Winchester, VA Truck Accident Attorneys for Speeding
Dedicated Lawyers Helping Victims Injured by Truck Drivers Who Violated Speed Limits in Winchester, Virginia
Commercial trucks are essential for transporting goods across Virginia and the rest of the country, but when truck drivers fail to follow traffic laws and drive at excessive speeds, they put everyone on the road at risk. Speeding is a leading cause of truck accidents that often result in devastating injuries or fatalities due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. Accidents that occur when trucks are traveling at high speeds can be especially devastating.
When a collision is caused by a speeding truck driver in Winchester, Virginia, Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC can help victims seek justice. Whether the truck driver acted recklessly or the trucking company failed to properly train or monitor the driver, our firm is committed to holding the responsible parties accountable and making sure victims recover the compensation they deserve.
The Dangers of Speeding for Truck Drivers
People who drive commercial trucks are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following speed limits and other traffic laws at all times. However, due to the pressure to complete deliveries in as little time as possible, some truckers exceed the posted speed limits or drive too fast in dangerous conditions. Speeding increases the likelihood of a serious accident for several reasons:
- Longer Stopping Distances: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. At high speeds, these trucks take much longer to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is speeding and encounters sudden traffic congestion, a red light, or an obstacle on the road, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a crash.
- Loss of Vehicle Control: Large trucks can be difficult to maneuver, especially at high speeds. Sharp turns, sudden lane changes, or abrupt braking at excessive speeds can cause a truck driver to lose control, leading to jackknife accidents, rollovers, or multi-vehicle pileups.
- Increased Severity of Injuries: The force of impact in high-speed truck collisions is far greater than in lower-speed crashes. This increases the likelihood of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, internal organ trauma, bone fractures, burns, and even fatalities.
- Higher Risk of Mechanical Failures: Speeding places additional stress on a truck's tires, brakes, and engine. Excessive speeds can lead to tire blowouts, brake failures, or other mechanical malfunctions, resulting in a loss of control and leading to dangerous accidents.
When a Truck Driver May Be Held Liable
When a truck driver chooses to speed, they not only violate traffic laws, but they also endanger people's lives. In some cases, truck divers may be held personally liable for the injuries and damages inflicted in a collision. Evidence that may support a claim against a speeding truck driver includes:
- Data from the truck's black box recorder showing that the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed before the crash
- Traffic camera footage or witness statements confirming that the truck was speeding
- Police reports citing the truck driver for a speeding violation
- Accident reconstruction analysis demonstrating that speed played a role in the collision
If a truck driver was engaging in reckless or aggressive driving behaviors in addition to speeding—such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or ignoring traffic signals—this may further establish their liability for the crash.
When a Trucking Company May Be Liable
In some cases, the trucking company that employs the driver may also bear responsibility for the accident. Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers are properly trained, and are following all safety regulations. A trucking company may share liability if:
- They Failed to Properly Train the Driver: If a trucking company did not educate drivers on speed regulations, stopping distances, and the dangers of excessive speed, it may be held liable for accidents caused by an improperly trained driver.
- They Encouraged Unsafe Driving Practices: Some trucking companies impose unrealistic delivery deadlines that pressure drivers into speeding to meet their schedules. If a company prioritizes speed over safety, it may be found to be liable for an accident.
- They Hired a Driver with a History of Reckless Driving: If a trucking company did not conduct a thorough background check or ignored previous traffic violations showing that a driver had a pattern of unsafe driving, it may be held responsible for negligent hiring practices.
- They Failed to Monitor or Discipline Unsafe Drivers: If a trucking company knew or should have known that a driver had a history of speeding but failed to take corrective action, it could be liable for failing to remove a dangerous driver from the road.
Trucking companies often attempt to shift blame onto their drivers, but our experienced truck accident lawyers can investigate company policies, review driver logs, and determine whether the company played a role in the crash.
Contact Our Winchester, Virginia Speeding Truck Accident Lawyers
When a truck driver has engaged in speeding or other violations that led to a truck accident in or around Winchester, Virginia, victims deserve to be compensated for their injuries and damages. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we work to help truck accident victims pursue justice and secure the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. To discuss your case in a free consultation and learn more about your legal options, contact our firm at 540-662-4222 today.