Virginia Beach is known for its sprawling coastline, a three-mile boardwalk that is lined with shops, hotels, and oceanfront dining, and several other attractions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the 1792 Cape Henry Lighthouse. However, the interstates that lead in and out of Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas are hotspots for accidents involving large commercial trucks. In fact, there are a number of highway corridors in Virginia that pose significant safety risks to truck drivers and other motorists on the road.
If you are involved in a serious truck accident on a trucking route in Virginia Beach, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A highly skilled Virginia Beach truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Corridors in Virginia?
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), several corridors are hazardous for truck drivers and the motorists in the vicinity of these massive trucks, including the following:
Interstate 81
This runs the entire length of Virginia and connects West Virginia and Kentucky to Tennessee. It is a major trucking route, as well as a popular route for commuters. This high volume of traffic makes this elevated road a dangerous place to drive. In fact, tractor-trailer accidents occur on I-81 almost on a daily basis.
Interstate 95
This is one of the busiest and most dangerous highways in the state. It connects the major metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., to Richmond and extends south into North Carolina. The heavy traffic, combined with the high number of tractor-trailers traveling on this route, makes it a dangerous route for motorists who are sharing the road with massive commercial trucks.
U.S. Route 460
This is a highway that connects Richmond and Norfolk. It is often used by truck drivers to deliver goods between the two ports. The winding terrain makes it challenging for all motorists, but particularly for truck drivers who must navigate these curves while operating a large commercial truck.
Interstate 64
This runs from Richmond to the Virginia/West Virginia border and connects a number of smaller cities. In addition to being a popular route for tourists, which creates heavy traffic, it has a narrow and winding terrain that is hazardous for truck drivers who need to negotiate these sharp curves and steep hills while carrying heavy loads of cargo. There are also several limited access points with no alternate routes available.
Virginia State Route 288
This is the route most commonly used by truck drivers to deliver cargo from Richmond to the southern part of Virginia. There is an increased risk of truck accidents due to the heavy traffic and high speed limits.
What Makes These Corridors So Hazardous?
Several factors can make a highway hazardous, from inclement weather to driver negligence. The following are some of the most common factors that create hazardous driving conditions on highways and corridors in Virginia:
- Inclement weather, including rain, snow, sleet, fog, sun glare, and heavy winds. While truck drivers cannot control the weather, they are expected to take the necessary safety precautions when driving in inclement weather, including reducing their speed, increasing the following distance, and paying close attention to other vehicles in the vicinity.
- Poor road conditions, including potholes, uneven road surfaces, and poorly marked signage. Truck drivers should take proactive steps to use caution when road conditions are not ideal. For example, truck drivers should maintain a safe speed, pay attention to potholes or debris in the road, and consider the increased distance necessary to slow down or come to a complete stop.
- Distracted driving. When truck drivers are distracted by a phone call, text message, or any other distraction that takes their attention off the road, there is a significant increase in the risk of a devastating truck accident. One moment of distraction can have tragic consequences if a truck driver causes an accident with a passenger vehicle.
- Impaired driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous under any circumstances. However, when a truck driver is impaired while driving on these dangerous highways, they have slower reaction times, decreased coordination, and poor judgment. This can dramatically increase the risk of a catastrophic truck accident involving severe injuries and fatalities.
- Speeding. Despite the posted speed limit signs, truck drivers often exceed the posted speed limits in an effort to meet tight delivery deadlines. Unfortunately, high-speed truck accidents are particularly devastating due to the extreme force of impact. It is often the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the accident who suffer the most severe injuries and fatalities.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident That Occurs on Dangerous Trucking Routes?
Unlike collisions that involve two passenger vehicles, multiple parties may be liable for a truck accident, including the following:
- The truck driver. If the truck driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, drowsy, or engaging in any negligent behavior at the time of the accident, they will likely be held liable for the accident.
- The truck company. If the truck company failed to properly train the driver involved in the accident, enforce the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, or make sure that the truck was properly maintained, it may share liability for the accident.
- The truck manufacturer. If the truck accident was caused by a defective part, the manufacturer may be liable for the truck accident.
- The loading company. If the cargo is not properly loaded, causing it to shift or come loose, the truck driver can lose control of the truck, or the cargo could fall out of the back of the truck. The loading company may be liable for the resulting accident.
What Steps Should I Take if I Am Injured in a Truck Accident in Virginia Beach?
The moments following a serious truck accident can be extremely traumatic, particularly if you suffered serious injuries. However, you must try to remain calm and take the following steps as soon as possible:
Call 911 to report the accident
Notify dispatch that there are injuries so that they can send an ambulance to the accident scene.
Seek immediate medical attention
Even if your injuries do not seem life-threatening, you must be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible so that they can determine the severity of your injury and provide potentially life-saving treatment. If you fail to get medical attention, your injury can progress and become more difficult to treat. In addition, if you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company will likely argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you did not find it necessary to seek treatment.
Collect evidence
Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, skid marks or debris on the road, and the position of the truck. If there were witnesses, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
Notify your insurance company about the accident
Be careful not to say anything to your insurance agent that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Insurance companies will use a range of tactics to avoid paying a large settlement.
Contact the experienced Viriginia Beach truck accident lawyers at Anchor Legal
Our team is intimately familiar with the local roads in Virginia Beach and understands the unique hazards they present, allowing us to build a strong case tailored to your specific circumstances.
What Damages Am I Entitled to If I Was Injured in a Truck Accident in Virginia Beach?
Unfortunately, due to the massive size and weight of the average commercial truck compared to a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in a truck accident often suffer severe injuries. A successful personal injury claim will ensure that you recover the maximum damages to which you are entitled, including the following:
- All medical expenses associated with your injuries, including hospitalization, surgeries, follow-up care, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Lost wages if you are unable to return to work for a significant period of time
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Keep in mind that Virginia follows the “pure contributory negligence” rule, which states that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for causing the accident, you are prohibited from recovering any damages. A highly skilled truck accident lawyer will anticipate the tactics the truck company’s insurance company may use to avoid paying the damages you are entitled to, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
An Experienced Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyer at Anchor Legal ®Represents Victims of Truck Accidents in Virginia Beach
If you or a loved one suffered a devastating injury in a truck accident that occurred on a trucking route that is known to be hazardous, do not hesitate to contact a Virginia Beach truck accident lawyer at Anchor Legal. We will investigate the cause of the accident, identify the negligent party or parties, and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.