Determining Liability in Eastern Shore & Other Virginia Truck Accidents

Although many may think that determining liability in an Eastern Shore truck accident or another Virginia trucking wreck is as simple as reading the police report, some Norfolk trucking accidents and VA truck crashes require further examination.  While the police report is a necessary factor in determining who is at fault after a Virginia collision, details such as driver background and behavior at the time of the crash, how the truck was loaded, whether the trucking company followed regulations, and potential errors in manufacturing affect the outcome of a Virginia truck accident case.  Below is a list of potential negligent parties in a Newport News or Norfolk truck wreck, along with explanations:

• the truck driver (for distracted driving, speeding, DUI, aggressive driving or tailgating, failing to follow regulations, or failing to inspect the truck or trailer, etc.)
• the trucking company (for failing to perform a background check on the driver, setting unrealistic schedules, improperly loading the truck or trailer, failing to train or improperly training the driver, etc.)
• the manufacturer of the truck (due to defective parts)
• the loading company (if there is a loading company involved, they may be held liable for injuries or accidents caused by improper loading, such as overloading the truck or failing to secure the load)
• the truck rig owner or truck trailer owner (often the owner is responsible for any wreck caused by the truck, whether from driver negligence or other causes)
• government parties (as in the case of some defective roadways).

This is certainly not a comprehensive list, and reading it won't necessarily mean that you can determine who is at fault in your Norfolk or Eastern Shore truck accident case.  For free help determining liability and answers to your pressing questions regarding Virginia truck wrecks and related injuries, contact Lawrence Land online or at 757-251-0198.