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Negligent truck maintenance, cellphone factor in fatal crash

On Behalf of | Jan 8, 2015 | Truck Accidents

In Virginia, trucks are a common sight on the roads. Other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are placing their trust in these truckers and truck companies that the vehicles will be properly maintained and that the drivers will put safety first. That, however, doesn’t always happen and truck accidents can occur. Given the size of these vehicles, the results often leave others with severe injuries or result in fatalities. It’s important for those who have been affected by a truck accident know what to do after it has happened.

A 45-year-old pedestrian who worked for a towing company was on the side of the road removing an abandoned vehicle when he was hit by the truck and killed. The accident happened shortly before 10 a.m. Upon investigation, the driver of the truck was found to have been holding his mobile phone at the time of the crash. This is illegal in the state when operating a commercial vehicle. The truck also had mechanical issues including brake problems. The 34-year-old truck driver was not hurt and faces charges for his role in the crash.

Given the size of trucks and other commercial vehicles, there is a significant chance that those involved in an accident with one will face serious consequences. If there is an injury, the victim is likely to accrue massive medical bills and be unable to work for a time. With a fatality, the family left behind will have to deal with the aftermath of moving on without a loved one.

Insurers and truck companies are mainly focused on protecting their bottom line and might try to avoid a costly legal filing with a settlement offer. These offers might sound like they’re sufficient early in the process while the family is still reeling from the injuries or loss of a loved one, but they’re rarely enough to provide adequate compensation.

In this accident, the evidence indicates that it was caused by negligence, an inattentive truck driver, negligent truck maintenance and other avoidable factors. Given the long-term issues that the family will face after a truck accident and the fatality, they need to understand their rights to litigation. For assistance, they should discuss the matter with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Source: WashingtonPost.com, “Driver charged in fatal hitting of pedestrian on shoulder of I-495,” Julie Zauzmer, Dec. 29, 2014

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