource to you and your family after suffering serious injuries or a wrongful death because of a Virginia truck accident.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, we understand the complexities involved in Norfolk truck accident cases and the significant impact they can have on your life.
Our legal team has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing trucking industry practices and safety standards. When trucking companies and drivers deviate from those standards, it often results in the injury and death of innocent victims.
Commercial trucking companies, and their insurance, have tremendous financial resources and will do everything they can to avoid liability after causing an accident. We are here to level the playing field and protect your right to the financial recovery and justice that you deserve.
Norfolk Truck Accident Lawyer Richard Serpe
Norfolk truck accident attorney Richard Serpe has earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working personal injury attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on.
He is is frequently associated with complex litigation, managing cases with difficult scientific and medical issues. He has experience managing large case cohorts, including the extensive use of database and litigation support software.
During his 37-year legal career, he has commissioned over 200 neuropsychological assessments to document brain injury and is highly effective in demonstrating the extent of a victim’s loss.
Richard Serpe has a tremendous track record of success in obtaining favorable verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Awards and Recognition
- Best Lawyers® Norfolk, Virginia (2005 – Present);
- Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year (2020);
- Virginia Super Lawyers: (2006 – Present);
- Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Top Attorney”
- Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent rating (highest given)
- Expertise.com, Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Norfolk (2020 – Present)
How Much are Norfolk Truck Accident Settlements?
When assessing a settlement amount, lawyers and insurance companies take various factors into account, all specific to the details of the case. There is no standard formula or fixed guideline for determining settlements.
Instead, the expertise and experience of your attorney are key in achieving the best possible result. Because each case is unique, there is no clear “average” or “typical” settlement amount for truck accidents.
Here are several key factors that influence Norfolk truck accident settlement amounts:
- Loss of income and earning capacity resulting from the accident.
- Severity of injuries sustained, such as brain or spinal cord injuries, fractures, or other trauma.
- Extent of medical treatments required, including surgeries, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
- Level of pain and suffering, both past and future, resulting from the accident.
- Impact on daily life and activities, including any limitations on mobility or quality of life.
- Psychological and emotional trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression related to the accident.
- Permanence of disfigurement or disability resulting from the injuries.
- Insurance policy limits of the trucking company, driver, or any other liable party.
- Future medical expenses and long-term care needs, including ongoing treatments, therapy, or assistive devices required due to the injuries.
Each of these factors plays a role in the final settlement amount, which is tailored to the specific details of your case. Contact our Norfolk truck accident attorneys for a free consultation.
Factors Contributing to Truck Accidents in Norfolk
The average weight of a fully loaded tractor-trailer is around 80,000 pounds, which is the maximum legal limit for most highways in the U.S. However, the empty weight of a tractor-trailer, without cargo, typically ranges from 30,000 to 35,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the average weight of a passenger vehicle in the U.S. is around 4,000 pounds.
Due to this disparity in size and weight, truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, long recovery periods, extensive medical treatment, and significant financial burdens. In the most tragic cases, a collision can result in the wrongful death of a loved one.
Here are the most common causes of Norfolk truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest or breaks significantly impair alertness and reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: The use of cell phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding diminishes the truck driver’s ability to respond swiftly to changing road conditions.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can severely impair a truck driver’s judgment and coordination.
- Inadequate Training: A lack of proper training, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the unique challenges associated with operating a tractor-trailer.
- Improper Loading or Securement: Cargo that is incorrectly loaded or unsecured can cause imbalances, loss of control, or cargo spills.
- Poorly Maintained Vehicles: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, often result from inadequate maintenance.
- Disregarding Weather Conditions: Failing to adjust driving behavior to account for adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog.
- Employer Pressure: Pressure from employers to meet tight schedules can encourage unsafe practices, resulting in negligent behaviors by truck drivers.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or improper lane changes.
- Ignoring Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals, signs, and right-of-way rules.
If truck driver negligence led to your serious injuries, contact our Norfolk truck accident lawyers to discuss your situation during a free consultation.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
While some people involved in a Norfolk truck accident may come away with only minor injuries, others are not as lucky. More often than not, truck-related injuries are severe, resulting in months or years of recovery time. In the worst cases, injuries can be life-altering or even fatal.
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are a significant concern in trucking accidents. Traumatic brain injuries can range from concussions to more severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: The impact of a commercial trucking accident can cause severe trauma to the back and spine. This can result in herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, spinal cord injuries, or even paralysis.
