Chester Truck Accident Lawyer

Heavy commercial trucks pose unique dangers on Chester’s roads, and collisions often result in devastating injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles. Munley Law has spent decades representing accident victims throughout Pennsylvania, successfully recovering millions in damages from negligent trucking companies and their insurers.

At Munley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck crash can take on victims and their families. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work, insurance companies pressure you to accept inadequate settlements, and the path forward seems unclear. Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case. Our Chester truck accident attorneys will evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. There are no upfront costs – we only get paid if we win compensation for you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chester

In Chester PA, most commercial truck crashes stem from driver-related factors. In fact, according to the FMCSA, driver-related mistakes contribute to 87% of large truck crashes. Vehicle defects account for approximately 10% of accidents. Delaware County’s crash data shows that there were 247 heavy truck crashes in 2021 alone, with driver error being the leading cause.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Chester PA are:

• Distracted driving: Truck drivers may check their phones, adjust their GPS, or become distracted by eating while driving. One statistic notes that 80% of all collisions are due to some form of driver distraction.
• Drowsy driving: Many truck drivers push beyond their regulated hours of service to meet tight delivery deadlines. After 20 hours of being awake, drowsy drivers are impaired on the same level as a drunk driver who has a blood alcohol level of 0.08%.
• Speeding: Speeding and aggressive driving increase crash risks and worsen the impact at the time of the accident.
• Mechanical failures: Brake failure and tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control, especially traveling at highway speeds. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, the risk of mechanical failure increases significantly.
• Improper cargo loading: An unbalanced load can make the trailer sway or tip over during turns. Unsecured cargo may shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control. Overloaded trucks require greater stopping distance and are more prone to mechanical failures.
• Weather and road conditions: Rain reduces tire traction and visibility, while winter conditions make roads especially treacherous. Narrow streets, construction zones, and steep grades compound these risks.

How Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents in Chester

Accidents involving commercial trucks are three times more likely to require extensive investigation and legal proceedings than standard vehicle collisions. One of the reasons are the number of possible fatalities in truck accidents. In fact, 70% of people killed in large-truck traffic crashes in 2022 were occupants of other vehicles.

Larger Size and Weight of Trucks

The sheer size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles creates devastating consequences in collisions. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This weight disparity means that even low-speed impacts can cause severe injuries. The truck’s higher ground clearance also increases the risk of smaller vehicles sliding underneath during collisions, known as underride accidents, which are often fatal crashes.

Complex Liability

Beyond the truck driver, responsibility may extend to the trucking company for inadequate training or maintenance, the cargo loading company for improper securing of freight, or parts manufacturers for defective components.

Federal and State Regulations

Commercial trucks must comply with strict FMCSA regulations governing everything from driver hours to vehicle maintenance. These rules create additional layers of investigation after an accident. Violations of regulations like hours-of-service limits or maintenance requirements can establish negligence. Pennsylvania state laws also impose specific requirements on commercial vehicles operating within the state.

Common Injuries Resulting from Chester Truck Accidents

Truck accidents typically cause more severe injuries than standard vehicle crashes due to the extreme forces involved. Injuries caused by a serious truck accident can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: The impact force in truck collisions often causes the brain to collide with the skull, leading to bleeding, swelling, and potential permanent impairment. These injuries can affect cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation.
• Spinal cord injuries: These often occur from the violent jerking motion or direct trauma to the spine. Complete spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis, while incomplete injuries may cause partial loss of function.
• Broken bones and fractures: Multiple fractures are common, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgery, metal implants, and extensive physical therapy.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding require immediate medical intervention and can lead to long-term complications.
• Emotional problems: Beyond physical trauma, many truck accident survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact can prevent victims from driving, working, or maintaining relationships. Recovery often requires long-term mental health treatment alongside physical rehabilitation.

