When Should I Call a Truck Accident Lawyer in Easton?

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Suppose you have been involved in a truck accident. In that case, you need to know that a truck accident lawsuit can be far more complex than a regular accident between passenger cars, so you should immediately contact an Easton truck accident lawyer.

How Dangerous Are the Roads In Easton, PA?

Highways in Easton, PA, can be more dangerous for passenger vehicles for many reasons, including:

• Mix of Local and Interstate Traffic: We are located at the crossroads of several major highways, including Interstate 78 and Route 22, which see a mix of local and interstate traffic. This can lead to varying driving speeds and behaviors, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when trucks are involved.
• Narrow Lanes and Tight Curves: Some highways in Easton have narrow lanes and tight curves, which can be challenging for trucks to navigate. This increases the risk of truck accidents, especially if a truck loses control or drifts into other lanes.
• Limited Shoulder Space: Some of our roads have limited shoulder space, making it difficult for trucks to pull over in case of an emergency or mechanical issue. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially if a truck is forced to stop or slow down suddenly.
• Construction Zones: Like many areas in PA, Easton highways may have ongoing construction zones, leading to lane closures, reduced speed limits, and changes in traffic patterns. These conditions can increase the risk of accidents, especially involving trucks and passenger vehicles.

If you or a loved one has been injured or has suffered a fatality due to a truck accident in Easton, you need the Easton truck accident lawyers at Munley Law on your side. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your losses and injuries sustained during your truck accident.

Why Should I Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Easton, PA?

Truck accident litigation has many variables. An experienced truck accident attorney in Easton has the expertise to represent truck accident victims so they can recover maximum compensation. Truck accident claims are more complex for many reasons, including:

• Determining Liability with Multiple Potential Responsible Parties: Truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner-operator of the truck, and potentially third parties, such as truck parts manufacturers. A lawyer can help determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Legal Expertise: Truck accident cases can be complex, involving federal and state regulations, insurance companies, and multiple other parties. A lawyer has the legal knowledge and expertise to navigate these complexities and protect your rights.
• Maximizing Compensation: A truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. This evidence can be crucial in proving liability and building a strong case.
• Negotiation and Litigation: A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They can represent you in court and advocate for your rights if a settlement cannot be reached.

Munley Law Easton truck accident attorneys can help you protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve after a truck accident. Call us today for your free consultation.

Why Are Truck Accident Cases So Complicated?

Determining liability is often the most critical aspect of litigating a truck accident case, but it can be more challenging than in typical car accidents. Here’s why:

• Complexity of Trucking Industry: The trucking industry is governed by numerous federal and state regulations. Understanding these regulations and their application to a specific case requires expertise and experience.
• Multiple Potential Parties: In truck accident cases, multiple parties may be liable for the accident. This can include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck or trailer owner, the company responsible for loading the truck’s cargo, manufacturers of truck parts, and more.
• Driver and Company Relationship: Truck drivers are often employees of trucking companies. Determining whether the driver acted within the scope of their employment during the accident can be complex.
• Maintenance and Inspection Records: Proving liability may require examining the truck’s maintenance and inspection records. This can involve obtaining records from multiple parties, including the trucking company and maintenance providers.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs track a truck’s compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Analyzing ELD data may be necessary to determine whether driver fatigue was a factor in the accident.
• Preservation of Evidence: Trucking companies must preserve certain evidence, such as driver logs and maintenance records, after an accident. Failure to preserve this evidence can make it more difficult to prove liability.

How Federal Regulations Impact Truck Accident Lawsuits

Among the challenges of litigating truck accident cases is the involvement of many federal trucking industry regulations, such as:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits how many hours a truck driver can operate a commercial motor vehicle. Violations of these regulations, such as driving while fatigued, can be a factor in determining the cause of a truck accident in Easton.
• Maintenance and Inspection Requirements: The FMCSA also sets standards for the maintenance and inspection of commercial motor vehicles. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in mechanical failures that lead to accidents, and non-compliance can be used as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit.
• Licensing and Training Standards: Federal regulations establish requirements for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and training for truck drivers. Inadequate training or licensing issues can be factors in a truck accident lawsuit.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Trucking companies must have drug and alcohol testing programs for their drivers. A positive test result can be used as evidence of negligence in a truck accident lawsuit.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs record a driver’s service hours electronically. These devices can provide valuable information in a truck accident lawsuit, such as whether a driver complied with HOS regulations during the accident.
• Cargo Securement: Federal regulations also govern how cargo must be secured and loaded on commercial motor vehicles. Improperly secured or loaded cargo can lead to accidents and be a factor in a lawsuit.

What is the Time Limit For Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Easton, PA?

The time limit for filing a truck accident claim in PA is generally two years from the accident date. It’s important to note that if you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may completely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

But do not wait. The more time passes, the more difficult it may be to find reliable witnesses and evidence necessary for your claim.

Call Munley Law Today

The complexity of the trucking industry, the involvement of multiple parties, and the industry’s specific regulations can make proving liability in truck accident cases more challenging than in typical car accidents.

If you are a truck accident victim, an expert Easton truck accident attorney at Munley Law can greatly impact your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. We charge nothing until we win.