Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Philadelphia is 311.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

  The Online Crash Report Requests website allows people to search and purchase electronic copies of vehicular crash reports in Philadelphia provided by the Pennsylvania State Police. Updates to crash reports are free of charge for up to one year from the last change. You can request a report using the application form and send it by mail or through the website, allowing a minimum of 15 days from the incident's date.

• Where do most truck accidents occur in Philadelphia?

  Accidents involving trucks tend to occur in several major interstates and highways that pass directly through the center of Philadelphia, including I-95, the Schuylkill Expressway, I-676, and I-76.

• Aside from truck drivers, who are potentially negligent parties in truck accidents in Philadelphia?

  Trucking companies that hire unqualified or inexperienced drivers, independent cargo loading teams that fail to properly secure cargo in truck trailers, and government entities that fail to inspect and maintain roads and highways are potentially liable parties in truck collision cases in Philadelphia.

• What should truck accident victims in Philadelphia do if they are presented with unfair settlement offers by insurance representatives?

  Victims in Philadelphia should avoid making any statements and they must speak to an attorney before accepting any settlement. Truck accident attorneys help injured plaintiffs establish value in their cases based on several factors, such as medical expenditures, lost wages, and property damage.

• Can victims of truck accidents in Philadelphia file personal injury lawsuits against negligent truck drivers who have been arrested for DUI and are facing jail time?

  A truck accident victim in Philadelphia can still file a personal injury lawsuit against a driver who was arrested and found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is because it is a civil claim that aims to obtain an award for damages for the plaintiff, separate from criminal charges that convict a defendant. A criminal court conviction is a strong piece of evidence to prove liability in personal injury cases.

• How long do big rig truck accident victims in Philadelphia have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

  People harmed in accidents involving big rig trucks in Philadelphia have two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims for damages against negligent drivers and trucking companies. The state of Pennsylvania imposes a strict statute of limitations on truck accident cases.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.