A negligent truck driver can be extremely dangerous for those sharing the roadways with them. Drivers, passengers and other occupants of passenger vehicles suffer the most harm in truck accidents because of the significant size disparity between semi trucks and the other vehicles on the road. The size disparity and potential for catastrophic injuries and damages present a serious concern for the traveling public, especially since hundreds of truck accidents caused by truck drivers occur in Virginia and other states across the nation each year.
Victims of truck accidents and their families are legally protected and may be able to recover damages if they have been harmed in a truck accident because of a truck driver’s negligence. Victims of truck accidents may be able to recover compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering damages and wrongful death damages. Depending on the circumstances, both personal injury and wrongful death legal options help protect victims of truck accidents and allow them to bring a claim for damages.
Negligent truck drivers and negligent trucking companies, in some instances, may be liable to victims they have harmed by their negligence. Truck driver negligence can include truck driver distraction, truck driver fatigue, truck drivers driving at excessive speeds or negligently, truck drivers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or truck drivers failing to properly maintain the truck.
Victims of truck accidents should be familiar with their rights related to compensation for damages they have suffered in a truck accident. A careless truck driver may be responsible for the physical, financial and emotional damages victims have suffered in a truck accident.