Truck accidents in Philadelphia, like elsewhere, often result in catastrophic consequences. The city’s busy streets and interstates like I-95 and I-76 see daily commercial truck traffic, which increases the risk of collisions involving tractor-trailers, box trucks, and delivery vehicles.
When a crash happens, victims can face overwhelming injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.
A Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can step in and help you secure compensation and navigate the legal complexities that often follow.
Understanding Truck Accidents in Philadelphia
Large trucks are a necessary part of the supply chain but also pose serious hazards. Given their massive size and weight, semi-trucks can inflict far more damage than passenger vehicles when accidents happen.
Here in Philadelphia, our densely populated streets and frequent construction zones can make truck routes even more complicated and lead to more frequent collisions.
Truck accidents can involve a variety of scenarios, including rear-end crashes, jackknife incidents, rollovers, and side-impact collisions. Some of these accidents happen because truck drivers are under pressure to meet delivery schedules. Others stem from mechanical failures, poor weather, or simple negligence.
Whatever the cause, victims are often left with significant injuries that require long-term care.
Why Accidents With Big Trucks Are More Legally Complex
Unlike the typical car accident, big-rig accidents introduce layers of liability. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash. For example, even though the truck driver may have caused the accident, the trucking company may be liable if it happened because they failed to maintain the vehicle or hired an unqualified driver.
It’s also common to see involvement from third parties such as cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or manufacturers of defective parts. Each of these entities may play a role in the events leading up to the collision.
A Philadelphia truck accident lawyer helps identify all liable parties and ensures that no stone is left unturned during the investigation.
It’s also important to keep in mind that trucking companies (and their insurers) are often aggressive in defending claims. They may act quickly to minimize their financial exposure, sometimes even dispatching teams to the crash scene within hours. Victims benefit from having an advocate of their own, someone who understands the tactics used by the other side and can counter them effectively.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in the Philadelphia Area
Driver fatigue remains a major contributor to trucking accidents. Federal regulations place limits on the number of hours truckers can spend on the road, but those rules aren’t always followed. Drivers who push their limits become more susceptible to delayed reactions, poor judgment, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
Distracted driving plays a major role as well. Cell phones, GPS systems, and onboard computers can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. This is the number one cause of both car accidents and those involving commercial trucks.
In other cases, poor training or lack of experience can lead to dangerous decisions, especially on narrow city roads or during bad weather.
Mechanical failures can lead to devastating accidents as well. When brakes malfunction or tires blow out, a truck may become impossible to control. Poor maintenance, worn parts, or overlooked safety inspections can make a vehicle unsafe long before it hits the road.
Philadelphia’s infrastructure contributes to the risks, too.
With constant traffic congestion, tight turns, and poorly maintained roads, truck drivers must stay alert and navigate carefully. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Some of the city’s most dangerous intersections, like those located along Broad Street, contribute significantly to truck accidents as well.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can lead to many types of injuries, which can often be severe. Crash victims often suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ trauma.
Burns, lacerations, and amputations also occur with alarming frequency, especially when fuel leaks or fire is involved. Recovery from these injuries may take months or even years. In some cases, victims may never return to their previous quality of life.
This can have emotional and financial consequences. Growing medical bills, lost wages, and the inability to perform daily tasks can weigh heavily on victims and their families.
A knowledgeable Philadelphia truck accident attorney helps quantify these damages and presents a compelling case for compensation. That includes current medical expenses, anticipated future care, pain and suffering, and the emotional effects of life-altering injuries.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia Can Help
One of the first steps your lawyer takes is to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash. This often includes reviewing police reports, obtaining black box data from the 18-wheeler, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing any available video footage. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts are brought in to offer technical insight into how the collision occurred.
Once the facts are established, your lawyer can determine who’s legally responsible. Whether it’s the driver, the employer, the maintenance provider, or a combination of parties, each must be held accountable for their role.
Another key service a truck accident lawyer provides focuses on handling communication with the trucking company’s insurance provider, who will often try to settle claims quickly and for less than you deserve.
