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Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania

You may have many questions when you are involved in a truck accident, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by truck accident victims in the state of Pennsylvania.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Pennsylvania?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), semi-truck and other big rig accidents occur for a number of reasons. These include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Lack of truck maintenance
  • Improper training for the commercial driver
  • Speeding
  • Careless driving
  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Improper cargo loading
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unexpected road or weather conditions
  • Faulty brakes
  • Unfamiliarity with the roadway

No matter the cause of the accident, you may be able to file a claim to seek damages for any losses you incurred, including property damage and medical expenses. A lawyer can help you determine the cause of the truck accident, who is at fault, and possible verdicts, should your case go to trial

What Should You Do After A Tractor-Trailer Accident?

After checking yourself and other accident victims for injuries, the first thing to do following a truck accident is call for emergency help. If you are the truck driver and do not feel injured, you may still want to receive medical care. Sometimes, adrenaline can block signs of injuries for hours or days after an accident.

Once you have administered as much help as you can, cooperate with any emergency personnel, and answer questions to the best of your ability. As tempting as it may be, do not admit fault to a law enforcement officer or anyone else, as this could impact the outcome of your truck accident case later on.

However, do try to obtain information from any other drivers involved, including their name, driver’s license number, license plate number, and auto insurance information. Take pictures of the accident if possible for reference.

It is also a good idea to contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. A lawyer can help direct you on the next best steps to take, what to say to the insurance companies, how long you have to file an accident claim, and more. Finally, if you are the truck driver, you may have to get in contact with your trucking company to alert them of the accident.

What Kinds Of Injuries Are Caused By Truck Accidents?

Accidents involving eighteen-wheelers unfortunately often lead to serious injuries or fatalities for the truck accident victims. Just a few of the injuries that can result from truck accidents:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Dismemberment or disfigurement
  • Bone fractures
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Injuries that affect the spinal cord
  • Death

Lawyers managing truck accident claims are often well-versed in practice areas such as personal injury and wrongful death. If you or a loved one have experienced a serious injury due to an accident involving a large truck, a lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Truck Accident Claim In Pennsylvania?

Personal injury claims in Pennsylvania have a two-year statute of limitations, or deadline by which you can file a claim, according to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. If you are concerned your statute may have passed, speak to a personal injury lawyer right away — they may be able to help.

The statute typically begins the day of your accident or the day you discover damages for which you are filing the claim, such as personal injury. Because this day can vary in certain circumstances, talk to a lawyer before dismissing the idea of filing a claim and losing out on compensation.

How Can I File A Truck Accident Claim?

To file a truck accident injury claim, contact a lawyer who works with a law firm that specializes in these types of claims. LegalFinders can connect you with not only a number of attorneys, but can ensure you find the right attorney for your situation and legal needs.

Once connected with the attorney, they will set up a free consultation to discuss your case. They may ask you to bring medical records, photos, the police report, or other documentation to your first meeting to give your case a thorough assessment.

From there, an injury attorney can determine whether you can file an injury claim and provide you with an estimate for compensation you may be able to receive. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will be there every step of the way, providing legal advice and ensuring you make the best decision for the optimal outcome for your case.

Is Pennsylvania A No-Fault State?

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states in the U.S. that is a no-fault state. This means insurance companies must work with all accident victims involved to pay accident claims. It may also mean that your insurance policy increases its rate every time you’re involved in an accident. However, it does not mean you can’t file a car accident claim to recoup damages for your personal injury or vehicle damages.

Can I Still File A Claim If I’m Partly At-fault?

You will still be able to file an injury claim following a truck accident even if you are partly at fault, since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. Damages, or compensation paid to accident victims for medical expenses and other costs incurred from the accident, are paid by each party’s respective insurance company.

Who Determines Fault In A Truck Accident?

State and federal regulations determine fault in auto accidents. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, so each party involved in the trucking accident can file a claim to seek compensation. In at-fault states, fault is determined according to the police report filed by law enforcement.

Fault may be contested by either party during a truck accident legal case. If you live in an at-fault state, you may file a personal injury claim against the opposing party’s insurance company.

Through LegalFinders, you can easily connect with the most highly rated truck accident attorneys in Pennsylvania. After a large truck accident, you may want to call on a trusted personal injury attorney who can manage your case. Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers can aid in your case by talking to insurance companies, helping you file a personal injury claim if necessary, and being your legal adviser. If you’re unsure where to turn after a tractor-trailer accident, contact LegalFinders for a free consultation.

semi-truck accident lawyers

Connect With The Best Truck Accident Attorney For Your Case

Truck crashes commonly occur in Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of the United States. Some common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, driver error, unexpected or dangerous road conditions, and faulty roadways.

