Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorneys
Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Successfully Recovered
Being involved in an accident with a large truck is not the same as being
involved in any other type of motor vehicle collision. For one, semi-trucks
and tractor-trailers are massive vehicles that often cause widespread
devastation and life-threatening injuries when they collide with
cars, motorcycles, and SUVs. But what really makes these cases so different
is their complexity. Truck accident claims are distinct from car and motorcycle
accident claims in that it is not always immediately obvious who is liable.
In fact, there may be multiple liable parties, ranging from the truck
driver to the truck driver’s employer to the manufacturer of a defective
truck part.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle, it is critical that you reach out to an experienced attorney. Having a legal team on your side is one of the best ways to ensure your rights are protected and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your damages.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC today for a free, confidential consultation with one of our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys: (877) 989-4878.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accidents are far more common than many people realize. Like other types of motor vehicle accidents, these collisions are most commonly caused by negligence.
What does this negligence look like? Examples of negligent actions and behaviors that can lead to truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including using a cell phone or GPS device
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued/falling asleep behind the wheel
- Violating federal hours-of-service rules
- Pressure from trucking companies to meet strict deadlines or quotas
- Speeding, traffic law violations, and other reckless driving behaviors
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
- Negligent hiring practices (e.g. failing to conduct background checks on drivers)
- Driving dangerously in poor weather conditions
These and other forms of negligence can all play instrumental roles in truck accidents—and the truck driver may not always be the one to blame. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can investigate your claim and determine the cause of the accident. This allows your lawyer to establish liability and, from there, take legal action against the liable party.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Liability is a critical component of any personal injury claim, including those involving truck accidents. However, establishing who is liable for a given accident is not always easy. Even when a truck driver clearly causes an accident, his or her employer, the trucking company, could be liable under what is known as respondeat superior. Under this rule, employers are generally liable for the actions of their employees when those employees are “on the clock.”
In other cases, the trucking company may be clearly liable for an accident. For example, if the trucking company knew its drivers were violating hours-of-service regulations yet did nothing to address the issue or, worse yet, actively encouraged drivers to operate their vehicles for longer hours, the trucking company can be held liable for accidents caused by fatigued drivers.
Depending on the particular circumstances of a crash, any of the following parties could be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The party responsible for conducting truck maintenance and/or repairs
- A manufacturer
- A construction company
- A third party, such as another motorist or a pedestrian
It is crucial that you work with a legal team that can thoroughly and immediately investigate your claim in order to determine what happened and who is liable. At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, we often work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other specialists who help our attorneys put together a clear, comprehensive image of how the accident occurred, what injuries you sustained, and the full scope of your damages. From there, we are able to pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?
Hiring a lawyer to represent you in your truck accident claim can allow you the opportunity to focus on recovery without having to worry about your case or the mounting medical bills. If you have lost a loved one in a truck crash, hiring a compassionate attorney can allow you and your family the opportunity to grieve your loss while knowing that your case is in good hands.
A semi truck accident lawyer can handle the following for you:
- Contacting and negotiating with the trucking company or their insurance company
- Determining a fair settlement based on economic and non-economic damages
- Submitting the proper paperwork for bringing your case to court
- Representing your best interest in court
- Following through to ensure you receive your settlement after the case is closed
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
Our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help you work to overcome them. With decades of legal experience and a proven track record of results, we are ready to represent you and your best interests, both in and out of the courtroom.
Contact us online or by phone at (877) 989-4878 to request a free, confidential case evaluation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
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