West Virginia Truck Accident Attorney

Recovering from the Impact of a Collision

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety administration, large trucks such as 18-wheelers were responsible for more than 1,000 crashes in West Virginia in 2007. These accidents led to 45 fatalities and 495 injuries, and this number is expected to increase as roads become more crowded.

Large commercial trucks, when fully loaded, weigh approximately 80,000 lbs. A vehicle with this much size and weight is an extreme hazard when out of control. Whether the accident is the result of a driver who has failed to follow federal safety regulations, involves a defective safety system or part, or the driver was drunk or tired, the consequences can be devastating. A jackknife, rollover, or underride accident often results in fatal or catastrophic injuries to innocent people. Some of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents include broken bones, amputations, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries. The families of these injury victims can face a huge financial burden from ongoing medical and hospital bills, and many of them become overwhelmed with these costs.

Identifying Evidence for a Truck Accident Claim

After your accident, it is important to call a West Virginia truck accident lawyer who can begin to gather the evidence needed in order for you to file a claim for compensation. Here at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we have extensive experience in handling truck accident cases and will provide you with the comprehensive legal protection you need during this time. The driver's log can be a critical piece of evidence in your claim. Many trucking firms also have a "black box" known as an electronic on-board recorder that are similar to those on aircraft that keeps track of the trucks stops and starts and other data. Truck logs can be falsified by drivers who have driven too many hours, and you deserve justice and compensation for the injuries you have suffered as a result. Tired / fatigued drivers are to blame for many truck accidents, and we know how to determine whether or not this was a factor in your accident.

Our West Virginia firm has also handled accidents where there is a failure to properly maintain the truck. In some cases, the company that loaded the truck has loaded it improperly and the load is unstable, making the truck prone to a jackknife or rollover. In other situations, brakes malfunction, or the truck driver was travelling at a speed that was unsafe because of the current road conditions and weather. No matter what occurred, you can be confident that our legal team will do everything possible to resolve your claim at a financial level that reflects the actual damages in your case. No matter what, you can contact us to learn more about the details of your accident and what legal action can be taken to rectify any problems that resulted. We have also provided helpful truck accident FAQ to give you answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Truck accidents are often complex legal cases with more than one liable party. It is critical that you have legal representation with a high level of experience in truck accident claims to assist you, and the West Virginia truck accident lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients over our 35 years of combined legal practice. We are trial lawyers and have a great depth of understanding of the process in a commercial trucking accident. We urge you to contact a lawyer from our firm immediately to learn how you can file a lawsuit against a trucking company. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect your right to the compensation you deserve.