Commercial truck accidents on I-376 are not uncommon. In any type of vehicle accident, it is crucial to determine who is liable for the damages and injuries caused. While it may seem as though the biggest vehicle is the source of the problem, this may not always be the case. If you are a truck driver who has been involved in an accident or an innocent driver, it is important to reach out for legal help as soon as possible.
A commercial truck accident attorney can point you in the direction of which steps to take first and when. Remember cases involving truck accidents are governed by a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. That time period may be affected by the circumstances of the accident, therefore, it is imperative that you seek legal advice immediately. Be sure to reach out for legal help before it is too late.
Pennsylvania Truck Laws
In the state of Pennsylvania, a valid commercial driver’s license is required in order to drive a commercial truck. There are many additional rules and regulations regarding when and how you are able to operate such a vehicle. Some of these include:
- Maximum driving times
- A maximum weight restrictions
- Mandatory annual inspections
- Width limits
Failure to adhere to these laws can inhibit a truck driver from receiving compensation in crashes that were not their fault. Even if you did not directly cause the crash, evidence of failing to comply with the above-mentioned laws can be grounds for assigning you partial fault. If you are deemed to have been partially at fault for the accident, you may receive no compensation.
Liability
Liability is the legal responsibility that is attributed to a driver who is at fault for an accident. This person can be held responsible for paying the costs of any damages or injuries that others incurred as a result of the crash. This may include medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Injuries From Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries because such accidents often happen while traveling at high speeds and involve large vehicles. High-impact injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon. These types of injuries can be difficult to recover from, oftentimes leaving behind lasting pain and effects for their victims.
When you file a claim for compensation after a truck accident, expenses related to these types of serious injuries can be covered. It is crucial to maintain records of all expenses you have concerning any injuries after an accident, as these will be used to determine the amount of compensation you may be awarded. An experienced lawyer can help you gather the documents needed.
How a Lawyer Can Help
There are many ways in which a lawyer can help after a car crash. Commercial truck accident laws are complex and can be difficult to understand, especially if you are still trying to physically and mentally recover from the event. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and point you in the direction of what your legal first step should be.
In addition to helping you make sure you do not miss any important paperwork, a lawyer can also help you file all paperwork on time. Missing a deadline can result in forfeiting any right to compensation. They can also represent you in court when necessary and help you negotiate with insurance companies when needed.
FAQs
Are Commercial Truck Accidents Common?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 5,837 crashes involving large trucks in 2022 within the United States. This evidence shows that it is not uncommon for large trucks to be involved in accidents. Such large vehicles can often be difficult to maneuver in a moment of need.
What Time of Day Are Crashes More Likely?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the largest number of crashes happens within the time frame of 6:00 to 8:59 p.m., with the next largest number occurring from 9:00 to 11:59 p.m. While there is no definitive reason for why these statistics are true, it can be speculated that drivers tend to be more tired during these hours of the day, therefore leading to less cautious driving habits.
Is It Dangerous to Drive a Big Truck?
Driving a big truck can be dangerous for individuals who have not had the appropriate training and experience. The massive size of commercial trucks can also increase the chances of crashes due to the inability to stop as quickly as a smaller vehicle. Even experienced truck drivers can be at risk for crashing when other drivers take actions that are dangerous, such as cutting in front of another driver, stopping too quickly and without warning, and more.
Hire a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer: Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, LLC
When you hire a commercial truck accident lawyer, you are hiring someone to advocate for the compensation you deserve after an accident. At Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, LLC, we have over 45 years of combined legal experience in helping clients just like you achieve the outcome in their case that they need. Get in touch with us today to learn more about who we are and how we may be able to help you.
