Tractor trailers. 18-wheelers. Semis. Big rigs. There are countless names for these road warriors, but ultimately, they do the same thing—they keep America running. Truckers are vital to the health of our nation, as they are the primary means by which goods and materials are transported across the country. That said, while tractor trailers are essential for our economy, they are also dangerous. Big rigs cause thousands of accidents each year. In fact, in 2016, they were responsible for 4,440 traffic fatalities and 119,000 injury crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. While those numbers have fluctuated over the years, they have remained consistently high, save for a few years when these numbers reached historic lows.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Allentown tractor trailer accident attorneys are familiar with the intricate laws that govern how big rigs are operated and maintained. If you are the victim of a tractor trailer accident, you deserve the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries. Our attorneys will aggressively fight on your behalf to ensure that you win that compensation and can recover in peace.
Complex Regulations Govern Big-Rig Use and Play a Role in the Recovery of Compensation
Because of how large trucks are, and because of the often-hazardous materials that they carry, truckers and the companies for which they work are subject to countless rules and regulations. These regulations are in place to keep the truckers themselves and the drivers of passenger vehicles safe. When a trucker violates a regulation, and when he or she causes an accident as a result, he or she and his or her company can be held liable for negligence. Some government regulations that have been enacted to address key safety issues include the following:
- Driver Regulations: From mandatory alcohol and drug tests to bans on texting while driving to hour restrictions, there are countless regulations and measures in place to promote safe operation of tractor trailers.
- Equipment Regulations: Many times, big rig accidents are not the fault of the drivers themselves. Sometimes, faulty equipment plays a role. To prevent the devastation that bad brakes, broken tail lights, or faulty cargo latches can cause, the government mandates that trucks undergo inspections and maintenance on a routine basis.
- Cargo Regulations: The types and size of the load often pose an additional health and safety risk. Regulations are in place to ensure that loads do not come unsecured during travel, shift during transport, or cause a driver to lose control while on the road.
Our Allentown tractor trailer accident lawyers are familiar with the complex rules and laws that regulate the industry. When a client is injured in a truck accident, we will perform a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and use our in-depth knowledge of the law to determine liability. Often, after performing our investigation, we discover that a tractor trailer accident occurred because of one of the following common causes:
- Speeding;
- Driver fatigue;
- Driver error;
- Distracted driving;
- Inadequate training; or
- Drug and alcohol use.
Once we determine cause and liability, we then push for the compensation we believe our clients deserve. Some damages that we routinely recover on clients’ behalves include the following:
- Lost wages;
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Household services;
- Pain and suffering;
- Diminished earning capacity;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Scarring and disfigurement; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Our Allentown Truck Accident Attorneys Can Make Sure Others Pay When You Are Injured
Tractor trailer accidents can cause huge devastation and negatively impact one’s health and one’s life. If you were injured in a tractor trailer accident in Pennsylvania, reach out to the Allentown tractor trailer accident lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to discuss your legal options for recovery. Call our Allentown law firm at (215) 486-0123 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