A lawyer levels the playing field by negotiating on your behalf and rejecting offers that don’t reflect the true cost of the accident.
If negotiations don’t produce a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and prepare the case for trial. While many cases settle out of court, being ready and willing to go to trial often prompts insurers to increase the amount of their offers.
Proving Negligence in a Semi-Truck Collision Case
To recover compensation in a truck accident claim, you must be able to prove that the at-fault party was negligent. This involves establishing four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
First, the party must have owed a duty of care.
Truck drivers and their employers have a duty to operate safely and follow applicable laws. When they don’t meet this standard, they breach that duty.
Next, it must be shown that the breach directly caused the accident.
For example, if a trucker was texting while driving and drifted into another lane, that behavior likely led to the collision. Finally, the victim must demonstrate actual harm, such as medical bills or physical injuries, resulting from the crash.
Gathering evidence to prove these elements requires prompt action. Surveillance footage may be deleted, physical evidence at the scene can be cleared away, and witnesses’ memories fade with time.
That’s why it’s important to involve a lawyer early in the process.
Compensation for Truck Crash Cases
As the victim of a truck accident in Philadelphia, you may be due various types of compensation.
- Economic damages include the tangible financial losses suffered, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, property damage, and lost income. These are typically backed by receipts, invoices, and employment records.
- Non-economic damages account for the personal toll of the accident, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Though harder to quantify, these damages often make up a large portion of a personal injury claim.
What To Do After a Crash With an 18-Wheeler
Immediately following a truck accident, you should prioritize your safety by seeking medical attention quickly. Even if your injuries aren’t immediately apparent, some injuries, like internal bleeding or a concussion, may not present symptoms right away.
It’s also helpful to document the scene as much as possible. Taking photographs, gathering witness names, and writing down observations can be valuable later on.
Reporting the crash to the police ensures an official record is created, which a lawyer can use during the claim process.
Avoiding direct communication with the truck driver’s insurance company is another smart step.
Anything said can potentially be used against the victim. Referring all inquiries to an attorney keeps the playing field balanced and prevents accidental self-incrimination.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law generally gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file within this time frame usually means the case will be dismissed, regardless of merit.
Some exceptions exist, such as when a minor is injured or the at-fault party cannot be immediately identified. A lawyer can evaluate the circumstances and determine whether any extensions apply. In general, however, acting quickly gives victims the best chance of success.
Choosing the Right Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a case. It’s important to find someone with experience handling complex truck accident claims and who understands both the legal and technical aspects of these collisions.
An effective truck accident lawyer brings strong negotiation skills, courtroom experience, and a deep understanding of federal and state trucking regulations. They also maintain open communication with clients, offering updates, answering questions, and explaining legal strategies in plain language.
Most truck accident lawyers in Philadelphia work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t collect payment unless they win the case.
This arrangement gives victims access to high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.
FAQs Answered by Experienced Truck Injury Attorneys
Navigating the legal system after a crash with a big commercial vehicle can be scary, but you’re not alone. We’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that truck accident attorneys receive. To learn more about your specific case, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Philadelphia?
Seek medical attention, report the crash to the police, and avoid discussing the accident with the trucking company’s insurer. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a claim after a truck accident in Pennsylvania?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply in special circumstances.
Can multiple parties be held responsible for a truck accident?
Yes, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, cargo handlers, maintenance providers, or vehicle manufacturers.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced proportionally.
How much compensation can I expect from a truck accident claim?
The amount varies based on the severity of injuries, the extent of financial losses, and the degree of negligence involved. A lawyer can help estimate the value of your claim.
Work With a Truck Accident Law Firm Who Fights for Your Right to Compensation
At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, we understand that the aftermath can include overwhelming medical bills, missed work, emotional trauma, and calls from insurance companies pushing for a quick settlement.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Philadelphia, legal help is available.
Our experienced truck accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process, advocate for your best interests, and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
