Virginia Truck, Big Rig & 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
Last updated on March 31, 2026
Truck driving is an inherently dangerous profession. Commercial truck drivers must be highly trained and are strictly regulated by company, state and federal laws. When negligent truck drivers take to the highways of Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland, innocent lives are unnecessarily put at risk. According to the 2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts, Virginia experienced 3,078 large truck crashes, including 48 fatal crashes and 874 injury crashes. These collisions resulted in 9 large truck occupant deaths and 396 injuries, with 51 occupants suffering serious injuries. Thousands of these accidents are fatal, many to the drivers themselves. In 2009 in the United States, there were 10,287 light truck accident deaths, and light truck occupant injuries totaled 759,000.
At Becker, Kellogg & Berry, P.C., we provide the experienced legal advice and representation needed to position your case for a proper and fair settlement. Sometimes a victim’s only recourse is to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for his or her injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident or tractor-trailer accident or due to truck driver negligence, it is important to fully explore your legal options.
What Led To Your Truck Accident Or Semi-Truck Crash?
Heavy traffic on Interstate 95, I-495, I-66, I-270, the beltway and other area roads can make driving dangerous under normal conditions. When careless drivers of 18-wheelers, including semi trucks and tractor-trailers, and other large trucks take to the roads, the situation can turn deadly in an instant. Injuries suffered in a truck accident include brain injury, whiplash, back and neck injuries and even amputations.
Truck accidents occur for many reasons, including speeding and reckless driving, driver fatigue, drug and alcohol abuse, and inadequate truck maintenance. Regardless of the reason, at Becker, Kellogg & Berry, P.C., we will hold all negligent parties accountable for your injuries. We have successfully handled numerous truck accident injury cases. Our knowledge of personal injury law and federal trucking regulations helps us pursue maximum compensation for the losses our clients have suffered. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, we can help your family seek the financial resources it needs to survive through this difficult time.
Key Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
If you get involved in a truck accident, the first step you should take is to seek immediate medical attention for anyone who has been injured in the crash. Check your passengers and anyone who is involved, along with yourself. Nothing is more important than getting medical care, as some injuries need prompt treatment.
After that, it is important to begin documenting the scene. It can help to take photographs of the crash scene itself, the damage to the vehicles or any injuries that you have suffered. You also want to exchange contact information with the truck driver, perhaps taking a picture of their license plate, registration, driver’s license and other details.
Finally, you likely need to notify your insurance company to get the claims process underway. It can help to gather evidence at this time, such as police reports, medical documentation, witness statements or any evidence that was caught on video.
Overloaded Trucks And The Damage That Results
Heavy traffic on Interstate 95, I-495, I-66, I-270, the beltway and other area roads can make driving with overloaded trucks dangerous under normal conditions. When careless drivers of 18-wheelers (semi trucks, tractor-trailers) and other large trucks take to the roads, the situation can turn deadly — fast. We will work to prove that the trucks were carrying too much weight and should not have been on the road in the first place.
Do Injured Parties Have To Deal With The Truck Driver’s Insurance Company?
Yes, truck drivers typically have insurance policies, and so do trucking companies. While you will have to deal with these companies during the process of seeking compensation, Becker, Kellogg & Berry, P.C., can help handle communications with the insurance company and the trucking company’s insurance provider. Our experience makes it easier for us to know what steps to take, what communications are necessary, what deadlines must be met, when to expect a settlement offer, what should be included in that settlement and much more.
Truck accidents are also unique in that the trucking company itself may be liable for the crash, meaning you can sometimes seek compensation from both the driver and the company they worked for. This may help you receive a greater level of compensation, but it is also a complicated process. Our legal team can help guide the way as you explore all of the options at your disposal. We can also help you as you fight for the full compensation that you deserve, seeking a settlement that is going to cover both short-term and long-term costs, without leaving anything out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims
Our attorneys answer common questions about pursuing truck accident compensation in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.
How long is the statute of limitations to file a truck accident claim in Washington, D.C., Virginia or Maryland?
The statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction. In Virginia, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit for truck accidents. Maryland and Washington, D.C., both provide three-year statutes of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck crashes.
These deadlines are strict, and courts typically dismiss cases filed even one day late. However, certain circumstances can modify these timeframes. Accidents involving government vehicles may require filing claims within months rather than years. Cases involving minors or incapacitated victims may have extended filing periods.
How long does it typically take to resolve a truck accident case, and what are the different stages of the process?
Truck accident cases typically take anywhere from several months to several years depending on case complexity, injury severity and whether settlement negotiations succeed or litigation becomes necessary. The process begins with investigation and evidence gathering, including obtaining police reports, medical records, truck maintenance logs, driver qualification files and electronic logging device data. Your attorney then files insurance claims and begins negotiations with trucking company insurers.
Many cases resolve during the negotiation phase within six to twelve months when insurers offer fair settlements. However, complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability or multiple defendants often require filing lawsuits. This litigation phase can extend cases to eighteen months or longer.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Your ability to recover compensation when sharing fault depends on which jurisdiction’s laws apply. Virginia follows pure contributory negligence, a harsh standard barring recovery if you bear even 1% of the fault for the accident. Maryland also applies contributory negligence rules preventing recovery when plaintiffs share any responsibility. However, Washington, D.C., follows a modified comparative negligence system allowing recovery as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Get The Answers And Representation You Need
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a truck crash, we are here to protect your rights. Contact our office at 703-962-1829 for a free consultation.