Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorneys
While semi-truck drivers must follow the same guidelines as drivers of passenger vehicles, semi-trucks are also governed by strict state and federal guidelines that do not apply to other motor vehicles. For this reason alone, it is imperative that injured truck accident victims retain the services of a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer with the resources to take on large trucking companies and their negligent drivers.
Our truck crash attorneys at Golomb Legal understand trucking industry regulations and have decades of experience helping victims of truck accidents recover the financial compensation they are due.
On This Page
- Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
- Determining Liable Parties
- Benefits of Working with a Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Call (215) 278-4449 to get started with a free consultation. Golomb Legalhandles truck accident cases nationwide from our office in Philadelphia.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
To maintain high profit margins, some trucking companies and semi-truck drivers employ dangerous practices such as setting unrealistic schedules that can result in severe injury or death to innocent people. They may routinely break FMSCA rules and regulations and encourage their drivers to do the same.
This can result in devastating accidents and horrific injuries to all those who share the roads with these big rigs.
Common contributing factors in semi-truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while impaired
- Improperly secured cargo
- Inadequate maintenance
- Overloaded trailer
- Speeding
- Underqualified or undertrained drivers
- Tire defects
- Defective roadway
Determining Liable Parties After a Trucking Accident
Establishing liability in a truck accident claim is crucial to the success of your case. It can be a tricky process, but at Golomb Legal, we have more than three decades of experience dealing with some of the most complicated cases while still yielding unparalleled results.
If you suffer from a personal injury due to a commercial truck collision that was caused by negligence or misconduct, our truck accident lawyers may be able to pursue compensation from a number of potentially liable parties including:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies and agencies
- Cargo companies
- Truck and truck part manufacturers
Government road authorities might also be held responsible for damages if the accident was a result of road design defects or disrepair, but this is much less common.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Truck Accident Case?
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to determine who is at fault in a truck accident even if you have identified the potentially liable parties. Proving liability can require a substantial investigation to recover important documentation about the accident, which is why hiring a qualified and experience truck accident lawyer is so important.
Some of the evidence that may be required includes:
- The initial truck accident report filed by the police
- The truck driver’s travel log and fuel receipts
- The trucker’s driving record
- Maintenance and federal/state compliance records
- ECM or “black box” data
Acquiring this documentation can be a time consuming and complex process, but our truck accident lawyers at Golomb Legalknow how to get the information you need for your case.
Preserving Valuable Evidence After a Crash
Time is of the essence after a trucking accident. Physical evidence, such as skid marks and yaw marks can disappear quickly. Preserving this physical evidence is important to building your case.
Photographs and forensic data can help your attorney prove that the trucking company and/or truck driver is to blame. In addition, eyewitnesses will need to be questioned before they begin to forget important accident details.
Immediately after a catastrophic trucking accident, trucking companies begin working to reduce their liability. They may even destroy vital evidence that is critical to the outcome of your case, including black box data or maintenance records.
Some unscrupulous trucking companies even resort to altering driving logs or maintenance records to avoid taking the blame for the accident. As such, it is imperative that you act quickly after you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident.
Benefits of Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies and their insurance providers have teams of lawyers whose job it is to get you to settle for limited compensation. If you were injured in an accident that was the result of a trucking company or truck driver's negligence, you need a Philadelphia truck accident attorney who can help you determine liability and pursue financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Damage expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Future medical needs
- Wrongful death/burial expenses
Pursuing Maximum Compensation for your Injuries
Being involved in a truck accident can result in serious injuries and financial losses. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorneys at Golomb Legal can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When seeking compensation for truck accident injuries, it is important to consider:
- The extent of your injuries and medical treatment needed
- The impact of the accident on your ability to work and earn a living
- The negligence or recklessness of the truck driver or other parties involved
- The insurance coverage available for your claim
Don't delay in seeking legal representation after a truck accident. Contact Golomb Legal today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with our knowledgeable attorneys.
Call Golomb Legal at (215) 278-4449
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is important to review your case with a truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia. Time is of the essence in catastrophic personal injury cases-and an attorney can help ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines that would bar you from filing a claim.
We are here for you no matter where you are located in the U.S.
Contact us today at (215) 278-4449 for a free case evaluation.
Philadelphia Truck Accident FAQ
How soon should I file my truck accident claim?
Pennsylvania allows you to file an injury claim within two years of the truck accident. After this two-year statute of limitations ends, you won’t be able to file a claim. However, you shouldn’t wait for the full duration before starting your case. Talk to our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers right away. The sooner we can get to work on your case, the better access we will have to useful evidence of liability.
Is the truck driver financially liable for my damages?
The truck driver who hit you is likely not financially liable for your damages, not personally. Instead, you will most likely file against the truck driver’s insurance policy and possibly that of the trucking company that employed them.
What can I do to protect my rights after a truck accident?
The opposition in your truck accident case will not be there to support you. They want you to forget your right to compensation and drop the case or accept a lowball settlement amount. To protect your rights, you need to strengthen your injury claim. To make that happen, you should go to the doctor, file a crash report with the authorities, itemize your damages, and talk to our attorneys as soon as possible.
What is a commercial vehicle or truck?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a vehicle that is not used for personal use and that meets one of several requirements: has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more; transports 8 or more passengers for compensation purposes; and/or has a trailer or bed designed to carry a significant amount of materials or hazardous materials.
Is hiring a lawyer necessary after a truck accident?
While it is not required to hire a lawyer after a truck accident, having legal representation can help navigate complex laws and regulations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Can I still file a claim if the truck driver was not at fault?
Yes, you may still be able to file a claim even if the truck driver was not directly at fault. Other parties like the trucking company or manufacturer could be held liable.
What should I do if the trucking company denies responsibility?
If the trucking company denies responsibility, consulting with a truck accident lawyer can help assess the situation and determine the best course of action to protect your rights.
Helpful Resources
- Philadelphia Police Department - Official website for information on reporting truck accidents in Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation - Resources on truck accident statistics and regulations in Pennsylvania
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Information on truck accident safety and prevention