Jefferson County Truck Accident Lawyer

When You Need Justice After a Truck Accident

Large commercial trucks generally get to and from their destinations safely and without incident. However, there are times when the careless or negligent actions of truck drivers or trucking companies cause serious accidents.

At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, we are standing by to help if you need assistance from a Jefferson County truck accident lawyer. We have extensive experience handling complex injury cases throughout West Virginia, and we will work to obtain full compensation for your losses.

Navigate This Page

• How a Jefferson County Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
• Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
• What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?
• Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Case
• The Importance of Timely Action
• Federal Regulations and Truck Accidents
• Challenges in Truck Accident Cases
• Contact a Jefferson County Truck Accident Lawyer
• Frequently Asked Questions

How a Jefferson County Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Jefferson County truck accident lawyer is an invaluable resource for your case. Truck accident cases often become immensely complicated because there are many parties involved, including the drivers, trucking companies, legal teams, and insurance carriers.

A Jefferson County personal injury attorney will be able to use their resources to:

• Obtain any evidence needed to prove liability for your case. This includes “black box” data from the truck, trucking company driver and safety records, and more.
• Ensure you are evaluated by a trusted medical professional who can treat your injuries and help calculate your total expected losses.
• Negotiate with the insurance carriers and any legal teams for the truck company in an effort to ensure you are offered a fair settlement for your losses.
• Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.
• Handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties, protecting you from potentially damaging statements.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

Injuries that occur in collisions involving large commercial trucks in West Virginia are often severe. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds.

As a result of the size discrepancy between trucks and passenger vehicles, we regularly help clients who have sustained the following:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Severe lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Crush injuries or amputations
• Severe burns, especially in accidents involving hazardous materials
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological trauma

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, impacting their ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and even perform daily activities.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?

Victims of Jefferson County truck accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation if the actions of a truck driver or trucking company caused the crash. At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, our accident lawyers in Jefferson County are regularly able to help clients recover the following types of compensation for their claim:

• Total coverage of their medical bills resulting from their injuries
• Any lost wages they incur if they cannot work while they recover
• Property damage expenses
• Household out-of-pocket expenses
• Loss of quality of life damages
• Pain and suffering damages
• Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent truck driver or trucking company
• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
• Loss of earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous occupation
• Loss of consortium for spouses

The exact amount of compensation will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the degree of negligence involved.

Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Case

There may be various parties that could be held liable in the event a truck accident causes severe injuries, including truck drivers and trucking companies.

Truck drivers could be held liable if the crash was caused by:

• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Driving while distracted by phones or other devices
• Operating too fast for conditions
• Failing to follow traffic laws
• Failing to follow FMCSA hours of service requirements

Trucking companies could be held liable if the crash was caused by:

• Failing to inspect and maintain the vehicles, per FMCSA regulations
• Failing to properly train their drivers or ensure they are properly licensed
• Encouraging drivers to overload the tractor-trailer
• Setting unrealistic schedules that encourage speeding or violating hours-of-service regulations

In some cases, other parties such as cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, or maintenance companies may also share liability.

The Importance of Timely Action

After a truck accident, it’s crucial to take action as quickly as possible. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and there are legal time limits for filing a claim. In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident.

However, it’s best not to wait until the deadline approaches. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can:

• Preserve critical evidence
• Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh
• Prevent you from making statements to insurance companies that could harm your case
• Ensure you meet all legal deadlines
• Start building a strong case on your behalf

Federal Regulations and Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are subject to federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover areas such as:

• Hours of service for drivers
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection
• Driver qualifications and training
• Cargo loading and securement

Violations of these regulations can be crucial evidence in a truck accident case. Our attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and how they apply to your case.

Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident cases can be more complex than typical car accident cases for several reasons:

• Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially others.
• The injuries are often more severe, leading to higher stakes in the legal process.
• Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize their liability.
• Evidence can be more complex, including “black box” data and company records.
• Federal regulations add another layer of complexity to these cases.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys are prepared to navigate these challenges on your behalf.

Contact a Jefferson County Truck Accident Lawyer

At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, we will work diligently to determine liability in these cases. Our goal is to secure full compensation for your losses. You can contact our Jefferson County truck accident lawyers online or by phone.

Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case. Remember, your initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Jefferson County?

In West Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the trucking company is based in another state?

Trucking companies often operate across state lines, which can complicate legal proceedings. Our experienced attorneys are familiar with interstate commerce laws and can handle complex jurisdictional issues that may arise in your case.

How is fault determined in a truck accident case?

Determining fault in a truck accident often requires a thorough investigation. We examine police reports, witness statements, electronic logging devices, and other evidence to establish liability. Multiple parties may share fault in truck accident cases.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys can help navigate this complex area of law.

How much does it cost to hire a Jefferson County truck accident lawyer?

At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.