Should I Get a Truck Accident Lawyer?
April 20, 2020
Pennsylvania is considered a central commercial trucking route. It connects some of the largest cities to the southern and Midwest states. While this makes it easier to transport items across the country, it also means that the state is at an increased risk of truck accidents. Truck accidents are usually severe and life-changing for everyone involved.
Pennsylvania’s Occurrence of Truck Accidents
The state of Pennsylvania is currently ranked fifth for the highest fatalities following a truck accident. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the state has joined in federal efforts to reduce the number of truck accidents. This means increased training and greater monitoring of truck activities. Unfortunately, truck accidents still can, and do, occur.
Related blog: Research Demonstrates Truck Driver Fatigue Is Common Problem
Common Injuries Following a Truck Accident
Injuries from a truck accident tend to be more severe than passenger vehicles because of the larger size and heavier weight of commercial trucks. These are a few of the most common injuries following a truck accident:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Back and neck injuries
- Deep lacerations
- Rib injuries
- Spinal cord or paralysis
- Herniated discs
Truck accidents are also more likely to lead to fatalities than passenger vehicle accidents. Many of the injuries sustained from truck accidents will lead to ongoing medical care and in some cases, the inability to work. This results in an expensive and lengthy medical situation for injured parties.
Determining Fault in a Truck Accident
It is not always clear who is at fault when a truck accident occurs. Passenger vehicles will sometimes swerve in front of commercial trucks to get around them. Commercial trucks do not have the same braking capabilities, which can lead to a dangerous situation. It is also possible for the truck driver to drive in a way that is not safe for others on the road.
Liability usually falls within one of the following parties:
- Passenger vehicle driver
- Commercial truck driver
- Commercial trucking company
- Government entity
Truck drivers must complete certain training before driving commercially. If the trucking company does not offer approved training, then they may be at fault. It is also possible for more than one party to be at fault. The state of Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state. This means that even if you are partially to blame, you can still seek compensation, as long as you hold less than 50% of the blame. However, your compensation amount will be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
You might wonder if you need a truck accident lawyer following a commercial trucking accident in Pennsylvania. There are many reasons to consider working with a truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer will handle all communication with insurance companies and the other legal team, which allows you to focus on your recovery. Your lawyer will also help you build your case and determine who is liable.
It is also important to stay within Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations. The state of Pennsylvania limits all claims to two years from the date of the truck accident.
Contact a Meadville Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a truck accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients injured because of a truck accident in Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview, Erie, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (814) 833-7100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W 26th St., Erie, PA 16506, as well as offices in Meadville and North East.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.