Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorney

Let Our Team Connect You With an Attorney From Our Co-Counsel Near You

The Goldwater Law Firm has strategic partnerships with co-counsels nationwide, allowing us to help people in all 50 states. We are a widely recognized name in personal injury law and have a strong reputation for getting results for accident victims. When someone from Pennsylvania needs our help, we can connect them with one of our law firm partners to manage their case.

We understand that you are facing a challenge if you suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. You are likely feeling scared, angry, or frustrated, and may not know what to do or who to call. You want a legal team on your side that will treat you with respect and empathy. We will help you find them.

When you work with one of our co-counsels near you, they will represent you based on contingency. You will not have to worry about paying for legal representation or services upfront. They will use firm funds to manage your case, and you will only pay them for their work after they secure a payout for you.

How Do Commercial Truck Drivers Cause Pennsylvania Collisions?

Commercial truck drivers are held to a higher standard for training and operation of large vehicles on the roads. However, they still make mistakes behind the wheel and cause collisions. Some causes of truck accidents include:

• Improper lane changes or failure to signal when changing lanes
• Inadequate braking or failing to stop in time
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving, such as using a phone or GPS
• Tailgating or following too closely
• Speeding, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather conditions
• Driver fatigue
• Lack of training or failure to comply with regulations
• Improper cargo securement
• Failure to maintain equipment
• Inadequate blind spot checks before changing lanes
• Unsafe passing, especially on highways or in construction zones

Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Like in most crashes, mistakes behind the wheel are a common cause of accidents involving commercial big rigs. The driver carelessly violates a traffic law, resulting in a crash. However, this does not mean truck drivers are the only liable parties in these cases.

Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds employers vicariously liable for the actions of their workers when those actions occur within the scope of the job. In trucking accidents, this means that the trucking company might be liable if:

• The driver was driving a company truck and hauling cargo or returning from a delivery, and
• The crash occurred due to negligent driving.

The trucking company might also be liable if the crash occurred because of a violation of regulations, such as hours-of-service laws or maintenance concerns. The trucking company can also be liable for a driver who was inadequately trained.

Why Are Truck Accident Injuries Often Severe?

Many truck accident victims can step outside of the state’s choice no-fault laws because of the severity of the injuries suffered. This means victims can pursue a full range of damages when they have serious injuries.

Truck accident injuries are often severe due to several factors, including:

• Size and Weight Disparity: Tractor-trailer trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles so they can cause more damage during collisions.
• Height and Force of Impact: A truck’s height can lead to underride accidents, where smaller vehicles are trapped underneath.
• Cargo Load: Trucks carry heavy or hazardous cargo, creating additional risks like cargo spills or fires.
• Higher Speed: Trucks traveling at high speeds on interstates and highways may be unable to stop for hazards on the road or slowed traffic, which increases the potential for devastating injuries in an accident.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are more likely to experience fatigue due to long hours of driving, impairing reaction times and judgment.

Recovering Damages Based on Pennsylvania Truck Accident Injuries

The money you might qualify to recover in a truck accident case will depend on your injuries and related damages. An attorney from one of our co-counsels can identify your recoverable damages and seek fair compensation based on them. Some common examples include:

• Current and future medical expenses for treatment and care
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Ongoing care and support needs
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage repair
• Out-of-pocket expenses with receipts
• Pain and suffering
• Other intangible losses

Wrongful Death in a Pennsylvania Truck Accident

Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 8301, a victim’s personal representative can file a claim or lawsuit for compensation if the victim dies from their crash injuries. These lawsuits seek damages for the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If the personal representative does not file within six months of the death, any of the eligible beneficiaries can file on their behalf.

Some of the potential wrongful death damages include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs before death
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of services
• Loss of guidance, companionship, and care

Pursuing Fair Compensation Based on the Details of Your Truck Accident Case

Building a case based on a truck accident is unique from other types of car crash cases because of the wide range of unique kinds of evidence that may be available. Federal and state regulations create a lot of additional evidence that could support your claim or lawsuit. Your attorney will know how to identify, preserve, and gain access to this evidence.

This could include:

• The driver’s rest logs
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
• The truck’s black box (ECM) data
• Dashcam footage
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Bill of lading and cargo manifests
• The driver’s employment and training records
• Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
• The company’s FMCSA violation history
• GPS and route data
• Weight station and toll booth logs

A truck accident lawyer from one of our co-counsels can demand fair compensation from the trucking company or sue them on your behalf. Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524(2), Pennsylvania law generally gives you up to two years to sue for compensation. It is crucial you do not miss this deadline. Act quickly to protect your rights and enlist the help of an attorney to manage your case. You can focus on healing while they handle everything else.