{"id":10751,"date":"2026-10-30T02:41:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T02:41:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-accident-claim-west-virginia\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T02:15:42","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T02:15:42","slug":"tractor-trailer-accident-claim-west-virginia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-accident-claim-west-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"Tractor-Trailer Accident Claim West Virginia: Key Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-10749\" alt=\"Investigators photograph a truck collision scene at an industrial intersection, documenting damage, road markings, and signal equipment.\" src=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Tractor-Trailer Accident Claims | West Virginia<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Hurt in a Tractor-Trailer Crash? Know the Key Steps Before You Talk to Anyone<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Big Bubba Injury Law represents people seriously injured in car and commercial truck crashes, and families who have lost a loved one, across West Virginia. We serve Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling and communities statewide.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/contact\/\">Request a Free Case Review<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Where We Serve<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">55<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">West Virginia counties served<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">Published October 29, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<h2>What a Tractor-Trailer Accident Claim Is and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n<p>A tractor-trailer accident claim West Virginia residents can bring is a legal demand for compensation after a crash with a large commercial truck. It asks the people responsible for the crash to cover the harm it caused.<\/p>\n<p>These claims help a wide group of people. Drivers and passengers in cars can file one after a semi hits them. Pedestrians and others hurt by a truck can too. When a crash causes a death, a wrongful death claim is generally brought by the decedent&#8217;s personal representative, not by the family.<\/p>\n<p>Tractor-trailer crashes often cause more serious injuries than a typical car crash. They also tend to involve more parties, such as the driver, the trucking company, and each side&#8217;s insurer. That makes the claim process more involved.<\/p>\n<p>The firm handles car accidents, truck accidents, and commercial vehicle accidents. It also handles catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. We serve all 55 West Virginia counties, including Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Beckley, Clarksburg, Fairmont and Weirton.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a semi truck crash left you hurt or grieving, you may have a claim, and the firm can review it with you. Request a free case review. Talk it through with Big Bubba &#8212; the first case review is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/contact\/\">Get a free case review<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-large-industrial-truck-parked-on-a-city-street-representin-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A large industrial truck parked on a city street.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Who May Be Responsible After a Tractor-Trailer Crash<\/h2>\n<p>More than one party can share responsibility after a tractor-trailer crash. Possible parties include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The truck driver<\/li>\n<li>The motor carrier, or trucking company, that employed or dispatched the driver<\/li>\n<li>The vehicle owner, if it is a different company from the carrier<\/li>\n<li>In some cases, maintenance contractors or parts manufacturers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>West Virginia law defines an &#8220;employer defendant&#8221; broadly. It includes the owner of a commercial vehicle, the operator&#8217;s employer, and any entity that holds legal control over the vehicle or driver. <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-32\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-32<\/a> That statute also limits certain noneconomic damages against these employers, with exceptions.<\/p>\n<p>Federal driving rules matter too. This state cap does not set driving hours itself. The cap does not apply at all if the driver is found to have operated a commercial motor vehicle &#8220;in excess of the hours of operation established under state or federal regulations&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-32\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-32<\/a>). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/on\/2026-10-06\/title-49\/section-395.3\">49 CFR \u00a7 395.3<\/a> Carriers must make sure drivers follow these duties. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/on\/2026-10-06\/title-49\/section-390.11\">49 CFR \u00a7 390.11<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Which parties are liable depends on the facts of each crash and the evidence.<\/p>\n<h2>Evidence That Trucking Companies May Not Keep Long<\/h2>\n<p>The most useful truck evidence is often held by the trucking company. Some of it has short keeping periods, so early action matters.<\/p>\n<p>Federal rules set minimum keeping periods for some records. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/on\/2026-10-06\/title-49\/section-396.11\">49 CFR \u00a7 396.11<\/a> requires most carriers to keep driver vehicle inspection reports, repair certifications, and driver review certifications for three months from the date the written report was prepared, though it does not apply to a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), a driveaway-towaway operation, or a carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/on\/2026-10-06\/title-49\/section-391.51\">49 CFR \u00a7 391.51<\/a> allows certain records, such as the motor vehicle record and the annual review note, to be removed from a driver&#8217;s qualification file three years after the date of execution. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/on\/2026-10-06\/title-49\/section-379.3\">49 CFR \u00a7 379.3<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Other key evidence includes electronic logging device data showing the driver&#8217;s duty status. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/on\/2026-10-06\/title-49\/section-395.8\">49 CFR \u00a7 395.8<\/a> Dash camera video, maintenance records, cargo papers, and the crash report are also important.<\/p>\n<p>If you can, take these steps right away:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Photograph the scene, both vehicles, and the damage.<\/li>\n<li>Write down the truck&#8217;s company name, DOT number, and plate.<\/li>\n<li>Get witness names and phone numbers.<\/li>\n<li>Keep every medical and repair record.<\/li>\n<li>Think carefully before giving a recorded statement to the trucking company&#8217;s insurer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After a free case review, the firm can send preservation requests. These tell the carrier to keep the records that matter most.