Logging Truck Accident in Carroll County, VA
WSLS is reporting that a tragic accident occurred Monday night in Carroll County, VA. Virginia State Police have provided details of the crash. After a preliminary investigation, the investigating trooper concluded that a logging truck had started to pull out of a private driveway onto Old Kings Highway. At that same moment, a 2013 Toyota Scion with four people inside came upon the logging truck before it had cleared the lane. The Scion collided with the truck, presumably striking the side of the trailer, since the tractor trailer was still crossing the southbound lane. To add to the tragedy, the Scion was being followed by two people in a Cadillac Seville. The driver of the Seville was unable to avoid the accident and collided with the Scion.
There were four people in the Toyota Scion. An eleven year old boy, who was a passenger in the back seat of the compact car, died in the crash. Devon Parrish, 30 and Jaime Mosley, 31 and a nine year old girl have serious injuries resulting from the accident. The two people in the Seville, Stephan Robertson age 49 and Tyrone Morton, aged 45 were also injured. Stephan Robertson was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and Tyrone Morton had minor injuries.
Underride Accidents
I have litigated several trucking vs. car cases during the course of my 29 year career. I can tell you that most truck vs. car accidents result in serious injuries and/or fatalities. I suspect from the trooper’s description of the accident, that this accident will be classified as an “underride” accident. Underride accidents are accidents that involve a small vehicle literally going under the trailer of a semi-truck during a crash. Picture it, a typical car traveling at the posted speed limit of 45-55 mph comes across a logging truck blocking the roadway. The logging trailer is so long, that the driver of the passenger vehicle has no where to go to avoid the collision and hits the trailer. The hood of the vehicle is low enough that it slides easily under the trailer, however the passenger compartment is too tall to fit under the trailer. In this scenario, the people inside of the vehicle are helpless to save themselves as the passenger compartment is ‘clotheslined’ by the bottom of the trailer. Many victims of underride accidents die in the crash usually after being decapitated, while others loose limbs. If they survive, they have a long road of recovery and are left with permanent scars, injuries and/or permanent disability. Underride accidents are the most dangerous kind of truck vs. car accidents, period.
Many logging trailers are higher than the typical long haul trailer you see on the interstate making them even more dangerous to the general public. Oftentimes, logging trucks are deployed at night, so they can navigate mountain roadways more easily. This makes them especially dangerous. Some trailers are equipped with running lights or reflectors, others are not. Some drivers are experienced and some are not. Some of the logging companies have adequate insurance to cover the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of life, future medical care and future lost wages. Many do not.
Do the Victims of this Truck Accident Need a Lawyer?
An accident with this many seriously injured victims, a wrongful death of a child and one that involves a tractor trailer owned by a company is highly complex. Each injured person is entitled to maximum compensation. Even though, there should be multiple insurance companies involved, there may not be enough insurance coverage to fully compensate everyone. A highly skilled personal injury lawyer will find all available coverage and assets of the driver and the owner of the vehicle. The victims and victim’s families should seek legal representation immediately.
The victims and their families need an experienced truck accident lawyer. They need a lawyer who will find all of the insurance coverage to ensure the victims receive the maximum amount of compensation. They will need a lawyer who will fight for them during the worst moments of their lives.
What Happens When I Call The Thomson Law Firm?
When a car accident victim calls my office, they will speak to an intake specialist. My intake specialist is specifically trained to handle high stress, highly emotional victims of personal injury. Potential clients of my firm are spoken to in a manner that is compassionate and respectful. Callers are not rushed and are allowed to take as much time as they need to tell us what happened to them in their own words. Once my intake specialist has answered your questions and gathered the information about your car accident, I will evaluate that information and talk to you personally. You will have a chance to ask questions. You will speak directly with me, a truck accident lawyer in Virginia and you will be able to make decisions about how to proceed with your case.
Is There a Charge When I Call The Thomson Law Firm?
At my firm, the consultation with a car accident lawyer is free. I do not charge you to call and discuss your potential case. If you hire me, you will work with me, the attorney.
If you have been injured in a car or truck accident that was not your fault, call The Thomson Law Firm today. I work personally with all of my clients and will obtain the highest amount of money from your truck accident case possible. I invite you to learn more about how I have helped other victims of trucking accidents by clicking here.
