Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney
Over 80 Years of Legal Experience
If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident in Eastern or Central
Pennsylvania, we encourage you to get in touch with
our team at Shrager & Sachs. Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers
have been successful in helping many clients injured in truck accidents
on Routes 76, 80, and 81. Founded in 1978, our firm has a reputation for
high-quality client service and a commitment to tenacious advocacy. You
can rely on our team to represent you with compassion and ability and
fight for the financial compensation you deserve!
Call For a FREE Consultation: (888) 899-0652
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the
U.S. has seen a 20 percent increase in
trucking accidents over the past two decades. With half a million accidents occurring each
year on our roadways, tens of thousands of people are injured, and roughly
5,000 people lose their lives annually in preventable crashes. Tragically,
98 percent of truck accident fatalities are drivers of passenger vehicles.
While there is an endless number of factors that could lead to an accident,
most accident causes typically fall under the following five categories:
-
Driver error. The FMCSA has determined that driver error is ten times more likely to
be the cause of an accident than any other factor. Driver error is based
in negligence and can include factors such as distracted driving, driver
fatigue, or driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs (illicit,
prescription, and over-the-counter). Aggressive or otherwise inattentive
driving, including speeding, recklessly changing lanes, or taking unnecessary
risks is another form of driver error that increases the likelihood of
a collision.
-
Improper loading. In order to keep a truck balanced, all cargo must be safely configured
within the trailer to ensure even distribution of weight. When improperly
loaded, cargo can shift dangerously within the trailer, causing the truck
to malfunction while in motion. Improper loading can also cause cargo
to fall out of the back of a truck into oncoming traffic.
-
Poor weather conditions. While drivers ultimately are responsible for maintaining control of their
vehicles at all times and in all weather conditions, adverse weather often
plays a role in crashes. Because of the large size and heavy weight of
trucks, they cannot be stopped or steered as easily as cars. When drivers
fail to account for these limitations during wet, rainy, snowy, windy,
or icy conditions, they run the risk of losing control of their vehicle
and causing an accident.
-
Equipment failure. Equipment failure can be caused by design errors, manufacturing errors,
or negligent vehicle maintenance. The FMCSA requires all truck companies
and drivers to perform regular inspections on their vehicles before each
trip and perform maintenance throughout the year. Unfortunately, many
drivers ignore these rules, leading to a large number of accidents. Two
of the most common maintenance-related equipment failures involve aging
tires and brakes.
-
Negligent hiring. Truck companies have a responsibility to ensure that they hire well-qualified
and competent drivers. Companies negligently hire when they fail to ensure
that a driver has the appropriate driver’s license, fail to check
the individual’s driving record, fail to perform drug testing, or
fail to ensure that the driver’s truck is in compliance with FMCSA
regulations.
Because there are so many factors that may contribute to a trucking accident,
it is often the case that potentially liable parties will attempt to deflect
the blame away from themselves to avoid financial responsibility. That
is why it is wise to seek the counsel of a seasoned Philadelphia truck
accident attorney at Shrager & Sachs. After thoroughly investigating
the cause of your accident, we can determine who can be held accountable
for your accident and pursue just compensation from those responsible
with the full force of the law. We consistently work with highly-skilled
and respected experts to find and corroborate evidence to improve your
chances of receiving maximum payout.
Understanding How U.S. Trucking Regulations Could Impact Your Case
While trucking is certainly an important part of the United States economy,
it is equally important that trucking companies and their employees follow
strict federal guidelines designed to protect other drivers on the highway. Failure to observe these
rules often plays a major role in accidents involving commercial trucks
such as tractor-trailers.
Federal laws dictate many aspects of trucking, such as:
- How long a driver may operate his or her vehicle before taking a rest break
- The type of training drivers must receive before operating a commercial truck
- The number of miles a driver may be encouraged to drive within a certain
time period
- Drug and alcohol use for truck drivers — who must adhere to a strict
zero-tolerance policy
- Proper upkeep and maintenance of the vehicle
- How loads are to be stowed and secured on the truck
Call Our Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyers!
Our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have won multi-million dollar
truck accident cases, including a recent $5.44 million pre-suit settlement
involving a passenger who was severely injured when his vehicle was struck
by an over-loaded water tank truck. Other notable cases include a $1 million
settlement for a pedestrian injured in a truck accident and a $2.1 million
settlement in a tractor-trailer accident that resulted in two fatalities.
With years of experience and a passion for defending the rights of those
we represent, Shrager & Sachs is the team you should want
on your side.
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