<\/p>\n<h2>How Fault Is Decided Under West Virginia Law<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-13a\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-13a<\/a> defines &#8220;comparative fault&#8221; as the degree to which the fault of a person was a proximate cause of an alleged personal injury or death or damage to property, expressed as a percentage. In an action seeking damages for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death, it allocates the liability of each person who proximately caused the damages, including plaintiffs, defendants and nonparties, in direct proportion to that person&#8217;s percentage of fault.<\/p>\n<p>Under this rule, fault is expressed as a percentage. Each person&#8217;s share is allocated to that person, including the injured person. <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-13a\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-13a<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Here is an example. A car driver changes lanes too close to a truck, and the truck driver was also careless. A fact finder might split fault between them. The injured driver&#8217;s recovery would be reduced by their own share.<\/p>\n<p>Filing deadlines matter. West Virginia generally gives two years to bring a personal injury claim. <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-2-12\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-2-12<\/a> sets a two-year limit for personal injury actions where no other limitation is prescribed. For wrongful death, the action generally must be commenced within two years after the death under <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-6\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6<\/a>, subject to the provisions of section eighteen, article two, chapter fifty-five. <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-6\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6<\/a> reads: &#8220;The provisions of this section shall not apply to actions brought for the death of any person occurring prior to July 1, 1988.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-6\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6<\/a> The exact timing can turn on the facts of each case, so waiting is risky.<\/p>\n<h2>Injuries and Claims the Firm Handles<\/h2>\n<p>The firm handles claims for people seriously hurt in crashes, including the injury types below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Car and truck accidents.<\/strong> This covers crashes with commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. You may have been in a car, on foot, or in another vehicle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Catastrophic injuries.<\/strong> These include injuries such as amputation, severe burns, and multiple fractures. They can change daily life for a long time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traumatic brain injury.<\/strong> Brain injury symptoms are not always obvious at the scene. Keep every medical visit, and note changes in how you think, sleep, or feel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spinal cord injury.<\/strong> These injuries can affect movement and independence. They often call for long-term medical planning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wrongful death.<\/strong> A personal representative of the estate brings this claim. Damages may include sorrow, mental anguish and solace. The verdict of the jury shall include, but may not be limited to, compensation for reasonably expected loss of the decedent&#8217;s income and services, expenses for the care, treatment and hospitalization of the decedent incident to the injury resulting in death, and reasonable funeral expenses. <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-6\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Commercial vehicle accidents.<\/strong> This includes logging trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How the Claim Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A tractor-trailer claim usually moves through five stages. It goes to court only if a fair resolution can&#8217;t be reached.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Free case review.<\/strong> This confidential first meeting carries no obligation to continue. The firm listens to what happened and reviews the basic facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preservation and investigation.<\/strong> The firm can send preservation requests. It gathers crash reports, medical records, and available trucking records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evaluation.<\/strong> The firm reviews fault, injuries, and losses. It works with medical providers to document the full scope of injuries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Demand and negotiation.<\/strong> The firm presents the claim to the responsible parties and their insurers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filing suit if needed.<\/strong> The firm files in the proper West Virginia court and explains each stage as it comes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-11a\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-11a<\/a> restricts settlement talks, obtaining statements, and releases only within 20 days of the injury, and only while the injured person is an inpatient or totally or partially unable to work.<\/p>\n<p>The firm focuses on serious injury, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death claims. It has support staff and serves all 55 West Virginia counties. Its free case review is confidential, with no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with Big Bubba &#8212; the first case review is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/contact\/\">Get a free case review<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Tractor-Trailer Claims<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the crash have to happen on a highway?<\/summary><p>Claims can arise from crashes on city streets, rural roads, and highways alike.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if the truck driver says the crash was my fault?<\/summary><p>The driver&#8217;s account is one piece of evidence. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-13a\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-13a<\/a>, each person&#8217;s liability is allocated in direct proportion to that person&#8217;s percentage of fault.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a family bring a claim if a loved one died in a truck crash?<\/summary><p>Yes. A personal representative of the estate brings the wrongful death claim. It must start within two years after the death, subject to the provisions of section eighteen, article two, chapter fifty-five (<a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-6\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6<\/a>). <a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-7-6\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6<\/a> reads: &#8220;The provisions of this section shall not apply to actions brought for the death of any person occurring prior to July 1, 1988.&#8221;<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How soon should I act?