Pennsylvania and the greater Philadelphia area are home to some of the heaviest truck traffic, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) page on National Highway System major truck routes. With all those trucks on the road, the chances also increase for an accident with a commercial truck. Getting sideswiped by a commercial truck at 60 mph can throw a driver and a passenger out of a vehicle and cause catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one is recovering from injuries after an accident with a truck in or near Philadelphia, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages or losses.
If you want to consider your legal options, contact a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Our truck accident lawyers understand personal injury cases involving truck accidents and have insights about trucking insurance issues, and Pennsylvania state laws. Call us today at (844) 430-1030.
Truck Accidents
Large tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semis, and even tanker trucks can weigh up to 75,000 pounds in some cases. The sheer size alone means that truck accidents almost always result in catastrophic injuries and even death. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that more than 56,000 injury crashes occurred with trucks in 2017. Nearly 5,000 of these crashes resulted in fatalities.
Because of the potential for harm on the highways, federal and state laws regulate trucking practices. If a trucking company tries to cut corners and does not abide by these regulations, it could be held liable for negligence in vehicle accidents.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Philadelphia, call (844) 430-1030
Causes of Trucking Accidents
The causes of trucking accidents are like other vehicle accidents, a mixture or driver error, driver carelessness, and possibly equipment malfunction. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Analysis Division offers the following reasons for driver issues that can cause highway accidents that result in injuries and deaths:
- Driver fatigue (too many hours of driving without rest)
- Pressure to “beat the clock” for deliveries
- Jackknifing the truck
- Severe weather conditions
- Driver distraction, mobile phones, etc.
- Speeding over posted limits
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Obstructed vision
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Truck Accident Representation
In truck-related accidents, the insurance companies will fight aggressively for the trucking company to do its best not to pay a claim. Insurers may try to create falsehoods about the accident and shift more of the liability back toward you in an accident claim. They are not working for your rights. We will.
The legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, knows how to gather the evidence, present a case for settlement, and consider the possibility of moving to trial. Insurance companies will see they are up against lawyers who are serious about receiving damages for your losses in the truck accident.
If you or a loved one is recovering from an accident with a commercial truck, getting legal representation is an important next step. Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can work through the details of the accident with you. We start with a no-fee consultation, which means we do not require any payment upfront.
After we learn the circumstances of your accident and decide to pursue a lawsuit on your behalf, the fee we eventually receive will be a percentage of any award for damages we are to win for you. Give us a call today to discuss your case.
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Truck Accident Liability
Your accident with a truck may have caused serious personal injuries to you and any passengers in your vehicle. You may have treated for your injuries in the hospital, which means you already know that the medical costs for your accident are sky-high. By bringing a personal injury claim against the trucking company for negligence, you may be able to win back some of those losses incurred from your accident.
Truck accident liability may be more difficult to prove than car accidents for the following reasons:
- Involved parties: If a truck driver causes significant damages, it may involve several parties seeking justice, which can complicate a claim. This could include a truck owner, the owner of the trailer, the driver of the truck, the manufacturer of the truck, and possibly the shipping company that used the truck. All of these extra parties could complicate a personal injury claim, as it would need to assess who was actually at fault in the accident and how much liability might be shared by the company, a third party, and the driver.
- Trucking regulations: Is the trucking company in full compliance with regulations? If not, this could be the key point for a claim, which could prove that the trucking company compromised the safety guidelines.
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Statute of Limitations
According to the statute of limitations under Pennsylvania state law, you have two years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is important to file a lawsuit against the trucking company before two years expires, or the court can dismiss the case.
Work with Ben Crump Law, PLLC
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, attorneys understand the state and federal regulations that can impact your case, and know how to deal with insurance companies that work with trucking companies.
Trucking companies usually must carry specialized insurance due to the risks of their operation. This potentially brings more complexity into negotiations. Depending on the severity of the accident, the insurance companies and local authorities may have their own investigations.
Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer will conduct due diligence into the accident, gather evidence from witnesses, monitor the other crash investigations, seek access to the driver of the truck, and the electronic logging devices in the truck for data about the truck at the time of the accident.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, is ready to work on your behalf for any injuries you or your loved ones are suffering after a serious truck accident. Call us today at (844) 430-1030 to learn about our representation for you in a lawsuit.
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