Truck Accidents Require A Tough, Experienced Attorney
Truck accidents can be catastrophic for people in passenger vehicles. Even a minor crash with a semi truck can lead to severe injuries and significant damage to your vehicle. Understanding the common types of 18-wheeler accidents, their causes and the important steps you should take after a crash can be crucial for your physical and financial recovery.
At Law Offices of Peter L. Johnston, LLC, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Collingswood, New Jersey, I help people who have suffered a personal injury or lost a family member to wrongful death in a truck accident. Learn more in a free consultation by calling 215-567-2300 today.
There Are Many Ways That Trucking Accidents Can Happen
Common trucking hazards include jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out to form an acute angle with the tractor, and rollovers caused by sudden maneuvers, loss of control or poor road conditions. Rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes and multi-vehicle accidents are also common. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, people in passenger vehicles often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries in these accidents.
What Are The Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?
One or more of the following factors may contribute to a semi-truck crash:
- Driver fatigue: A long-standing problem in the trucking industry is drivers pushing themselves too hard to stay on schedule, leading to insufficient rest periods.
- Mechanical failures: Commercial trucks spend far more time on the road and suffer more wear and tear than other vehicles. Without regular maintenance, mechanical problems can develop.
- Improper loading: Unbalanced or unsecured loads can lead to rollovers or cargo shedding.
- Weather conditions: Poor weather greatly increases the already challenging task of maneuvering commercial trucks and staying on schedule.
There Are Often Multiple Liable Parties In Truck Accidents
Due to the number of parties involved in the commercial trucking ecosystem, determining fault can be difficult. Besides the truck driver, other potentially responsible parties may include the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, those performing vehicle maintenance and cargo loaders. Government entities responsible for good road conditions may also be liable.
As a result, car accidents involving trucks require thorough investigation by truck accident lawyers with comprehensive knowledge of the laws and regulations.
Steps To Take Immediately After A Truck Accident
Everyone’s well-being should be the top priority. Anyone who is well enough to stand and walk should move to a safe location. Then, call 911 to report the accident and request first responders, if necessary.
Evidence is the key to any lawsuit – the more, the better – and memories are notoriously unreliable. If it’s safe to do so, document the scene from several angles by taking photos and noting details about the vehicles, where they came to a stop, weather conditions and visible damage or injuries.
Collect the insurance information from all parties and talk to witnesses to reinforce the strength of your case. Do not admit fault for the accident.
Speak with a truck accident lawyer to learn how to protect your rights.
Once you have gathered all available evidence, notify your insurance company about the accident.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend. Let Me Help You.
Insurance providers are notoriously conservative with their initial settlement offers, and they are difficult to negotiate with. My personal injury firm, with locations in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Collingswood, New Jersey, will seek fair compensation, so your recovery doesn’t become a financial burden. Contact me at 215-567-2300 or by email for a free consultation.