<\/summary><p>Two years is the general deadline for West Virginia personal injury claims (<a href=\"https:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/55-2-12\/\">W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-2-12<\/a>). Evidence can be lost sooner, so acting early helps.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What should I bring to a free case review?<\/summary><p>Bring the crash report number, photos, medical records, insurance information, and a written timeline of events.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/close-up-of-a-classic-red-semi-truck-with-chrome-details-in-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a classic red semi truck with chrome details in a dimly lit garage\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Tell the Firm What Happened in Your Tractor-Trailer Crash<\/h2>\n<p>If a semi crash left you injured or a loved one gone, the firm can review what happened and explain your options. If you&#8217;re still recovering or weighing a claim against the trucking company and its insurer, timing matters for the trucking records.<\/p>\n<p>Tell Big Bubba what happened, so the records that matter most can be preserved early.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Big Bubba Injury Law is a trade name of Correll Legal Corporation, 142 N Queen St, Suite 121, Martinsburg, WV 25401, which is responsible for the content of this page. The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney fee unless we win; clients remain responsible for case costs.<\/em><\/footer>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/\">Truck Accident Claims in West Virginia | Big Bubba Legal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/trucking-company-records-after-crash-west-virginia\/\">How Long Do Trucking Companies Keep Driver Logs and Crash Data After a Wreck?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-accident-lawyer-west-virginia\/\">Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer for West Virginia Crash Victims<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-crash-injury-claims-west-virginia\/\">Tractor-Trailer Crash Injury Claims in West Virginia: Broken Bones, Ligament Damage and Catastrophic Injuries<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-crash-lawyer-west-virginia\/\">Tractor-Trailer Crash Claims: Contact the Firm in West Virginia<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-rear-end-collision-west-virginia\/\">Tractor-Trailer Rear-End Collision Injury Claims in West Virginia<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents-west-virginia\/tractor-trailer-rollover-jackknife-crash-west-virginia\/\">Tractor-Trailer Rollover and Jackknife Crashes in West Virginia: Injuries and Who May Be Responsible<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hurt in a semi crash in West Virginia? Learn how fault, deadlines and evidence shape a tractor-trailer accident claim, then request a free case review.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":21,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Personal injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Personal_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Negligence\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Comparative negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Comparative_negligence\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Damages\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Damages\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Wrongful death\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wrongful_death\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Statute of limitations\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Statute_of_limitations\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Traffic collision\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traffic_collision\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Semi-trailer truck\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Semi-trailer_truck\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Traumatic brain injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traumatic_brain_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Spinal cord injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spinal_cord_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Bone fracture\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bone_fracture\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Amputation\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amputation\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Big Bubba Injury Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Big Bubba Injury Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does the crash have to happen on a highway?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Claims can arise from crashes on city streets, rural roads, and highways alike.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What if the truck driver says the crash was my fault?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The driver\u2019s account is one piece of evidence. Under W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-13a, each person\u2019s liability is allocated in direct proportion to that person\u2019s percentage of fault.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a family bring a claim if a loved one died in a truck crash?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. A personal representative of the estate brings the wrongful death claim. It must start within two years after the death, subject to the provisions of section eighteen, article two, chapter fifty-five (W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6). W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-7-6 reads: \u201cThe provisions of this section shall not apply to actions brought for the death of any person occurring prior to July 1, 1988.\u201d\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How soon should I act?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Two years is the general deadline for West Virginia personal injury claims (W. Va. Code \u00a7 55-2-12). Evidence can be lost sooner, so acting early helps.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What should I bring to a free case review?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Bring the crash report number, photos, medical records, insurance information, and a written timeline of events.\"}}], \"@id\": \"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/tractor-trailer-accident-claims-west-virginia\/#faq\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigators-photograph-a-truck-collision-scene-at-an-indus-photo.jpg\", \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Beau Correll, Esq.\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/bigbubba.com\/our-team\/beau-correll\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Managing Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/mywvbar.org\/attorney-profile-search?cid=59687\", \"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/beaucorrell\", \"https:\/\/www.avvo.com\/attorneys\/22601-va-beau-correll-2793689.html\"]}, \"headline\": \"Hurt in a Tractor-Trailer Crash? 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