When a vehicle malfunction occurs, the consequences can be devastating. This was the case on Interstate (I-85) South in Brunswick, Virginia (VA) when a tractor trailer that was carrying two people had a left front axle break. This caused the truck to run off the road and hit multiple trees.

Tragically, the two people in the trailer were killed when the vehicle burst into flames, according to NBC12.com. The burns were so bad that the bodies could not be immediately identified.

There are many questions that need to be answered about this terrible truck crash. What exactly caused the axle to malfunction? Could this problem extend to the model of tractor trailer involved in the wreck? We’ll have to wait and see what the accident investigation reveals.

I want to send my deepest condolences to the families of the two people killed in this truck accident. Losing someone close to you is never easy, but having it happen in such a sudden and terrible manner is heartbreaking.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY, FL and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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A dump truck was traveling down Interstate 95 (I-95) in Woodbridge, Virginia (VA) near Prince William Parkway when the truck driver allegedly suffered a medical emergency. This emergency caused the truck to swerve out of control and hit 12 other vehicles, according to the Washington Post. The dump truck couldn’t even be stopped until it pinned a car against a guardrail, according to wjla.com.

This wreck is an example of the damage a large truck can inflict on the road when operated improperly. Even the slightest miscalculation or problem behind the wheel can lead to a major accident.

Five people suffered injuries and are receiving treatment at a hospital in VA. Fortunately, no loss of life was sustained in this truck accident.

The dump truck driver was charged with reckless driving by Prince William County Police, according to wtop.com.  

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently approved a proposed rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that would require the use of electronic onboard recorders by certain commercial trucking companies. This new regulation will require trucking companies whose drivers have a record of violating current safety regulations, including hours-of-service rules, to use the recorders in tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs and all other trucks in their fleet.

This new rule comes on the heels of a texting ban for all truck drivers. Those who violate the texting rule face a fine of $2,750.

Some people in the trucking industry make look at these new regulations and complain about all of the oversight and restrictions. They may even describe an electronic onboard recorder as a violation of privacy. What they fail to realize is that these new regulations are designed to help save lives by reducing the number of truck crashes attributed to preventable actions like texting and/or an overworked trucker falling asleep at the wheel.

The data is as clear as day regarding the risks of texting and drowsy/overworked truck drivers. In 2008, nearly 6,000 people were killed, and over 500,000 people were injured in accidents linked to distracted driving. When it comes to drowsy truckers, roughly 13 percent of all truck wrecks are due to tired truckers. Most of these truck drivers are drowsy and overworked because they violated the hours-of-service regulation which determines the number of hours a driver can operate a commercial truck. With the new electronic onboard recorder, instances of willful negligence should decrease.

Hopefully, when these new regulations are working in concert, we’ll see a precipitous drop in the number of truck wrecks in Virginia (especially those wrecks that can be prevented with proper oversight and responsible behavior from both trucking companies and drivers).

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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Most people have little idea of just exactly how dangerous a tractor trailer can be. If you think about the simple physics regarding the size of an 18 wheeler then it becomes more clear how especially hazardous they can be when it comes to collisions and accidents.

For example, here are just a few numbers representing this danger:

I would like to point out that these statistics are alarming and even so, most folks have no idea of the danger.

* 98% of tractor-trailer-related fatalities involve the other vehicle’s driver or passengers – not the driver of the tractor-trailer.

*Big-Rig related fatalities are estimated at close to 5,000 people a year.

*18-wheelers accidents cause approximately 55,000 injuries a year

*An estimated 130,000 tractor trailer accidents occur each year without injury

Did you know that road conditions have very little to do with semi tractor trailer accidents?

It is a popular misconception that road conditions play a major role  in serious tractor-trailer accidents, when this is actually when  most truck drivers are especially careful and mindful of inclement weather or slick roads. The fact remains that this is not when the largest proportion of tractor-trailer accidents happen.

*Well over 80% of all tractor-trailer accidents occur on dry roads.

*Again, over 80% of big-rig accidents happen during perfectly normal weather conditions.

*Surprisingly, almost 70% of tractor-trailer accidents occur during broad daylight.

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Although the roads and highways along Virginia’s I-81, I-64 or I-66 have not reported any recent bad tractor trailer accidents, there was one in Springfield, Ohio today. A tractor-trailer jackknifed on icy road conditions and slammed into a van filled with disabled passengers that were being transported. The big rig swerved into oncoming traffic colliding with the van killing four of its occupants and injuring 7 others that were inside as well.

A new device called the “Atlas AJSS” has recently been invented that automatically engages at a speed of 45miles per hour (72km/h) and stays engaged unless manually released. It is actuated electronically and operated pneumatically from the truck’s accumulator air supply. The device prevents the trailer and the truck from becoming over 15 out of alignment with each other. Under normal operating (highway) speeds, this 15 swing does not interfere with driving even on the most winding roads; of course, the system disengages under 45mph to allow for the hair-pin curves of winding mountain roads which are traversed at speeds under 45mph.

