Driving near large trucks on Virginia’s highways can be intimidating—and for good reason. When something goes wrong with a commercial truck, the consequences can be devastating. At the Parrish Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how truck accidents turn lives upside down in a matter of seconds.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, understanding what caused the crash is key to holding the right parties accountable and getting the compensation you deserve.
Let’s break down the most common causes of truck accidents in Virginia, how to stay safe around big rigs, and what to do if you ever find yourself in one of these difficult situations.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Virginia?
Truck accidents don’t just happen—they’re often the result of preventable issues. While every crash is unique, certain patterns come up again and again.
The most common causes of truck accidents in Virginia include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Improper truck maintenance
- Distracted driving
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Inexperienced or undertrained drivers
- Weather-related conditions
- Brake or tire failure
Because trucks are heavier, longer, and slower to stop than passenger vehicles, even a small mistake by a driver—or trucking company—can lead to massive damage.
How Can I Avoid Being Involved in a Truck Accident in Virginia?
While you can’t control how truck drivers behave, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk on the road.
Here’s how to stay safer around large trucks:
- Avoid blind spots: If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they probably can’t see you.
- Don’t tailgate: Trucks take longer to stop, and if you’re behind them too closely, you may not have enough time to react.
- Give trucks room to turn: Trucks make wide turns and need extra space. Don’t squeeze between a truck and the curb.
- Pass with caution: Only pass trucks when it’s legal and safe—and do it quickly to avoid lingering in a blind spot.
- Be cautious in bad weather: Trucks are harder to control on slick or icy roads. Give them plenty of space and avoid sudden moves.
Most importantly: stay calm and predictable. Sudden lane changes or aggressive driving around big trucks can lead to deadly results.
What Role Does Truck Driver Fatigue Play in Accidents in Virginia?
Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of serious truck accidents—not just in Virginia, but nationwide.
Federal law limits how many hours truckers can drive without a break (these are called Hours of Service rules), but not all drivers follow them. In some cases, companies push drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, encouraging them to skip rest breaks or falsify logbooks.
Signs of a drowsy or fatigued truck driver include:
- Swerving or drifting between lanes
- Inconsistent speed
- Delayed braking or reaction times
- Sudden or jerky movements
Fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. A tired truck driver behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle is a recipe for disaster.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how to uncover logbook violations, black box data, and company policies that may prove a truck driver was driving beyond their legal limits.
How Does Improper Truck Maintenance Contribute to Accidents in Virginia?
Truck maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential for safety. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners to save time or money, and others simply fall behind on maintenance schedules.
Poor maintenance can lead to:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Faulty lights or signals
- Broken trailer hitches
- Steering or suspension problems
In many truck accident cases, it turns out the crash wasn’t just the driver’s fault—it was also the result of a mechanical failure that should’ve been caught and fixed.
Trucking companies are legally required to inspect and maintain their vehicles. When they don’t, and people get hurt, they can and should be held accountable.
How Can I Stay Safe Around Large Trucks in Virginia?
Whether you’re commuting on I-66, driving along Route 29, or navigating a rural highway, big trucks are everywhere. Sharing the road with them safely is about staying alert and giving them the space they need.
Simple safety tips include:
- Don’t cut off a truck: Trucks take much longer to stop than cars. Cutting in front of one can be deadly.
- Watch for wide turns: Trucks often need two lanes to make a turn. Don’t try to sneak around them.
- Be patient: Don’t get frustrated if a truck is driving slowly or cautiously. Most truck drivers are just trying to keep everyone safe.
- Use your signals: Letting a trucker know your intentions can prevent misunderstandings and sudden moves.
It’s also a good idea to avoid distracted driving yourself—because staying fully focused behind the wheel gives you more time to spot dangerous situations and avoid them.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident in Virginia?
Truck accident cases are very different from regular car accidents. Why? Because there are often multiple parties involved, and the stakes are much higher.
These cases may involve:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A maintenance provider
- A cargo loading company
- The manufacturer of a faulty part
Figuring out who’s responsible—and proving it—isn’t something you want to handle alone.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we dig deep. We collect driver logs, GPS data, inspection records, black box data, and more. We interview witnesses, consult experts, and build a strong case based on evidence—not guesswork.
And while you focus on healing, we handle the calls, the paperwork, and the insurance company.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE Truck Accident Consultation
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, don’t wait to get help. These are complex cases, and the trucking companies act fast to protect themselves. You should have someone protecting you, too.
When you contact the Parrish Law Firm, here’s what you can expect:
- A free consultation with an experienced Virginia truck accident attorney
- A no-pressure environment where your story is heard
- A team that makes everything easier for you—from evidence collection to settlement
- No fees unless we win your case
Jim Parrish used to work for the insurance companies. Now, he uses that inside knowledge to fight for the people they try to take advantage of.
Call the Parrish Law Firm today, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery—with confidence and peace of mind.
Call or Text (571) 229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form