Truck accidents on Pennsylvania’s highways can lead to devastating consequences, from catastrophic injuries to tragic fatalities. These incidents often involve massive commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, colliding with smaller passenger cars, motorcycles, or even pedestrians. Victims are left grappling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills.
Understanding your rights and knowing how to hold trucking companies accountable is essential for securing justice and compensation. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we are committed to guiding victims through the complexities of truck accident claims in Pennsylvania.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Crashes
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents involve a maze of federal and state regulations, multiple parties, and complex insurance policies. Pennsylvania follows federal trucking laws enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws govern aspects like:
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules to prevent driver fatigue.
- Proper vehicle maintenance and inspections.
- Training and licensing requirements for commercial drivers.
When these regulations are violated, trucking companies can be held accountable for their negligence. However, identifying violations requires an experienced attorney with the resources to investigate thoroughly.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Pennsylvania Highways
Trucking companies and their drivers have a duty to operate safely across the nation, including Pennsylvania’s highways. Unfortunately, negligence frequently leads to severe crashes. In Pennsylvania, where major highways like I-76 and I-80 are often crowded with commercial vehicles, the risk of accidents remains significant. Common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Despite HOS rules, some companies pressure drivers to exceed allowable hours, increasing the risk of drowsy driving accidents.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo can cause trucks to jackknife or roll over.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance of brakes, tires, or other critical systems can lead to catastrophic failures on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers using cell phones or other devices while driving pose a significant danger.
- Inadequate Training: Unqualified or improperly trained drivers may struggle to operate these massive vehicles safely.
When these or other factors contribute to a crash, the trucking company may be held liable for negligence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pennsylvania Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident case requires a meticulous investigation. Several parties could be held responsible, including:
- Trucking Companies: They may cut corners on driver training, enforce unsafe schedules, or neglect vehicle maintenance.
- Truck Drivers: Negligent actions like speeding, impaired driving, or violating HOS rules can make drivers personally liable.
- Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can lead to product liability claims.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to lose control.
Proving liability involves gathering evidence, such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness testimonies, which a skilled attorney can uncover.
How Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Case
Under Pennsylvania's modified comparative negligence rule, you may still pursue compensation if you're partially responsible for an accident, as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
For instance, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced to $80,000. Proving fault and minimizing your share of liability is critical, which is why hiring an experienced attorney is so important.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Document all injuries and follow medical advice.
- Call Law Enforcement: A police report is crucial for documenting the accident.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Trucking companies have powerful insurers who may try to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications.
- Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: The sooner you consult an attorney, the stronger your case will be. They can preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and fight for your rights.
How van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Help
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand the immense challenges truck accident victims face. Our team is dedicated to:
- Conducting thorough investigations to uncover evidence of negligence.
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to build a compelling case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
- Representing you in court, if necessary, to fight for the justice you’re seeking.
With years of experience handling high-stakes truck accident cases, our firm has a proven track record of success in Pennsylvania.
Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents in Pennsylvania may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covering hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work and loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
- Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a loved one, compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
An experienced attorney can calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Pennsylvania’s Trucking Laws and Regulations
Pennsylvania’s trucking laws work in tandem with FMCSA regulations to ensure highway safety. Some key regulations include:
- Commercial drivers must have valid CDL licenses.
- Vehicles must undergo regular inspections to meet safety standards.
- Drivers are required to maintain accurate logs of their hours on the road.
When these laws are violated, and a crash occurs, trucking companies can be held accountable. It takes an attorney with a deep understanding of these laws to identify violations and use them to strengthen your case.
Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Today to Discuss Your Philadelphia Truck Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on Pennsylvania’s highways, don’t face the legal complexities alone. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we are here to fight for your rights and advocate for the compensation you’re seeking.
Our firm proudly serves clients in Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, West Chester, Hunting Park, and throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries or seeking justice for a loved one’s wrongful death, we have the experience and compassion to guide you every step of the way.
Call us today at 215-486-0123 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent trucking companies accountable and secure the justice you’re seeking.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult with van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim directly.