Written by our personal injury lawyers in Manassas
A passenger vehicle is no match for a 70,000-pound tractor trailer. And each year, thousands of people are injured, maimed or killed in a trucking accident.
The personal injury lawyers at Carluzzo Rochkind & Smith know how devastating truck accidents can be. Since 1987 our personal injury lawyers have been helping truck accident victims in Manassas, Prince William, Manassas Park, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Bristow, Warrenton, Centreville, Fairfax, Stafford, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, Annandale, and Arlington. We have gained a reputation for success based on our core values of professional excellence, personal integrity and outstanding service to our clients and the community.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, big truck accidents account for about one-eighth of the total traffic accidents in the U.S., and that number is expected to grow.
If you are one of those people, and have either been injured or lost a loved one due to someone else’s mistake, you have rights. But you need to make sure you maintain those rights by taking the correct action after an accident.
That’s where our experienced personal injury lawyers can help.
We can help you take the next steps in whether you need to pursue litigation or just need assistance receiving the proper compensation from your own insurance company. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience representing clients and victims of trucking accidents in Manassas, Prince William, Manassas Park, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Bristow, Warrenton, Centreville, Fairfax, Stafford, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, Annandale, and Arlington.
4 steps to take after an accident
There are several things an injured person should do or not do in the days and weeks following a truck accident.
- Until you’ve spoken with a personal injury lawyer, be careful speaking to anyone from the trucking company or their insurance company. This includes giving authorization for medical records, making a statement about the accident, or agreeing to settle out of court. The insurance company’s sole aim is to minimize the financial liability of the trucking company – and they are not on your side.
- Be careful in speaking with your own insurance agency. Oftentimes you may receive benefits from your own policy, but adjusters want to pay out only the very minimum – which may be far below what you are legally entitled to receive. If they ask for a recorded statement, it’s often best to have a lawyer present.
- Make no admission of guilt. In the moments after a truck accident, it’s easy to be disoriented and confused about the actual events surrounding the crash. When speaking to the authorities, try to remain calm and give only the most relevant information. Preserve evidence, take your own photos if you can of your injuries and the damage to your car and the truck. Be sure to obtain all important information from the driver of the truck including name, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Note the license plate number and VIN as well.
- Make sure you have adequate representation if you decide to move forward with making a claim for your injuries. Remember that you’re going up against a major corporation and its insurance company. A thorough investigation by a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you make your case and fight for your rights.
Discover Your Full Legal Options And Protections
Please contact us through email, or call one of our personal injury lawyers in Manassas at 703-361-0776 for quick response and to schedule a free initial consultation. We handle all motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, and we look forward to speaking with you about your unique situation.
