Wheeling Truck Accident Attorney

Help for Victims of Truck Accidents in West Virginia

If you are in a passenger car or riding a motorcycle and you have been struck by a truck or big rig in West Virginia, chances are things did not end well for you. Your tiny car is no match for an 18-wheeler or large truck. Even at low speeds, you can be seriously injured by the crushing weight of a massive big rig. Our Wheeling truck accident attorney has helped many people in Wheeling and across West Virginia get the medical treatment they need and the compensation they deserve after a big rig accident.
Working with our personal injury law firm has big advantages over the big law firms. We care and will fight for you. We want to see you fully recover from injuries and we will never sell you short or let you accept a fast settlement that is not in your best interest. When you are not treated fairly, we’ll take the responsible party and their insurance company to court and force them to pay you every penny you are entitled to under the law. Call us today. We never charge upfront fees and the consultation is free.

Common Types of Large Truck Accidents in West Virginia

When a truck or big rig accident occurs in West Virginia, usually not the fault of the smaller vehicle. It is generally due to one of the following causes:

Truck driver fatigue

Most trucking companies provide incentives to the truck and big rig drivers for on-time and early deliveries. They may also provide incentives that, in general, encourage truck drivers to stay on the road too long or when they have not had adequate sleep. Fatigued 18-wheeler drivers are more prone to drift out of their lane or react more slowly and frequently resulting in car-on-truck accidents.

Poor training or lack of truck driving experience

Driving a big rig today requires about the same skill level as piloting a passenger plane. Yet, many transportation companies will turn a driver loose with a 10-ton iron missile after just a few weeks of training. Lack of driving experience is one of the major causes of truck accidents in West Virginia.

Overload trailers or improper loading of cargo

An overloaded truck is very dangerous. Having too large of a load makes the 18-wheeler much harder to handle and affects steering and braking. A truck that is loaded improperly can have its cargo shift resulting in trailer turnover accidents and endangering drivers of smaller vehicles.

Poorly maintained equipment

Brakes, tires, and other big rig equipment are always under a great deal of stress and they will fail causing truck accidents and serious injury or death. Tires and parts that have failed may fall off and injure or kill divers of smaller vehicles.

Negligent truck drivers

Truckers who drive carelessly or dangerously, endanger everyone on the roadway. Examples of this may include speeding, improper turns, following too close, and consuming alcohol or drugs.

Being Involved in an Accident in West Virginia

Being on the road comes with a risk of finding yourself in an unfortunate situation. It could be a bicycle accident, a motorcycle accident, a car accident, or, in some instances, a truck accident.

In general, a big rig driver has the same responsibility as any other vehicle operator to drive safely and to avoid accidents with others. Additionally, since truck drivers are expected to be professionals, it is safe to assume that they will exercise caution in every trip. However, even for the most careful driver, the possibility of being involved in a car crash is always there.

Large trucks and big rigs are more likely to be involved in fatal multiple-vehicle accidents than passenger vehicles, because of the sheer size of such vehicles. These vehicles can sometimes weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, or even more.
Truck accidents involving delivery trucks, tanker trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles happen in West Virginia more often than you think. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, you will need a lawyer who can help in recovering damages. Reach out to us to get the help you need.

The Nature of Truck or Big Rig Accidents

Strict traffic laws and regulations are in place since there is always a possibility that one can figure in a vehicle accident involving trucks or big rigs. These can have tragic consequences for those involved, and the truck driver and company can and should be held responsible.

Truck accident claims often involve violations of traffic law or ordinances, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, unlawful lane changes, aggressive driving, reckless driving, drowsy driving, or distracted driving.

Depending on the actual circumstance, accident victims could also suffer bodily injuries involving whiplash, broken bones, or head trauma. These should be taken seriously.

If you or any family member gets involved in vehicle crashes caused by the negligence of a truck driver, seek legal help from a seasoned legal professional. Call our law office at (304) 230-6500 today and have a seasoned Wheeling truck accident attorney answer any questions related to your case. Contact us at Ghaphery Law Offices today!

Common Bodily Injury Suffered in a Truck Accident

More than the property damage, car accident victims have no choice but to deal with the traumatic and devastating effects of the incident, both physically and financially. Depending on the severity of the car accident injuries, medical expenses would pile up. As such, those injured in the accident have the right to pursue an accident claim. 

Car accidents often happen too quickly. Accident victims would often feel overwhelmed and disoriented right after the incident. However, it is crucial to immediately contact a local attorney who is knowledgeable with injuries common in these cases.

