Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyers

Common types of truck accidents include jackknife accidents, where the truck’s cab and trailer fold inward, often due to sudden braking or poor road conditions. Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof, frequently caused by high speeds, sharp turns, or improper cargo loading. Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the truck’s trailer, typically at intersections or during sudden stops. Additionally, rear-end collisions involving trucks can result from driver distraction, fatigue, or insufficient braking distance.

Truck accident injuries are often severe, such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage, which can lead to long-term disabilities or even fatalities. Additionally, burns and lacerations can occur in accidents involving fires or hazardous materials. The sheer size and weight of trucks exacerbate the potential for catastrophic injuries, underscoring the importance of comprehensive medical care and legal support for victims.

Common causes of truck accidents often stem from a combination of factors, ranging from driver error to mechanical failures and external conditions. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding are prevalent contributors, as truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road. Inadequate maintenance and equipment failure, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, can also lead to accidents. Additionally, adverse weather conditions, poor road infrastructure, and improperly loaded cargo can increase the likelihood of accidents.

Steps to take after a truck accident include:

• Seek medical attention: You and your passengers’ health and well-being should be the top priority. Even if no one exhibits immediate symptoms, it is essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to identify any hidden injuries.
• Get a police report: This document can be crucial in future legal proceedings. The responding officers should provide contact information so you can request a copy.
• Remove the vehicle from the scene: Arranging for vehicle removal and repair in a timely manner reduces further hazards. Acting promptly post-accident facilitates a smoother resolution and recovery process; many passenger vehicles get totaled in truck accidents.
• Document the accident scene: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage. Collect contact information from witnesses who can provide statements corroborating your account of the events.
• Contact a lawyer: Hiring a truck accident lawyer can provide crucial legal guidance and representation to navigate complex legal proceedings. Their experience handling intricate aspects of truck accident c

Truck accidents are complicated because multiple parties can be involved, causing severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. Establishing liability in these cases requires a thorough investigation to determine the factors contributing to the accident – that is how our legal team identifies who may have been at fault. Various elements come into play when determining liability, like driver behavior, vehicle ownership and maintenance, and regulation compliance. With so many variables, the investigation and evidence-gathering process can take longer than you might think.

• Driver negligence: A primary consideration in determining liability is the truck driver’s behavior. One of the first tasks in determining liability is whether the driver is an employee or an owner-operator. Negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly contribute to accidents. We will look into evidence like driver records and logs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and data from the truck’s onboard systems (like event data recorders) to help establish driver negligence.
• Vehicle maintenance: Proper maintenance of commercial trucks is essential for ensuring their safe operation on the roads. Negligence in maintaining critical components like brakes, tires, lights, and steering mechanisms can lead to accidents. Our legal team will investigate maintenance records, inspections, and vehicle condition analysis before the accident to determine liability.
• Employer responsibility: Trucking companies are often held liable for accidents caused by their employees under the legal principle of respondeat superior. That holds employers responsible for the actions performed by their employees while on duty. If the truck driver worked within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred, the employer could be held accountable for negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressure drivers to violate safety regulations.
• Regulatory compliance: The trucking industry is subject to numerous regulations to ensure road safety. Exceeding hours-of-service limits, improper cargo loading, or inadequate vehicle maintenance can be violations that significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. Evidence of regulatory violations can strengthen your case for liability against the driver and the trucking company.
• Third-party liability: In some cases, parties other than the driver or the trucking company may share liability for a truck accident. That could include manufacturers of defective truck parts, maintenance contractors responsible for faulty repairs, or companies responsible for road maintenance or design defects. Our team is also experienced with comprehensive investigations and analyses of the circumstances surrounding truck accidents.

We can aggressively fight to protect your rights and pursue damages, such as the following:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for current and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work during recovery, plus compensation for diminished earning capacity if the injuries result in short- or long-term disability.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional anguish endured as a result of the accident, including trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful death: Truck accidents often lead to fatalities. Seeking legal counsel can help families pursue justice and obtain compensation for their loss, holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Tabakin Wolfe & Nerenberg LLP will provide invaluable guidance throughout the legal process, advocating for your rights and interests. Truck accidents have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond physical injuries and property damage. Seeking legal representation can make all the difference in pursuing justice and fair compensation. Rest assured that your rights will be protected with compassion and commitment at Tabakin Wolfe & Nerenberg LLP.