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Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, & Appleton

A tragic accident occurred on Interstate 64 (I-64) when a minivan and tanker truck slammed into each other. Gary Allen and Donald Beazley suffered serious injuries and Sue Ratliff Beazley was killed, according to wvec.com.

My deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Beazley for the loss of his wife.

Reports indicate the truck crossed the median producing a head-on collision with the minivan. The wreck was severe, a common result from a serious trucking accident. We don’t know the extent of the injuries for the two individuals, but we do know they’re being treated in a trauma center.

I hope a thorough investigation is conducted and they find out what caused the truck driver to cross the median and cause this terrible accident.The Virginian-Pilot is reporting Mr. Allen, the driver of the truck, suffered a medical-related incident but they don’t know for sure if that’s what caused the accident.

I-64 receives a high volume of traffic on a daily basis and a volatile combination of compact cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks all utilize I-64. Unfortunately, accidents occur on this highway on a regular basis but it’s always so tragic when these horrendous fatal accidents take place.

Over 120,000 truck accidents occur each year in the United States and nearly 2,000 serious injuries stemming from truck accidents occur in Virginia (VA) annually. These numbers are simply unacceptable and need to decrease.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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Four tractor trailers, six cars and one camper were involved in an accident last Wednesday on I-77 in Fancy Gap, Va. which closed traffic in both lanes for hours.  According to the police, a tractor-trailer travelling southbound slid down the highway, lost control and rolled-over spilling its load of ceramic tiles.  Two other vehicles had crashed into the semi-truck , which subsequently caused three other separate accidents.

The driver of the first tractor-trailer was immediately rushed to the Surry County hospital via ambulance; five others were reportedly inured and later hospitalized. By the time the police arrived at the truck accident scene, only two people had remained. After a thorough clean-up that took hours, I-77 was reopened just before 8 p.m. Although the big rig accident is still under investigation, police have speculated on a few reasons for the wreck with weather conditions as a possible factor.

According to kidshealth.org, the best strategy in driving in bad weather is to avoid it.  However, if it is really inevitable, there are some helpful tips to prevent accidents in a bad weather. Make sure your headlights are on.  Increase your following distance and maintain it.   Slow down. Braking takes longer on slippery roads, the slower you go, the easier it will be for you to stop.  Make sure your car is prepared for the conditions (check your battery, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, windshield wipers, headlights, tires).

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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Ronald Cook of Bedford County, Virginia (VA) was enjoying a ride in his Chevy Avalanche when, suddenly, his truck flipped over on Virginia Route 24 and ended his life. Mr. Cook was not wearing his seatbelt, according to Newsadvance.com.

My condolences go out to Mr. Cook’s friends and family.

Hopefully, this tragic accident highlights the importance of wearing your seat belt at all times when you’re driving. There are some drivers, especially people who have big trucks and SUVs, who feel they’re safe due to the sheer size of the vehicle and neglect their seat belt. Clearly, this is wrong and probably contributes to the fact that 63 percent of people killed in automobile accidents are not wearing their seat belt, according to car-accidents.com.

This needs to change. As an injury lawyer who regularly represents people seriously hurt in car and truck accidents, I’ve seen the physical damage that can be done when an individual fails to wear their seat belt. Even if you avoid death, the chances of suffering a serious injury such as a broken neck or neck, loss of limbs, facial disfiguration, burns, etc. escalate precipitously.

Seat belts save, on average, over 9,500 lives each year. I cannot overemphasize the importance of a seat belt. It could mean the difference between life and death, regardless of the vehicle you drive.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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A report by the American Association for Justice revealed that more than 28,000 motor carrier companies and more than 211,000 trucks violated federal safety regulations and were still operating on our roads.

A majority of these trucks received a “conditional” grade which means they are operating with one or more safety violations. Many truck companies are based in Texas, but there are plenty in Virginia (VA) and the companies based in the Commonwealth also violate federal safety standards.

The most common violation was defective brakes. Obviously, having functional brakes is essential for safety, but trucking companies simply ignore this requirement and send their employees out on the road with malfunctioning brake systems.

Other violations include:

• Balding tires, retreaded tires
• Truck loads exceeding weight limits
• Inexperienced and untrained drivers
• Drivers working excessive hours
• Drivers with drug or alcohol dependencies
• Falsified trucking logs and other records

In 2007, more than 86,000 people in the United States were seriously hurt after being involved in a trucking accident and over 4800 people died as a result. These statistics are unacceptable and something needs to be done. All of the violations listed above can be corrected with simple responsibility and ethical business practices. It’s shocking that truck companies remain in business even after it’s been discovered they falsify trucking logs and send their employees out untrained or poorly trained to handle such dangerous equipment.

As an injury lawyer who works for a firm that regularly represents people whose lives were changed forever after bring involved in a truck accident, I’ve seen firsthand the devastation these vehicles can inflict. There needs to be a full-scale investigation into the trucking industry and harsh punishments need to be levied in order to send a clear message that safety comes first, not last.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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