Every truck accident case in Lehigh and Northampton counties is uniquely complex, so if you’re injured, you need the unique skill set of the experienced Bethlehem truck accident lawyers at Munley Law. We’ve handled these cases ever since our firm was founded in 1959, defending the rights of those whose injuries are due to the negligence of others and pursuing fair compensation on their behalf, and we get results.
Our truck accident lawyers in Bethlehem have secured a significant number of local and national client victories, with settlements and verdicts over almost seven decades amounting to more than $1 billion dollars. Among these were a $26 million truck accident settlement and a $20 million commercial vehicle settlement. Results like these are among the reasons our board-certified attorneys are routinely honored by Martindale-Hubbell, the National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and Irish Legal 100.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in Bethlehem, PA, or the Lehigh Valley, our attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation with a PA truck accident lawyer.
What are the Major Causes of Truck Accidents in Bethlehem, PA?
Most truck accidents are preventable. However, as heavy-duty trucks become more commonplace, the number of truck accidents is rising. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 7,186 heavy trucks were involved in accidents across the state in 2023. In 2024, the number of heavy trucks involved in accidents increased to 7,312. Understanding the cause of these accidents is important if you want to win your case and secure fair compensation for your damages.
The following are some of the major causes of truck accidents in Lehigh County:
- Distracted driving: This involves driving without paying attention to the road. Examples of distracted driving activities include texting, making and receiving phone calls, getting into an animated conversation with passengers, or eating while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 people were killed in accidents caused by distracted driving in 2023.
- Drowsy driving: Drowsy, or fatigued, driving can cause a driver to fall asleep or zone out behind the wheel. This slows down reaction time and causes drivers to make poor decisions. A study published in Sleep Health indicates that drowsy driving-related crashes account for 20% of all motor vehicle accidents in the US.
- Failing to yield to vehicles or pedestrians with the right of way: Truckers, like all drivers, are supposed to allow other vehicle drivers to use the road in accordance with the law.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers should not be driving when they are tired. If they drive when fatigued, they are likely to make mistakes that will cause accidents. Truck drivers should only drive for a maximum of 14 hours within a 24-hour period and are required rest for at least 10 hours before getting behind the wheel again.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): This means driving under the influence of alcohol, opioids, or other illicit substances. The law is clear about DUI and DWI offenses. According to the NHTSA, 12,429 people were killed in drunk-driving accidents across the US in 2023.
- Improperly secured load: All loads transported by commercial trucks and vehicles must be secured. If the load is not secured and it slips off the truck, causing a truck accident in the process, injured victims can sue the responsible party.
- Reckless driving: Truckers who are in a hurry may end up speeding, tailgating other drivers, and generally making the roads unsafe for other road users. If an accident happens because of the truck driver’s actions, you may be able to seek compensation.
- Poor truck maintenance: Trucks travel way more than other vehicles on the road. This means that truck parts tend to suffer more wear and tear and, therefore, require more maintenance. If maintenance is not carried out on time, a truck may develop problems that will cause an accident.
- Inadequate driver training: The surge in demand for truck drivers in the state and across the nation has seen the recruitment of some poorly trained truckers. This inexperience among new truckers increases the risk of road accidents.
This list is merely a short summary of the possible causes of truck accidents in Bethlehem, PA. There are many more, and only an experienced truck accident attorney can help pinpoint the cause.
Whatever the cause of the truck accident, one thing is certain: The victim may sustain severe injuries. The treatment cost for personal injuries can be pretty steep. You need a skilled Bethlehem truck accident attorney to help you recover all your losses. Don’t wait too long to contact our attorneys. Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2), Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations only gives you two years in which to file a claim.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in
compensation for our clients.”
Daniel W. Munley
How Do Road Usage Guidelines For Truckers Differ From Regular Drivers?
