Hampton Truck Accident Attorney

When selecting the right law firm, experience matters. In order to improve the chances of getting a positive outcome in your case, you need a Hampton truck accident lawyer who has a proven track record for winning cases similar to yours, and in the same local courts.

While truck accidents technically fall under the category of personal injury law, not all personal injury lawyers have experience handling these types of claims.

At the Smith Law Center, our knowledge in this area is extensive. Not only do we have a successful track record in truck accident verdicts and settlements, but our skill set extends to include crashes involving any large vehicle, catastrophic injury to the brain or spine, and wrongful death cases that involve the loss of a loved one.

We represent families who have been injured by buses, garbage trucks, cement trucks, RVs, tanker trucks, and utility vehicles. We also offer services to those outside of Virginia and across the United States.

Contact us at (757) 244-7000 or fill out our online form to learn about how we can help you and your family secure the recovery you deserve. Read on for more information on Hampton area truck accidents and lawsuits.

“I was in a recent car accident and suffered from a concussion, which brought about many challenges, from the other driver being uninsured to not being well medically. Samantha Cohn quickly gave sound legal advice, which not only helped ensure that my medical bills and car were taken care of but ensured that I was able to receive the appropriate medical treatments that I needed.

Thank you, the Smith Law Center, for helping me through a very difficult situation with poise, grace, humanity, and a little humor, too!” 

- Brenna F. | Client

A Client’s Journey: Nancy Harris Shares Her Experience With the Smith Law Center

In this video, Nancy Harris recounts how our team at the Smith Law Center helped her through the aftermath of a life-changing truck accident. Hear how we supported Nancy every step of the way and made sure she received the care and legal support she needed.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

In short, driver error on the trucker’s part causes an overwhelming number of truck accidents. This means their lack of performance, inattention, or poor judgment can contribute to the crash.

A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) showed that over half of all truck crashes could be traced back to one of these four reasons:

• Non-Performance: Driver fatigue, driving while under the influence, or in other cases, suffering a heart attack or seizure while driving.
• Recognition: Inattention due to any kind of distraction, whether inside or outside the vehicle.
• Decision: Speeding, following too closely, or poor judgment of surroundings.
• Performance: Losing control of the vehicle, freezing, panicking, or overcorrecting.

It also gave the top ten associated factors, among them:

• Brake problems.
• Traffic, such as due to congestion or an existing crash.
• Prescription drug use.
• Traveling too fast for conditions.
• Fatigue.

Whether a trucking company failed to properly train its driver or a mechanical failure triggered the crash, many truck accidents can be traced back to negligence. When they are, a Virginia truck accident lawyer will ensure you receive the highest amount possible for your injuries.

Why Is Hampton, VA, More Vulnerable to Truck Accidents?

Hampton, Virginia, is part of the bustling Hampton Roads region, a hub for transportation that plays a big role in how goods move up and down the East Coast. While this brings plenty of benefits to the local economy, it also means that truck traffic is a major part of daily life here. 

Hampton Roads is strategically located along the U.S. East Coast, making it an essential spot for transporting freight. The area is home to several major ports, like the Newport News Marine Terminal and Norfolk International Terminal, which help bring goods into and out of the region. Because of this, trucks are constantly on the road, moving freight through Hampton and the surrounding cities.

Hampton Roads is located within 40% of the U.S. population and the region’s central location means that almost 128 million people across the U.S. are within a day’s drive, increasing the amount of freight that needs to be transported. This results in a large number of big trucks traveling on local highways every day, including roads like Interstate 64 and Interstate 664.

One of the busiest spots in Hampton is the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT), which connects Hampton and Newport News to Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The HRBT sees more than 100,000 vehicles daily, including many trucks, especially during peak tourist seasons. 

Unfortunately, the tunnel was designed decades ago and wasn’t built for the high volume of vehicles it handles now, which often causes traffic jams.

With the constant flow of trucks through Hampton and the tight spaces around the HRBT, the chances of accidents, whether due to road congestion, mechanical failure, or driver error, are high. 

Trucks can be harder to maneuver in heavy traffic or narrow areas, especially when large vehicles are sharing the road with smaller cars. When a crash happens, the results can be severe, leaving drivers and passengers injured or worse.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Hampton, VA, it’s crucial to speak with a truck accident lawyer in Hampton who understands the local area and the specific challenges that come with truck traffic here. 

The Smith Law Center, located in Hampton, VA, is not only intimately familiar with the local laws surrounding truck accidents, but we have successfully seen many Virginians through the turbulent aftermath of these catastrophic injuries. Get in touch with our team online or call (757) 244-7000 today.

Why You Should Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it’s natural to want to get things resolved quickly, but it’s important to be cautious when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and eager to help but remember, their main goal is to save the company money. They may try to get you to say something that could harm your claim or make it harder for you to get fair compensation.

Even a small slip-up in your words, like minimizing your injuries or agreeing to a quick settlement, can be used against you later. That’s why it’s best to avoid speaking with insurance companies without first consulting a lawyer. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and make sure you don’t unknowingly hurt your case.

What Injuries Can a Hampton Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Sue For?

