Truck accidents in Richmond can happen anywhere—from downtown intersections to highways like I-95 and I-64. When they do, they often raise questions: How will I pay for medical care? Who is responsible for what happened? What steps should I take next?
Merrick Brock PLLC understands how these situations disrupt your life. With years of experience serving people in Richmond, we provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions. Whether dealing with insurance companies or gathering the facts to build your case, a Richmond truck accident lawyer from Merrick Brock PLLC is ready to support you every step.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different?
Crashes involving semi-trucks go beyond the usual two-driver collision. The size and weight of commercial trucks frequently lead to severe injuries and may include multiple people or companies. Here are some elements to consider:
- Responsibility may be shared. Liability might involve the truck driver, their employer, a maintenance company, or a manufacturer of defective parts. Each connection must be carefully evaluated to determine accountability.
- Safety regulations apply. Federal and state rules govern commercial trucks, including limits on driving hours and vehicle maintenance. Any violations could play a critical role in your case.
- Records tell the story: Driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records provide details about what went wrong and who may be responsible for the accident.
Truck accident cases require a thorough look at the factors involved. Identifying the responsible parties and preparing a claim may feel overwhelming, but having an experienced Richmond truck accident attorney on your side can make all the difference.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Richmond?
Knowing what to do after a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. Taking the proper measures can protect your health and set a solid foundation for your case:
- See a doctor. Even minor injuries may need attention, and a medical visit creates important records.
- Call the police. A police report provides an official account of what happened.
- Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. If witnesses are present, get their contact information.
- Talk to a lawyer. A Virginia truck accident lawyer will walk you through the process and handle the legal details while you focus on recovery.
If you weren’t able to follow these recommendations, don’t worry—there are still ways to strengthen your case. Your attorney can gather missing information, contact witnesses, and identify other evidence to support your claim.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
There are strict deadlines to keep in mind after a truck accident. In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeframe, called the statute of limitations, is firm, and missing it could mean losing the chance to pursue compensation.
Additionally, starting sooner rather than later allows your lawyer to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and lay the groundwork for your case while details remain fresh. For example, if a trucking company’s safety records or driver logs contain valuable evidence, acting quickly may help to preserve those documents.
Unsure about the status of your claim or how much time remains? A Richmond truck accident lawyer will guide you through the process and ensure no opportunities are missed.
What Compensation Can You Receive After a Truck Accident?
A truck accident may cause financial strain and personal hardships that ripple through your life. Virginia law allows you to seek compensation for these losses, which generally fall into economic and noneconomic categories.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses for immediate and ongoing care,
- Lost wages from missed work, and
- Reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
For instance, if your injuries require immediate treatment and ongoing physical therapy, or if you’ve had to miss work due to recovery, you can recover these costs in your claim as economic damages.
Noneconomic damages address the personal impact of your injuries. Typically, this includes the physical pain and emotional toll that affect your daily routine and well-being. While these are harder to quantify, they are essential to holding the responsible party accountable.
It’s also crucial to know that Virginia follows contributory negligence laws, which means even a small degree of fault could affect your ability to recover damages. Say a truck driver failed to stop quickly, but evidence shows you exceeded the speed limit. This detail might influence how an insurance company or a judge would evaluate your claim.
Determining the compensation you qualify for may be complex, but a Virginia truck accident lawyer will evaluate your case, identify applicable damages, and build a solid claim on your behalf.
Why Choose Merrick Brock PLLC for Your Case?
We’re not just another law firm. Attorneys John Merrick and Les Brock spent decades defending big companies, and now we put that knowledge to work for people like you. We know exactly how insurance companies work, and we’ll make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Here’s what makes us different:
- We listen first. Every person’s situation is unique. We take time to understand what happened to you, not just how it fits into a checklist.
- We fight for what’s fair. While other firms may push to settle quickly, we’re prepared to go the distance if it means getting the right outcome for you.
- We’re always ready. From investigating the accident to dealing with insurance companies, we handle the hard work, so you don’t have to worry.
When you call Merrick Brock PLLC, you’re getting a Richmond truck accident attorney who’s as invested in your case as you are. We don’t just want a settlement—we want the best result for your future.
Take the First Step Toward Resolving Your Truck Accident Case
Every truck accident is different, and so are the challenges that follow. At Merrick Brock PLLC, we prioritize what matters most to you—your recovery, your rights, and your future. From managing the back-and-forth with insurance companies to uncovering the details of your case, we strive to make the legal process easier and put you back in control.
Our values—honesty, communication, and putting people first—shape every decision we make. From investigating how a trucking company failed to follow safety regulations to holding the driver accountable for negligence, our goal is to protect your interests.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Richmond, you don’t have to face this process alone. Contact us for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can support you.