Truck drivers, companies, maintenance firms, and other 3rd-party companies are subject to federal and state regulations. Truckers and all their associated entities play by a different set of road safety guidelines. All federal guidelines for truck drivers and all related organizations are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
For example, truck drivers must adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations, and most commercial trucks must use electronic logging devices to track driving hours. Drivers must meet a range of strict qualification requirements, including completing specialized training and passing medical examinations every couple of years.
Truck accident cases can be difficult, complex, and prolonged. This is why you must only hire experienced truck accident lawyers with decades of experience winning these heavily defended cases. Every truck accident attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys understands the unique technical, legal, and regulatory issues involved in a truck accident case. .
Our experience and ability to recover losses for our Bethlehem personal injury and truck accident clients means that you will get quality legal representation, support, and advice.
As a major law firm in Pennsylvania, we are committed to the best possible outcomes. If you live in Bethlehem, PA, and want to file a personal injury claim as a truck accident victim, contact us today.
Call Munley Law to schedule a free initial consultation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyer?
Every truck accident case is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to winning your case. To win, you need truck accident lawyers with extensive experience in commercial truck and tractor-trailer accident cases.
Munley Law is the only firm in the United States with two lawyers who have led the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group, and we are the only firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys who are board-certified in Trucking Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Two of our attorneys are also board-certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, of which they’re members of the Board of Regents.
The National Trial Lawyers named Marion Munley and Daniel Munley among the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers, and a few of our attorneys have received awards for their work in this field. Marion and Daniel were the first lawyers to receive the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group’s Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice Award. Daniel also received the group’s Ring of Honor Award and Martindale-Hubbell’s Platinum Client Champion Award.
Marion and Daniel are members of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Marion and Caroline Munley are members of Litigation Counsel of America and the International Society of Barristers. All our attorneys have received honors from Best Lawyers, and all our partners have been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Marion Munley has been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list. Among our client victories are settlements of $12 million, $9.95 million, $9 million, $8 million, and $6.9 million in truck accident cases.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyers
What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accident Cases?
Truck accident cases are more complex than car accident cases due to multiple layers of liability, including truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, manufacturers, and government entities. These cases are also governed by strict federal and state regulations, such as FMCSA rules, which require detailed investigations and legal knowledge. This makes hiring experienced Bethlehem truck accident lawyers essential.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Bethlehem, PA?
Multiple parties can be held liable for a truck accident in Bethlehem, PA. These may include the truck driver, the trucking drivers, those who loaded the cargo, vehicle maintenance companies, vehicle or parts manufacturers, other drivers, and government entities responsible for road maintenance. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation into driver conduct, vehicle condition, and regulatory compliance. An experienced Bethlehem truck accident lawyer can identify all responsible parties.
What Types of Compensation are Available After a Truck Accident in Bethlehem, PA?
The types of compensation that may be available after a truck accident in Bethlehem, PA, include those intended to cover economic and non-economic damages. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, future care needs, long-term disability costs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or loss of quality of life. In severe cases, compensation may also include wrongful death damages and loss of consortium.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2), you have up to two years from the date of the incident to file a truck accident claim in Pennsylvania. It’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible, as delaying a consultation could lead to the deadline being missed, which could bar you from pursuing compensation for your losses.
Why Should I Choose Munley Law for My Bethlehem Truck Accident Case?
You should choose Munley Law for your Bethlehem truck accident case because we have handled these complex cases since 1959 and have recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients. Our firm boasts three board-certified truck accident lawyers with nationally recognized leadership and trial experience. We offer free consultations and do not charge legal fees unless we win your case.
Contact Munley Law for a Free Consultation with Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyers
Every truck accident lawyer on our team is compassionate, highly experienced, and willing to fight for you until you get the settlement you deserve. We believe no one should suffer any injury because someone chose to be a careless road user.
Let our experienced personal injury lawyers serving Bethlehem, PA, help you today.
Call Munley Law to schedule a free consultation with our Bethlehem truck accident lawyers. We’re available 24/7, there’s no obligation, and there are no legal fees unless we win your case.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.











