A runaway truck, a detached trailer, or a dropped load can cause devastating accidents. These crashes often happen without warning and can leave drivers and passengers with life-changing injuries. Yet these can also be complicated cases for victims looking for justice, and plaintiffs require formal legal advice from expert truck accident attorneys.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 168,000 injury crashes involving large trucks were reported in 2022. In one study, trailer detachment or cargo issues were cited in 6% of truck crashes. If you or someone you love was hurt in a runaway truck or trailer detachment accident, you may be able to seek compensation. At Munley Law, our trailer detachment accident lawyers help crash victims in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Trailer Accident?
If you were injured because a trailer detached or a trucker lost control, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Depending on the details of the accident, the trucking company or others could be held liable. This includes accidents caused by:
- Faulty hitches or coupling devices
- Poor truck maintenance
- Overloaded or unbalanced trailers
- Driver error or reckless driving, including unnecessary speed
- Brake failure
- Tire failure
To move forward, you’ll need to prove that someone else’s actions — or failure to act — caused the crash. That’s where an experienced dropped trailer accident lawyer can help.
What Compensation Could I Receive After a Runaway Truck Crash?
The value of your runaway trailer collision case depends on many factors, such as your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the crash involved gross negligence or serious safety violations, you may also qualify for punitive damages. In most cases, however, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Time missed from work
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and emotional distress
How Is Fault Determined in a Trailer Detachment Accident?
Your legal team will gather evidence like crash reports, maintenance logs, black box data, and inspection records to determine what went wrong and who was at fault. Liability in these cases can be complex. Several parties may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The trailer manufacturer
- A third-party maintenance provider
Negligence Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This means you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
Types of Compensation in a Trucking Injury Case
When you file a lawsuit or insurance claim, you may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages cover out-of-pocket costs like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages compensate for pain, mental anguish, trauma, or loss of enjoyment of life.
In severe or fatal cases, a family may also file a wrongful death claim.
Common Causes of Runaway Trailer Collisions
Hitch failure crashes and dropped trailer accidents are often caused by:
- Improper loading, overloaded trailers or cargo shifts
- Brake or mechanical failure
- Poor road conditions
- Driver inexperience or fatigue
- Hitch or fifth-wheel failure
Common Injuries in Trailer Detachment Accidents
When a trailer comes loose, the results can be catastrophic. Truck accident victims may suffer from severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones or spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns from fires or explosions
Many victims need long-term care or never fully recover. We fight to make sure they don’t also suffer financially
What to Do After a Dropped Trailer Accident
After a crash with a runaway trailer or truck you should seek emergency care first. Call 911 and seek medical attention. Next, if safe, take photos of the crash scene. Then, get contact and insurance information from others involved. Do not admit fault or sign anything. Talk to a trailer detachment accident lawyer right away. Acting quickly can protect your health and your legal rights.
Filing Deadlines in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle was involved, you may have even less time. Don’t wait to start your case. Over time, evidence can disappear, and witnesses can become harder to contact. If you have questions about deadlines, contact Munley Law today.
How Long Will It Take for a Truck Accident Lawyer to Resolve My Case?
Some trailer detachment claims settle in a few months. Others — especially those involving serious injuries or multiple parties — can take a year or more. Your lawyer can give you a better idea once they review your case. Factors that affect the timeline include:
- Whether fault is disputed
- How severe your injuries are
- The size of the insurance policies involved
- Willingness of the parties to negotiate
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, going to court may be the best way to recover what you’re owed. At Munley Law, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That gives you the strongest possible position during negotiations.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters After a Trailer-Related Accident
After a truck accident, insurance adjusters may call you quickly. They might act friendly — but remember, they work for the insurance company, not you. You’re not required to give a recorded statement or accept an early offer. In fact, doing so can hurt your claim. Let your trusted personal injury lawyer handle communications. That way, your rights stay protected.
What If the Tractor Trailer Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?
In some cases, the at-fault driver may not carry enough insurance to cover your damages. If that happens, you may still have options. You can file a claim against the trucking company. You can use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Or you can file a lawsuit to seek other sources of compensation.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer Right Away?
You should never accept a settlement without speaking to a lawyer. Early offers are often too low and may not cover future medical costs or long-term injuries. An attorney can give you the correct legal information to help you understand whether a settlement is fair and what your case may actually be worth.
Why Work with a Dropped Trailer Accident Lawyer?
These cases involve complex federal trucking laws and multiple parties. You don’t need to face this process alone. A trailer detachment lawyer knows how to:
- Investigate truck and trailer defects
- Request and preserve trucking logs
- Work with crash experts and investigators
- Negotiate with insurers and at-fault companies
What Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
At Munley Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs. Our first consultation is free, and we’ll explain your rights clearly from the start.
Why Choose Munley Law After a Runaway Truck Accident?
Munley Law has over 60 years of experience handling complex truck accident cases. We’ve recovered millions for clients hurt in trailer detachment and runaway truck accidents. Our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and Super Lawyers. We’ve taken on major trucking companies — and we even won a $26 million truck accident settlement.
Injured by a Runaway Truck or Dropped Trailer? Call Munley Law Today
If you or a loved one was hurt in a trailer detachment or runaway truck crash, contact us today. We’ll explain your options and help you take the next steps. Call Munley Law or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here when you need us most.
