Automobile collisions are frightening and unsettling for everyone involved. Due to their massive size and weight, accidents involving semi-trucks and other large trucks commonly result in severe injuries. Trucks are a common sight in Pennsylvania, whether they are transporting cargo or delivering packages; consequently, truck accidents are more frequent than one might expect.

Immediately seeking medical attention should be your top priority if you have been injured in a truck accident. The next step is to consider your legal options. In addition to medical costs, you may incur auto repair costs or need a replacement vehicle. There are numerous things to consider. In accidents involving tractor trailers, for example, it may be difficult to determine how you will be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Therefore, it is crucial to contact an experienced PA truck accident lawyer who can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement.

To accomplish this, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is committed to providing each client with straightforward, trustworthy legal counsel. Our attorneys are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you, allowing you to focus on your family and recovery.

There is no retainer fee when you hire a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney from Brandon J. Broderick. We accept cases on a contingency basis, which means we are only compensated if you win. In other words, you have no obligation to us if our efforts fail. Your insurance company may offer you a settlement for your truck accident that is insufficient to cover all of your costs if you do not file a claim. It is possible that you will incur out-of-pocket expenses for your injuries. We can help you recover from this setback if you contact us as soon as possible.

This page will provide an easy-to-understand summary of information about truck accidents in Pennsylvania.

ALLOW A PROFESSIONAL TO HELP YOU OBTAIN COMPENSATION

The occupants of a vehicle involved in an accident with a large truck could sustain catastrophic injuries, incur significant medical expenses, and face an uncertain financial future. Nobody anticipates getting into an accident and then having to consider filing a lawsuit or a personal injury claim. However, it is essential to be aware of your rights and anticipate what you may need in the future, especially when attempting to resolve or settle your case. The majority of the time, an insurance company will attempt to communicate with injured parties and reach a settlement as quickly and affordably as possible. Before engaging in these discussions, you should seek the advice of a skilled attorney. In addition to reimbursement for immediate medical expenses, you may also be eligible for reimbursement for wage loss, ongoing care, and treatment.

Skilled Negotiators and Trial Lawyers

It can be difficult to determine liability in a truck accident, so many people who have been hurt in one end up hiring an attorney to help them navigate the insurance claims process. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can help you deal with the other party's insurance company and fight for the compensation to which you are entitled, relieving you of a lot of the burden. We will not hesitate to take the insurance company to court if they refuse to negotiate a fair settlement with us.

We Will Support You

Hiring Brandon J. Broderick means you can put all your energy into healing while we handle the rest. With your help, our seasoned legal team will fight for the money you need. During this trying time, we will do everything in our power to defend your rights and stand by your side. You can get in touch with us for a free consultation. We will see to it that this is a short-lived setback. We have a proven track record of success to back up that claim.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A TRACTOR-TRAILER IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Accidents that require immediate medical attention are frightening experiences for everyone involved. It can be overwhelming and terrifying, but taking specific precautions to be prepared for an accident or emergency can help reduce anxiety.

At the scene of an accident, it is crucial to keep in mind the following:

  • Make sure to use your smartphone's camera to document any injuries or damage.
  • Maintain your composure and, if it is safe to do so, move your car out of the way of traffic. 
  • Be sure to always have a fully charged phone, notepad, first aid kit, bottled water, and anything else that might come in handy. 
  • Don't forget to record the information of any potential witnesses or additional victims. Names, numbers, emails, plates, and other identifying information may be included.
  • Take down information about the weather, road conditions, and anything else that might have played a role in the incident. It is important to remember as many details as possible, even if some of them seem unimportant at the time.
  • Report the accident to the police.
  • The last step is to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer in Pennsylvania.

Even though the other party, such as the truck driver, may offer you a cash settlement, you should think twice before accepting it. In many cases, the damage to your property and vehicle and the extent of your injuries are much greater than they appear at first. Your first priority should be to consult with your lawyer and the authorities if you are offered a cash settlement. In addition, a comprehensive investigation of the accident may be necessary before an accurate assessment can be made.

Hiring a PA truck accident lawyer will allow you to focus on what's truly important during this trying time: getting well. Your case will be strengthened by your personal injury attorney and their legal team as they collect evidence and negotiate with insurance companies.