These accidents can lead to serious injuries for the accident victims, property damage, and other consequences. To recoup what you have lost after a large truck accident, you may want to file a personal injury claim or even begin a truck accident lawsuit.

This is where LegalFinders comes in. We provide access to a large network of legal professionals specializing in multiple practice areas to help you in your case.

Motorists facing medical expenses, accident-related damage to their motor vehicle, or wrongful death of a loved one can connect with personal injury attorneys who specialize in truck accidents.

Working with an injury lawyer who knows how to manage a truck accident case can make all the difference in your case outcome. Choosing not to file a truck accident injury claim with help from an attorney, or not filing at all, could mean you lose your chance to receive compensation for your injuries.

Yet a lawyer can help by providing legal advice and guiding you along the way. For instance, many truck accidents involving larger motor vehicles unfortunately lead to fatalities. A lawyer can investigate your case to help you know where you stand and if you may be able to receive compensation for wrongful death of your family member.

An attorney can also provide a free case evaluation, assessing your medical bills, lost wages from work, and other accident-related costs to help you seek maximum compensation.

You don’t have to worry if the other party has no insurance coverage or low coverage through their insurance policy. An attorney can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries by filing a claim through the proper avenue. This could mean filing an injury claim with the insurance company in no-fault states, or filing a truck accident lawsuit when necessary.

The best part is that most law firms work on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t be charged unless they help you win compensation for your case. Calling the LegalFinders helpline or filling out the contact form below is free of charge and no-obligation.

We can put you in touch with lawyers who tackle motor vehicle accident cases involving big rigs, eighteen-wheelers, as well as people in passenger vehicles involved in these accidents. Reach out to us today so we can connect you with a lawyer who will work hard to help you receive fair compensation.

Pennsylvania Truck Accident Statistics

Every year in the state of Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S., there are numerous car accidents involving commercial trucks. Truck drivers are not the only truck accident victims — many of these auto accidents involve passenger vehicles, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. The following facts reflect truck accidents in Pennsylvania, as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:

Auto accidents involving heavy trucks

6,905

resulting in 22 occupant fatalities in 2020

Heavy truck-related fatalities

122

in 2020

Heavy truck-related fatalities

decreased in the last 5 years

down from 162 fatalities in 2016

Accidents involving commercial or semi-trucks

10%

of all auto accident-related fatalities in the state in 2020

Heavy truck crashes accounted for

21.5% of interstate crashes

8.3% of state highway crashes, 34% of turnpike crashes, and 8.6% of crashes on local roads

Most fatal accidents in Pennsylvania occurred on weekend days, a fact that experts believe may be due to alcohol use. Other contributing factors to commercial vehicle and other accidents include speeding, improper turns, distracted driving, and careless driving.

Most Dangerous Pennsylvania Highway

Research shows that driver error in some form is involved in most car crashes. However, other conditions can contribute to auto accidents, such as road conditions.

Some of the most dangerous highways for truckers in Pennsylvania may include:

Highways Descriptions
Roosevelt Blvd With large amounts of fatalities in the Philadelphia segment
Delaware Expressway Also with fatalities in the Philadelphia segment
American Legion Memorial Hwy I-81 Which runs through Mechanicsburg
Street Road With fatalities in the Bensalem segment
State Route 33  
I-95 Considered one of the worst highways in the U.S.
I-83 Which runs directly through the center of Harrisburg
I-80 Routed with valleys and turns which may make for visibility issues
I-79 Famed for dangerous curves
I-78 A common route in the trucking industry

LegalFinders Can Direct You To The Best Truck Accident Attorneys Near You

The best decision you can make when filing a personal injury claim is to work with an experienced law firm backed by a proven track record. LegalFinders offers access to a network of legal professionals who have successfully managed truck accident claims, as well as many other personal injury claims, from wrongful death to car accident claims and more.

If you are looking for a fair settlement offer, a lawyer can help ensure insurance companies do not take advantage of you and that you do not settle for less than you deserve. Yet finding a trustworthy, reliable lawyer can be an intimidating process. At the end of the day, you want a lawyer who communicates with you, someone you know you can rely on to deliver favorable results. Let us help you by taking out the guesswork.

Reach out to LegalFinders today to learn how you can be connected with the best personal injury lawyers from our trusted network for a free case evaluation.

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Published: 21 March 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

Safer America: Consumer Safety Information — [Study] The Deadliest Roads in Pennsylvania

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