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Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Chester

The actions you take immediately following a truck accident can significantly impact your overall health and your ability to recover compensation. Research shows that motor vehicle accident victims who follow proper post-accident procedures recover more in damages than those who don’t. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Getting medical care should be your top priority, even if you feel fine initially. Many serious injuries, particularly head trauma and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records from immediate post-accident care provide essential documentation linking your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often use delays in medical treatment to dispute injury claims.
• Document the scene. If you’re able, collect evidence before it disappears. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses, as their statements can prove invaluable. Write down the truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company information. Note weather conditions and any surveillance cameras in the area. Your recollection will be clearest immediately after the accident.
• Avoid discussing fault. What you say after an accident can affect your claim. Don’t apologize or admit fault, even partially. Decline to give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
• Consult the Munley Law truck accident attorneys. A lawyer can protect your rights, handle communications with insurers, and ensure evidence is preserved.

Compensation Available for Chester Truck Accident Victims

Pennsylvania law allows truck accident victims to seek three main forms of compensation:

Economic Damages

These cover your measurable financial losses. Medical expenses often include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages compensation accounts for missed work and reduced earning capacity. If your injuries prevent returning to your previous job, you can claim future income losses. Property damage coverage extends beyond vehicle replacement to personal items damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages address the intangible impacts of your injuries. Pain and suffering compensation considers both physical pain and emotional distress. Many truck accident victims experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD, affecting their quality of life. Loss of consortium claims recognize the impact on family relationships. Changes in lifestyle, such as inability to participate in previous activities or hobbies, factor into these calculations.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, courts may award punitive damages. These apply when trucking companies knowingly violate safety regulations or drivers operate under the influence. For example, if a company falsified maintenance records or encouraged drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, punitive damages might be appropriate. While rare, these awards can significantly increase total compensation.

Why Choose Munley Law for Your Chester Truck Accident Case?

Experience and resources make all the difference in your case’s outcome. Munley Law brings an unmatched level of expertise and commitment to every client, demonstrated by our $9 million settlement for a mother tragically hit head-on by a tractor trailer.

Our firm’s attorneys, most of whom are listed in Best Lawyers in America, have established themselves as leaders in personal injury litigation, with membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum – an honor reserved for less than 1% of attorneys nationwide.

We leverage extensive resources to build winning cases, including partnerships with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and skilled investigators. Our collaborative approach means you benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of our entire legal team, who have successfully handled thousands of cases across all areas of personal injury law.

We demonstrate our commitment to clients through our contingency fee structure – you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your injuries. Every case receives personal attention from our skilled attorneys, who keep you informed of all settlement offers and developments while working tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. When you choose Munley Law, you’re choosing a firm that will commit every resource, skill, and effort to fighting for your rights. Call today for your free legal consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chester Truck Accidents

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Multiple parties may share responsibility in a truck accident. The most common liable parties involved in a truck accident are the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and parts manufacturers.

How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?

There is no set timeline for any personal injury claim. Simple cases might settle in 6-12 months, while more complicated cases can take 2-3 years to resolve. The length often depends on injury severity, number of liable parties, and insurance company cooperation.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What should I do if the trucking company’s insurance contacts me?

Direct all communication through your attorney. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. They may request recorded statements or offer quick settlements before you understand your injuries’ full extent. Let us handle these negotiations to protect your interests.

What is the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Chester?

Pennsylvania’s standard statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, this timeline can vary based on several factors, which you will discuss during your free consultation with one of our Chester personal injury lawyers. It’s important to note, you must file within the designated time frame, or you’ll lose your rights to compensation.

Contact a Chester Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Time is of the essence in the moments and weeks following an auto accident. At Munley Law, our Chester truck accident lawyers are ready to protect your rights immediately. We handle all aspects of your case – from investigation to insurance negotiations – while you focus on recovery.

Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation, visit our Philadelphia office, call 844-969-7243, or fill out our online form to speak with an experienced Chester truck accident lawyer. Our team is available 24/7, and we’re ready to put our decades of experience to work fighting for the compensation you need.  

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747