WHAT IS MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?

In the event of an accident involving a tractor-trailer, you may be compensated for both monetary and non-monetary damages. The awarded damages include both past and future economic losses, so you will be compensated for expenses incurred at the time of the accident as well as those anticipated in the future.

What Do Economic Damages Consist Of?

Economic damages consist of medical expenses, lost wages, property damage such as auto repair costs, and additional expenses such as towing and rental car fees.

In most cases, economic damages are awarded based on the amount of money lost as a result of an accident. This monetary award will compensate you for lost income and future lost income as a result of your ongoing rehabilitation and treatment. Medical expenses incurred both immediately after the accident and for ongoing treatment are also considered economic damages. These are examples of medical expenses:

  • Hospital bills
  • Doctor's appointments, co-pay, etc.
  • Physical therapy or occupational therapy
  • Transportation: to and from appointments

The negotiation will be more complex the more medical expenses and other damages you seek. When this occurs, the assistance of a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer is essential to the success of the case. Most insurance adjusters will not take you seriously if you do not have legal counsel. Instead, they may attempt to offer you far inferior compensation.

If you have sustained a severe injury, your medical treatment may extend far beyond what was originally anticipated. Alternatively, you may sustain permanent injuries that require ongoing care. This would necessitate including future medical expenses in your claim. If an injury renders you unable to work, you should be compensated for your lost earnings. It is crucial that you assess your future damages and have a thorough understanding of the extent of your injuries and prognosis.

Your Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer will use both medical and labor experts to predict future costs based on the prognosis and long-term implications of any injuries you sustained in the accident. The extent of an injury and its prognosis will be determined by a doctor, while a labor expert may be called upon to provide an estimate of income lost and future earnings. If you've suffered long-term or permanent injuries in a truck accident, hiring an attorney to handle your claim and fight on your behalf is crucial. 

The following items will constitute future economic losses:

  • Future medical costs
  • Future nursing care costs
  • Future earnings loss or inability to work
  • Costs of household services that you may no longer be able to do on your own

You shouldn't rush into accepting a settlement offer without first fully understanding the extent of your damages. Early offers are typically much lower and may not cover all of your current and future medical costs.

What Do Non-Economic Damages Consist Of?

Non-economic damages are common in cases involving injuries from car accidents. However, it is challenging to quantify the losses. Physical and mental pain, emotional distress, the loss of a loved one, and the inability to enjoy life as a whole are all examples of non-economic damages. Punitive damages and compensation for the victim's pain and suffering are two common forms of non-monetary compensation in personal injury lawsuits.

No established method exists for calculating compensation for non-economic damages. Numerous factors are taken into account, such as your age at the time of the accident, the severity and duration of the injury, the impact the injury has had on your life, any disfigurement, and the amount of pain and emotional distress you have endured or continue to endure. All of these factors are considered when calculating the amount of non-economic damages.

THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Whether trucks are involved in minor or severe collisions, a number of contributing factors are more prevalent than others. When we accept a case involving a truck accident, our legal team investigates the underlying cause as well as other contributing factors.

Driver fatigue is the leading cause of accidents involving truck drivers, as opposed to other factors. In order to meet these demands, trucking companies frequently incentivize their drivers to arrive faster, putting their own and others' safety at risk by driving without sufficient rest.

Additional causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Drowsiness or fatigue, typically brought on by long periods of driving without rest;
  • Use of alcohol and drugs;
  • Driving with impatience or excessive speed;
  • Distracted driving 
  • Disobeying traffic signs and signals.

WHO IS AT FAULT IN A PA TRUCK ACCIDENT?

Statistics show that truck drivers are frequently found to be at fault, irresponsible, or at least partially liable for the majority of collisions. Nevertheless, it is not always easy to determine who is at fault in a truck accident, and frequently multiple parties may share responsibility.

If the trucking company violated rules or safety regulations, the company could be held accountable. Alternatively, various truck components may be owned or maintained by multiple companies. For instance, the trailer may be owned and insured by a different company than the tow truck, which may be owned and insured by a different owner or company. To better understand your case and all of your options, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer. This is especially true when it comes to determining liability in large truck accidents.