Our Hampton 18-wheeler accident attorneys have represented victims of truck accidents who have sustained a wide range of injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs or whiplash.
• Internal bleeding.
• Open head wounds.
• Closed head injuries.
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Permanent disfigurement.
• Broken bones.
• Loss of limbs.
• Permanent disability.
• Loss of life.

Occupants of passenger vehicles are the most vulnerable to severe injury in a truck accident.

Truck accidents are a significant source of brain and spinal cord injuries since these huge vehicles weighing up to 80,000 lbs nearly always overpower the smaller cars, SUVs, and motorcycles on the road in any collision. Plus, the sheer weight of trucks makes it much more difficult to stop these vehicles in time to avoid crashes.

The complexity and severity of such injuries merit the attention of experienced attorneys with a high degree of knowledge regarding medicine, truck and highway safety regulations, insurance issues, and the physics of road collisions. The Smith Law Center is one of the most respected law firms in the nation when it comes to brain and spinal cord injuries resulting from trailer truck accidents.

Learn About the Devastating Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries From Attorney David Holt 

Truck accidents can lead to some of the most devastating injuries, particularly when it comes to traumatic brain and spinal cord damage. 

Listen to the podcast episode below to hear attorney David Holt discuss the intricacies of traumatic brain injury litigation, with a focus on trucking accidents, sharing his extensive knowledge of the complexities of trucking regulations. 

What Can a Hampton Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Do For You?

Some people wonder whether they need to hire a lawyer following an accident. It’s a valid and understandable question, especially with concerns about the costs and finding the right team to work with. 

The process can seem daunting, and it might feel like more trouble than it’s worth. But the truth is, an experienced Hampton truck accident attorney will fight endlessly to get the compensation you deserve. In many cases, the investment in a lawyer can pay off significantly, helping you secure a stronger case and a better future.

A qualified and capable legal team can help with:

• Investigating your accident and all parties involved.
• Gathering documents and evidence for trial.
• Researching the relevant laws and statutes.
• Formulating a strong legal strategy.
• Litigating in court for the most ideal remedy for the accident survivor.

As a multi-generational family-run firm, we at the Smith Law Center understand that Hampton families just want to secure what they’re owed and move on after a semi-truck accident.

We handle the paperwork for your case so you can prioritize healing. We meet deadlines and keep you updated so that you can maintain calm for your family. We hire expert witnesses who can accurately describe your injuries and the cost of treatment to ensure the settlement or verdict amount you receive actually covers what you need.

Contact us today online or by calling (757) 244-7000 — our Hampton truck accident attorneys do the litigating so that you can focus on living your life.

What Kind of Compensation Can a Truck Accident Attorney in Hampton Help Me Get?

There is no set amount for tractor trailer accident settlements, as each case is different. However, the losses caused by a large truck accident can be devastating. Settlements and verdicts for Hampton commercial truck accidents may cover:

• Medical bills for ambulance rides, doctor visits, medications, operations, and follow-up care like physical therapy.
• Lost wages due to missed work, or the loss of the ability to generate future income.
• Pain and suffering damages for physical pain and emotional anguish like PTSD.
• Counseling services for families and adaptive medical equipment for your home.
• Wrongful death damages for the loss of a loved one, including lost earnings support and the loss of their unique companionship.

The costs associated with such accidents can involve long-term expenses that possibly last the injured person’s entire lifetime. After you seek proper medical treatment, you should speak to a Hamptom tractor trailer accident lawyer to see what damages you may qualify for after a collision.

A lawyer experienced in trucking litigation is well aware of the tactics used by insurance companies to pay you less than what is fair for what you’ve endured following a truck accident. That’s why an attorney will use their negotiation skills to secure the full extent of financial support you may be entitled to. 

For example, a study conducted by Martindale-Nolo discovered that people who passed on the insurance company's first offer received settlements that were $30,700 higher, on average, than those who accepted the insurance company's first offer. This highlights the importance of having an experienced lawyer on your side to ensure you aren’t shortchanged after an accident.

Who Can Be Sued in a Hampton Trucking Accident Lawsuit?

Determining who can be sued for a truck accident involves finding out who is responsible for the various elements that caused the crash. There are usually multiple defendants, insurance companies, and highway safety agencies for your attorney to deal with.

Liable parties could include the:

• Driver.
• Trucking company.
• Cargo company.
• Truck manufacturer of a defective part.
• Maintenance company.

Because multiple parties are involved, truck accident investigations are often much more extensive than those for non-commercial vehicles. However, your lawyer will know just how to approach this.

A Hampton truck accident lawyer will assign professional investigators to your case in order to determine all potential defendants in a truck accident lawsuit.

“At our firm, we believe that every client deserves not just expert legal representation, but also unwavering dedication and compassion. Our work ethic is built on a foundation of integrity and the relentless pursuit of justice, ensuring that each client receives the personalized attention and respect they deserve. 

‍We are committed to standing by our clients through every step of their journey, advocating fiercely for their rights while providing the support and empathy that make a real difference in their lives.” 

- Samantha Cohn | Attorney at the Smith Law Center