Home » West Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

An 80,000-pound truck can turn a routine drive into a life-altering catastrophe in the blink of an eye. The sheer force of these massive vehicles often leaves victims grappling with severe injuries, emotional scars, and financial turmoil that can last a lifetime.

If you or a loved one is stuck in the aftermath of a truck accident in West Virginia, we want you to know that there is still hope. Our compassionate West Virginia truck accident attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers understand the overwhelming nature of your situation. That's why we take on the full weight of your legal battle, freeing you to focus on what's most important–your recovery.

Don't face this daunting challenge alone. Call Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers today at 866-455-3629 for a free consultation. Let our experience be your strength as we work tirelessly to transform your fight for justice into a pathway to healing and financial stability.

Injured In A Truck Accident?

Why Choose Us

At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our dedication to our clients and our proven track record set us

apart as the premier choice for truck accident victims in West Virginia. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have successfully recovered over $1 billion for clients, handling cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths with expertise and compassion.

We recognize the importance of accessibility for our clients. We make it easy for you to visit and discuss your case with our legal team. This central location ensures that we are readily available to serve clients throughout the region.

Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers are recipients of numerous awards and accolades, highlighting our commitment to excellence. Our firm has been recognized for outstanding legal representation and client service, further establishing our reputation as leaders in personal injury law. We are proud of our extensive media presence and community involvement, which underscore our dedication to making a positive impact both in and out of the courtroom.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Determining the compensation for truck accident victims involves a detailed assessment of various types of damages.

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary long-term care. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment.
Lost Wages: If your injuries have forced you to miss work, you are entitled to compensation for lost income. This also covers any reduction in earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
Property Damage: Includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the profound impact these injuries have on your quality of life.
Emotional Distress: This includes psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression resulting from the accident. Emotional distress can be long-lasting and requires appropriate compensation.
Loss of Consortium: If the accident has adversely affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.

Punitive Damages: In cases where the trucking company's or driver's conduct was particularly egregious, you may be entitled to punitive damage. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. For example, these could apply if the trucking company violated safety regulations or if we discover the driver was under the influence.

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records to build a robust claim. By documenting every aspect of your economic and non-economic losses, we aim to secure comprehensive compensation that covers all your needs and helps you rebuild your life.

Where Do Accidents Occur in West Virginia?

West Virginia's extensive network of highways and rural roads is a common site for truck accidents. The state has 549 miles of interstate and 37,277 miles of public roads, frequently used by commercial truck drivers delivering goods and driving the local economy.

High-Risk Areas

Interstate 64 and 77: These major highways see a significant amount of truck traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents. They are crucial routes for interstate commerce, making them hotspots for heavy vehicles.
Rural Roads: Most truck accidents in West Virginia occur on rural roads. In one year, 88% of the state's truck accidents were reported on these less-traveled routes, highlighting the dangers posed by high-speed, narrow, and winding roads.

Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in 4.1% of deadly accidents in West Virginia in one recent year.
In that same year, out of 267 total car accident fatalities in West Virginia:
- 10 fatalities were from large truck occupants.
- 102 fatalities were from light truck occupants.
Over a ten year period, large truck and bus crashes increased by about 80% in West Virginia.
Between two recent years:
- Large trucks involved in injury crashes increased by 12%.
- Large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased by 18%.
A study by Virginia Tech found that crashes involving log trucks surpassed every other type of large truck accident in West Virginia between 2011 and 2015. Log trucks in West Virginia were, on average, five years older than trucks used in other types of commerce.

Understanding Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often more complex than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the involvement of multiple parties, and the intricate web of state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry.

Types of Truck Accidents

Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front, often due to driver inattention, speeding, or brake failure. The significant force behind a truck can cause severe damage and injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle. These are the most common types of truck accidents in the USA.
T-Bone Collisions: Also known as broadside collisions, these accidents happen at intersections when a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle. Traffic violations or reckless driving are usually the cause of these accidents.
Jackknife Accidents: When a truck's trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle collisions. Jackknifing is often the result of abrupt braking, speeding, or slippery road conditions.
Rollover Accidents: Trucks can tip over due to high speeds, improper loading, or taking sharp turns too quickly. Rollovers are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Underride Accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck. Underride guards can prevent such accidents, but not all trucks come with these safety features.
Log Truck Accidents: Particularly common in West Virginia, these accidents often involve older trucks carrying heavy loads.

Common Causes

Brake Problems: Malfunctioning brakes can prevent trucks from stopping in time, leading to rear-end and other collisions.
Traffic Flow Interruptions: Sudden changes in traffic conditions can cause truck drivers to react too late or make dangerous maneuvers.
Prescription Drug Use: Some medications can impair a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to road conditions and increases the severity of accidents.
Unfamiliarity with Roadways: Drivers who are not familiar with local roads may make navigation errors that lead to accidents.
Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, which significantly impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities. Federal regulations mandate rest periods, but employers do not always follow them.

Fighting the Insurance Company

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that are more focused on minimizing payouts than on providing fair compensation. This is why having experienced legal representation on your side can make or break your case.

Challenges in Dealing with Insurance Companies

Vast Resources and Legal Teams: Insurance companies have extensive resources and experienced legal teams dedicated to protecting their bottom line. They often use these resources to dispute claims and minimize payouts.
Complex Claims Processes: Truck accident claims are often complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially other third parties. Navigating these complexities requires a thorough understanding of both state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry.

How We Can Help

Expert Negotiation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand the tactics insurance companies use. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation, leveraging our knowledge and experience to counteract the strategies employed by insurers .
Evidence Gathering: We gather and preserve evidence such as black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimonies to build a strong case. This thorough approach helps us establish liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
Litigation: If negotiations fail, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We have a proven track record of successful litigation, holding trucking companies and their insurers accountable for their negligence.

By entrusting your case to Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your claim.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident

After experiencing a truck accident, the steps you take can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Following these guidelines will help you build a strong foundation for your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Medical Attention

Follow Treatment Plans: Adhere strictly to your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all medical appointments. Consistently following your treatment plan demonstrates the severity of your injuries and your commitment to recovery, which is crucial for your claim.

Document Everything

Keep Receipts and Records: Maintain a file of all medical bills, repair estimates, and any other expenses related to the accident. These documents are essential for calculating your economic damages and providing proof of your financial losses.
Journal Your Recovery: Keep a daily journal detailing your physical and emotional state, any pain or discomfort you experience, and how the injuries impact your daily life. This helps illustrate the non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Obtain Police Reports: Get a copy of the police report from the accident. This official document provides an unbiased account of the incident and can be crucial evidence in your case.

Preserve Evidence

Photographs and Videos: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. This visual evidence can be compelling in demonstrating the extent of the accident's impact.
Witness Information: Collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene. Their statements can provide additional support for your version of events.

Avoid Making Statements: Do not make any statements about the accident to insurance companies or other parties without consulting your attorney. Opposing parties will use anything you say against you in your claim.
Avoid Social Media: Do not post about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and opposing parties often monitor social media accounts to find information that can undermine your claim.

Consult with a Lawyer

Bring All Documentation: When you meet with our attorneys, bring all the evidence you’ve collected, including medical records, receipts, photographs, and the police report. This information helps us build a comprehensive case on your behalf.
Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.