- Bone Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: The force of impact in a commercial trucking accident can lead to fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures may require surgeries, rehabilitation, and prolonged recovery periods.
- Internal Organ Damage: The sheer force of a commercial trucking accident can cause internal injuries such as lacerations, bruising, or damage to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs.
- Amputations and Crush Injuries: Commercial trucking accidents can result in amputations or crush injuries, particularly in cases where a vehicle is pinned against a truck or crushed by heavy cargo.
- Burns and Disfigurement: If a commercial truck accident involves a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burns or disfigurement. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head and neck are forcefully and abruptly jerked forward and backward. This can cause neck strain, muscle damage, and damage to the soft tissues in the neck area.
Let our Norfolk truck accident lawyers fight for the compensation you are owed after being injured by a tractor-trailer. Call or text 757-233-0009 or send us an email to set up a free consultation.
How Much Time do I have to File a Norfolk Truck Accident Lawsuit?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to initiate legal action if you want to seek compensation for injuries resulting from the accident. If a lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, you risk losing the ability to recover damages, no matter how strong your case may be.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer Right Away
Truck accident cases tend to be far more complex than typical car accidents for several reasons:
- Multiple Parties Involved: Truck accidents often involve various parties, such as the driver, trucking company, manufacturer of the truck, and sometimes even maintenance contractors. Determining liability can be a complicated process.
- Federal and State Regulations: The trucking industry is governed by federal and state regulations, including rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations can affect issues like driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Understanding how these laws impact your case requires specialized legal knowledge.
- Insurance Companies: Trucking companies typically have large insurance policies, which means their insurance companies will aggressively defend against claims. They may have teams of lawyers working to minimize or deny your compensation. Having your own legal representation is crucial to level the playing field.
- Evidence Gathering: Critical evidence such as logbooks, electronic data from the truck, and maintenance records can disappear or be altered over time. An experienced lawyer can act quickly to preserve this evidence by issuing legal holds or subpoenas, ensuring that nothing crucial to your case is lost.
- Calculating Damages: Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries or fatalities, leading to complex calculations for compensation. A lawyer will help ensure that you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages in a thorough and accurate way.
Because of these complexities, it’s essential to consult with a Virginia truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Early legal intervention not only ensures that deadlines are met but also strengthens your ability to secure crucial evidence and build a strong case.
Truck Accident Statistics
In 2022, 5,936 people were killed in large-truck accidents nationwide, with 70% of the victims being occupants of other vehicles, 19% being truck occupants, and 11% non-occupants like pedestrians or bicyclists, according to the National Safety Council. Additionally, 120,000 people were injured in large-truck crashes, with 73% being occupants of other vehicles.
In 2023, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported the top causes of large truck accidents in the state were improper lane changes, improper turns, and following too closely.
This data underscores the significant dangers large trucks pose to other drivers. With most fatalities and injuries in truck accidents involving occupants of smaller vehicles, it highlights the increased risk when tractor-trailers are involved in crashes, especially if driver negligence is a factor. The size and weight of trucks make collisions far more severe, emphasizing the need for both truck drivers exercise heightened caution and responsibility on the road to avoid deadly accidents.
In Norfolk, some of the most dangerous roads for truck accidents include Interstate 64 (I-64), which experiences heavy truck traffic and frequent congestion, and Interstate 264 (I-264), a major connector to Virginia Beach known for high commuter and truck volumes.
Military Highway is also a hotspot due to its numerous intersections and truck activity. Additionally, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is notorious for traffic bottlenecks, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving large trucks on these routes.
Many Virginians may not fully understand their rights and entitlements after a truck accident. Being involved in such a traumatic event can leave victims focused on survival and recovery, rather than worrying about financial burdens. A Virginia truck accident lawyer can help by offering expert knowledge of the legal system and aggressively pursuing compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, or the death of a loved one.
Norfolk Truck Accident Lawyer
In the aftermath of a Norfolk truck accident, hiring attorney Richard Serpe and his legal team can be a vital step toward securing the compensation you deserve. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in Norfolk truck accident cases, we are dedicated to advocating for victims and their families.
Richard Serpe’s impressive track record, coupled with his reputation for tenacity in litigation, ensures that your rights will be protected. By choosing the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal challenges you face.
Contact our Norfolk truck accident lawyers by phone/text at 757-233-0009 or send us an email to set up your free Norfolk truck accident consultation today.