Fractures or Broken Bones

When a part of the body is struck hard, the bones may become fractured or broken, entailing a long, and sometimes complicated, recovery period.

Spine Injuries

This type of injury occurs mainly when the vehicle stops abruptly, and part of the neck and the spine is subjected to a force that exceeds their capacity of resistance. When the movement is very abrupt, permanent injuries, or even death, can occur.

Brain Injury

A blow to the head can result in anything from bruising to a fractured skull. In the worst case, the damage goes directly to the brain. This can also cause death or affect the quality of life of the person even years after the accident.

Internal Injuries

These occur when the person’s body is struck so that one of their internal organs is harmed. Sometimes these types of injuries may not be detected initially and their consequences are greater than they may appear at first glance. They are usually preceded by muscle aches or chest and abdominal pain.

If you were injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to seek legal help right away. Get in touch with reliable personal injury lawyers in Wheeling, WV who can help you recover after a serious fall and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Call our personal injury law firm at (304) 230-6500 today and have a top-tier West Virginia accident attorney answer any questions related to your case. Contact us at the Ghaphery Law Offices to know how we can help.

Seek Reliable Legal Aid for Your Truck Accident Case

As with all other automobile accidents, truck accidents can be serious incidents that demand equally serious legal representation. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence, consult with a credible and compassionate truck accident lawyer in Wheeling as soon as you can.

It is not possible to promise a specific recovery or accurately predict the dollar value of any auto accident lawsuit. However, knowledge of the type of damages involved can help determine the value of a big rig accident case.

Apart from physical injuries, a person involved in an accident may also go through a lot of mental and emotional trauma, both immediately and even months after the accident. As such, you will need a legal team who can help you sort out matters related to insurance and coverage. Call us at (304) 230-6500 or send us a message to know how we can help.

Difference between Car Accidents and Truck Accidents

While most truck and car collisions take place on either a highway or an intersection, the fact remains that they can occur almost anywhere. Traffic laws require all drivers involved in an accident, regardless of fault, to stop and immediately exchange license and insurance information. How statutes and guidelines translate to real-life scenarios, however, will depend on a variety of factors.

Getting a competent and compassionate personal injury lawyer in Wheeling is key in obtaining what you deserve and maximizing your financial compensation.

Trucking accidents are different from car accidents in many ways. Most of the time, you will not simply be dealing with another driver and a single insurance company. If you or a family member have been injured in a trucking accident, you may need to deal with multiple parties: the trucking company that employed the driver, everyone involved with loading the contents of the truck, the insurance companies for each party as well as attorneys.

Additionally, you should be aware that trucking companies typically send investigators to the scene of an accident within hours, if not sooner. Their goal is to build a defense that minimizes the responsibility of the truck driver and trucking company. You can level the playing field. Start by calling us for a free consultation.

Truck Accident Cases and Determining Liability

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), almost 9 out of 10 trucking accidents are due to driver error. However, even when driver error is not the cause of the crash, the trucking company is still often at fault. For this reason, it is highly advisable to talk to a seasoned West Virginia truck accident lawyer to prove this.

An aggressive personal injury lawyer in Wheeling could gather evidence, show that another party caused the wreck, and pursue that party and their insurer for compensation. They can help you protect your rights and help you collect compensation after a truck accident.

After seeking immediate medical attention necessary for bodily injuries, seek legal help from a knowledgeable and well-trained local attorney. Promptly seek legal help to stop the at-fault party’s insurers from taking advantage of you during the settlement process. 

Call our Personal Injury Office in Wheeling

One of the biggest differences between West Virginia trucking accidents and car crashes is that trucking accidents often involve the negligence of both the driver and trucking company. And when the trucking company is at fault, that can often justify punitive damages.

Our accident lawyers at the Ghaphery Law Offices will handle everything for you and are driven to take care of you every step of the way. That means you can focus on healing without having to worry about the stress of your personal injury claim.

Get in touch with diligent and knowledgeable West Virginia personal injury attorneys who can help if you were involved in an accident caused by a truck driver. Do not let crucial time pass without taking any action. Call us today!

Why Hire Our Wheeling Truck Accident Lawyer

The West Virginia personal injury law firm that you choose to represent you in a truck or big rig case may make the difference between you making a full recovery and a lifetime of pain and financial woes. Unlike the big accident injury law firms, we take your case personally. We will give you the personal attention and aggressive representation that it takes to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We never charge an upfront fee and consultations are free. Call us at (304) 230-6500 or send us a message today!