Collisions involving 18-wheelers or commercial trucks can come with devastating results. In places like Lewisburg, West Virginia, where major roadways like Interstate 64 and US Route 219 intersect, there is constant truck traffic – increasing the risk of crippling or even deadly crashes. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident around Lewisburg, a compassionate Lewisburg truck accident lawyer can help you hold the right people accountable.
The dedicated personal injury legal team at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, knows the local legal landscape and traffic laws inside and out. We understand how truck traffic in congested areas, such as near the Greenbrier Valley Airport and local distribution routes, can contribute to the risk of crashes, as well as common behaviors of negligent parties that put others on the road at risk.
Together, we can leverage our knowledge and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve in the wake of your truck crash.
Lewisburg is uniquely situated along US 19 and I-64, making it a place where commercial trucks commonly pass through. While these roads are crucial for ensuring that freight gets moved across West Virginia, they can pose serious dangers in congested areas like merging, sharp curves, and heavy traffic.
Where these trucks intersect with local vehicles, such as stop lights, sets, and highway mergers, the risk of crashes is even greater. On top of that, the hilly terrain of Greenbrier County, along with inclement weather and steep grades, can cause jackknifing, failures of brakes, and rollover crashes – especially for trucks that have not been adequately maintained or are overloaded.
Truck accidents tend to differ from a typical car crash because they generally imply the liability of multiple parties, including the trucking company, the truck driver, maintenance crews, third-party logistics companies, and even the individual who loaded the truck. Furthermore, there may be both federal and state trucking regulations applicable, like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
Due to the sheer size and massive trucks, subsequent injuries tend to be more severe, resulting in longer recovery times, extended medical costs, and even permanent disability or death. Due to the complexity of car accidents, it is highly recommended to work with a local truck accident attorney who has an understanding of both federal trucking standards and West Virginia law.
In Lewisburg, from 2022 to 2023, employment grew by 2.25%, going up from roughly 1,470 to 1,500 employees. Many of these workers are making their daily commute on notable roadways that trucks are also moving on.
According to recent data, there are 327 in management occupations, 245 in business & finance, and 233 in healthcare. These figures are indicative of a working population that is getting on the road early, commonly moving on the same roads as regional delivery carriers and long-haul trucks alike.
When trucks and cars are sharing poorly maintained roads or congested areas, the risk of having a catastrophic accident can dramatically increase.
In Greenbrier County, some of the more common causes of truck accidents include improper loading of cargo, driver fatigue, violations of FMCSA rules for hours of service, and failure to adequately maintain a vehicle, leading to tire or brake failures. Other causes can include impaired or distracted driving, or reckless driving behaviors on curved or steep roads.
An attorney from our firm can subpoena maintenance records, GPS data, and tracking logs to help you develop a robust claim against all responsible parties involved. If your accident happened in or near the Lewisburg area, your lawsuit will likely go through the Greenbrier County Circuit Court. Our dedicated legal team can help you navigate this local court system, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.
A: After a truck accident in Lewisburg, West Virginia, you should call emergency services and immediately seek medical attention. Be sure to prioritize your safety and health. Report your crash to the West Virginia State Police or the Lewisburg Police Department and collect the police report. Document as much as you can of the scene, exchange information, take photos, and do not talk to the trucking company insurer without speaking to a lawyer first.
A: In an 18-wheeler accident, individuals who can be held liable extend beyond just the truck driver. Parties that could potentially be responsible could include the trucking company, maintenance providers, individuals who loaded the cargo, or the designer or manufacturer of defunct truck parts. A skilled attorney can help you deeply investigate your case to understand all the potentially liable entities for your case.
A: Truck accidents are different from car accidents in Lewisburg because they can involve complicated federal and state regulations and lead to more severe injuries or even permanent disability, or death. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a dedicated truck accident attorney who has a deep understanding of both Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules and West Virginia commercial vehicle laws.
A: The compensation you may be entitled to recover after a truck crash in Lewisburg can include medical expenses linked to your injuries, lost wages if you were out of work as a result, and any damages to your vehicle. If you have a subsequent long-term disability, you may be compensated for this in addition to pain and suffering. In cases that involve gross negligence, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages.
Whether you’ve been hit on a rural road outside of Lewisburg or on I-64 or US 219, it’s crucial not to let the insurance carrier of the trucking company dictate what your future will look like. A compassionate Lewisburg truck accident lawyer from Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, is eager to help you go after the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your case and help you get justice.