Why You Need a Northern Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether you are involved in a truck accident or you have a loved one who has been in a truck accident, you need to seek the help of a Northern Virginia truck accident lawyer to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. There are several things you should know about filing a truck accident claim, including time limits and contributing negligence.
 
Contributory negligence
Those who have been involved in a car accident should always speak with an experienced car accident attorney before speaking with their insurance company. This is particularly true in Virginia, where the "contributory negligence" rule can have a negative impact on your compensation.
This rule states that you cannot recover damages if you contributed in any way to an accident. This can include being distracted by something such as music, a mirror or temperature controls. However, there is an exception to this rule. It is called the "last clear chance doctrine."
The exception to this rule applies in two situations. The first situation is if the at-fault driver was partially at fault and did not try to avoid the accident. In this situation, the last clear chance doctrine can help you recover damages.
The second situation is if the at-fault party was partially at fault and tried to avoid the accident, but was physically unable to do so. In this case, you can recover damages by demonstrating that the defendant had the last clear chance to avoid the accident. However, only a few court cases have accepted this argument.
 
Understanding truck drivers' blind spots
Considering the number of traffic accidents on the highways and byways of our nation's capital, the benefits of having a solid Northern Virginia truck accident lawyer in your corner are numerous and numerous. The best way to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision is to be informed and educated about the hazards of the road ahead of time. The best way to do this is to use the aforementioned vehicle etiquette. For example, never make the mistake of pulling into a trucking company's yard without first ensuring all pedestrians and cyclists are safely accounted for. Similarly, never make the mistake of driving on the wrong side of a road without first checking for a crosswalk. Also, make sure to be alert and aware of the vehicles in your rear view mirror as well as those in your front view mirror.
 
Filing a wrongful death claim
Often, families who have lost a loved one to a wrongful death will pursue a claim against the at-fault party. This type of action is designed to help surviving family members recover financially from the death of their loved one. It also brings closure to the family and helps them gain a sense of justice.
There are a number of different ways a family can file a wrongful death claim. These include the surviving spouse, children, or a putative spouse. In order to file a wrongful death claim, you need to be able to show that the at-fault party was negligent in some way. You will also need to establish that the deceased would have had the ability to file a personal injury claim if they had survived.
When filing a wrongful death claim, it is important to get the help of a skilled attorney. They will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim and maximize your compensation.
 
Time limits for filing a claim
Often times, people injured in a truck accident will have to deal with insurance companies and their deadlines to file claims. These time limits vary from state to state and can make it difficult to get a fair settlement offer.
One of the best ways to determine how long you have to file your claim is to determine the state's statute of limitations. In some states, you have two years to file your claim for bodily injury or two years for wrongful death. This may be extended to a year if you are suffering from a disability.
When it comes to property damage, you have three years to file a claim. The statute of limitations can be shortened if the accident was caused by special circumstances.
In order to file a claim, you must notify the other party of your intention to file a lawsuit. This notice will be filed with the appropriate government institution. This is a way for the government to evaluate the claim and to determine if you have the right to pursue it.