At-Fault Drivers

Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, which can make it hard to understand whether or not you have a case. If you were involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident to discuss your legal options and possible compensation.

In addition to following all traffic laws, truck drivers must also abide by additional guidelines put in place for everyone's safety. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has established the following rules that truck drivers must follow. 

  • 60/70-Hour Limit: This stipulates that a truck driver cannot drive after 60 to 70 hours over a seven- to eight-day period. In fact, truckers are mandated to take at least 34 hours off during this period. 
  • This limit prohibits truck drivers from driving for more than 11 hours without ten consecutive hours off. 
  • After beginning their shift, drivers are not permitted to remain on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours. In addition, they are required to take 10 hours off per 24-hour day.
  • Once every eight hours, truck drivers must take a 30-minute break.

PENNSYLVANIA TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and company-owned vehicles, populate our roads. Despite accounting for only 5% of vehicles on the road, 11% of fatalities are caused by commercial vehicles. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were a total of 7,832 commercial vehicle accidents in 2021. Multiple parties are involved in the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles, which distinguishes commercial accidents from other types.

IN PA, THERE ARE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

The FMCSA and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulate trucks used for transportation. To ensure that cargo is secure and the potential for risk is minimized, both regulatory organizations impose stringent height and weight limits.

Whenever they are involved in an accident or collision, trucks frequently violate a state or federal law. These regulations were implemented to protect truck drivers and other motorists.

Trucking and commercial transportation companies in Pennsylvania must adhere to a comprehensive set of weight, height, and width restrictions for commercial vehicles:

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code specifies that the maximum truck height and width are 13' 6" and 8' 6", respectively. To operate on Pennsylvania roadways, drivers of taller or broader trucks must obtain an over-dimensional vehicle permit. Trucks that exceed the height and width restrictions run the risk of causing property damage, such as colliding with a bridge. In addition, additional vehicles may be involved, which may result in severe injuries to the occupants of those vehicles. If a driver violates these state laws, they or their trucking company could be held responsible for any property damage or injuries resulting from a truck accident.

HOW OUR PA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS CAN HELP YOU

Truck accident victims may be awarded a range of compensatory damages. There are additional recoverable financial losses in addition to medical expenses. In addition to medical expenses, the following forms of additional compensation may be awarded:

  • Emotional suffering.
  • Lost wages and earnings in the future
  • Damages to your automobile, including replacement or repair of parts.
  • The death of a loved one or friend.
  • The expense of employing a caregiver.
  • Mental health or strain on personal relationships, including with your spouse or other relatives.

As soon as you contact our firm, our legal team begins gathering all of the evidence necessary to pursue your case. The evidence may consist of receipts, bills, expert reports and documentation, medical test results, employment records, and any pertinent information describing the accident's effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we aim to achieve the best possible result for you as quickly as possible. We want to ensure that you are paid as soon as possible, as we are aware that you need the money! Despite the fact that the vast majority of cases are settled out of court, we will prepare our clients for the possibility of a trial. Even if going to court is necessary, we will fight for the best possible outcome. Many insurance companies and other attorneys rely on the victim's lawyer to settle the case outside of court. You have the right to the best possible defense and compensation.

IS THERE A DEADLINE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR MY TRUCK ACCIDENT?

Pennsylvania's personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. The statute of limitations for truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Keep in mind that truck accidents frequently necessitate a comprehensive investigation, so we advise calling immediately. This allows your attorney ample time to investigate your case prior to filing.

CONTACT BRANDON J. BRODERICK AT ANY TIME TO RECEIVE A FREE CONSULTATION

We understand. A truck accident's aftermath can extend far beyond physical injury. This could be your mental health or your financial situation. You and your loved ones may feel overwhelmed and anxious as a result of this. Wouldn't it be reassuring to know you could count on someone to fight on your behalf?

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we value exceptional customer service, compassion, and success. As a result, we are among the most prominent truck accident attorneys in Pennsylvania. You can count on us to resolve your case using the most effective strategy and diligent effort. We have a history of success with truck accident claims and cases in Pennsylvania. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping truck accident victims. We have assisted individuals just like you in recovering from injuries caused by someone else's negligence. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

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