Pennsylvania Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer / Pennsylvania Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

The effects of a truck accident can feel like a sucker punch to your life. Painful injuries and financial instability can disrupt your well-being and cause additional stress that can affect your recovery. A Pennsylvania semi truck accident lawyer can shine some light in the darkness and secure the compensation you need to combat the losses you have suffered.

At Munley Law, we fight to secure the resources that make your recovery possible. We provide customized services that take all of your losses into account so you are not left with out-of-pocket costs. You will work closely with a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer who will take their time to get to know you and identify effective strategies to get you a favorable outcome. You will have a partner throughout this process who will safeguard your legal rights.

Munley Law Is Your Advocate During a Vulnerable Time

The lawyer you choose to represent you after an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome you receive. Not all law firms are created equal. Some may not have experience in the specific area you need help in, and some may not be a good fit for you or your case. However, when you choose Munley Law, you receive a compassionate team that has extensive experience in a wide variety of personal injury cases and can get favorable results.

Our highly qualified team not only has a thorough knowledge of the law and a proven track record of success, but we are also empathetic to the unique challenges you may face after a semi-truck accident in Pennsylvania. During this overwhelming time, we come alongside you to provide clarity, guidance, and support so you do not have to walk this road alone. Our team handles the logistics of your case and protects your rights so you are treated fairly.

Legal Representation Is More Accessible Than You Think

When you need legal services after an accident, you may be concerned about how you will afford an attorney. To alleviate your stress, Munley Law operates on a contingency basis, so you never pay us anything directly. We do not collect any fees unless we win your case. When we do win your case, we deduct the cost of our services from the settlement or verdict you have been awarded. This way, you can be confident you will receive the representation you deserve.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

We know that choosing a lawyer is a big decision and one that you do not take lightly. While we are committed to providing you with exceptional service, we do not want you to just take our word for it. Hear what our past clients have to say about their experience working with us.

Semi Truck Accidents Contribute to Thousands of Injury Accidents

According to the most recent year of data by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 30 fatality crashes and 2,417 injury crashes involving large trucks in Pennsylvania. As these numbers highlight, truck driving is dangerous, and motorists are at risk alongside these large vehicles.

Trucks typically take longer to stop given their size and weight. This makes it harder for trucks to avoid potential hazards. They also cannot maneuver as easily and have considerable blind spots, also called “no zones,” that can make it difficult for drivers to see the vehicles around them. When truck drivers fail to take these factors into account, the likelihood of a collision is elevated.

On top of that, Pennsylvania’s many mountainous roads and large cities can impact the rate at which accidents occur. Truck drivers must be more alert to potential hazards that can affect their field of vision or ability to react quickly, and drive defensively to minimize the risk of an accident.

Parties and Factors That Contribute to Semi-Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania

External factors and driver errors are common aspects that contribute to semi-truck accidents. Many times, these accidents could have been avoided if extra precautions had been taken. While drivers may contribute to accidents most often, trucking companies, mechanics, cargo loaders, and manufacturers can also contribute to the cause of the collision and be held liable. Some common ways these parties can contribute to an accident may include:

• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Driver error
• Distractions
• Road conditions
• Weather conditions
• Overload
• Defective parts
• Poor maintenance
• Unrealistic schedule pressures

To determine what factors were involved and who contributed to an accident, Pennsylvania semi truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident from multiple angles. They will review police reports, photographic evidence, surveillance videos, and more to gain a comprehensive understanding of what transpired so that the proper action is taken. These steps will shed light on where the fault lies so your lawyer can effectively craft your case.

Motorists Are More Likely to Sustain Injury in a Truck Accident and Require Medical Treatment

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are at the greatest risk of injury in a truck accident. The reason for this is that vehicle size and weight play a big role in a collision. Larger vehicles are more insulated from the impact, while smaller, lighter vehicles absorb more force, may be violently pushed backward, or crushed more easily. These types of accidents can cause numerous serious injuries that may include the following:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Neck and spine injuries
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage
• Whiplash
• Burns
• Paralysis
• Disability and disfigurement
• Death

Medical attention after an accident can help assess the full scope of the injuries you have sustained. Regardless of where you are located in Pennsylvania, there are many top-ranked hospitals across the state that can provide exceptional care after an accident. It is important to get treatment promptly and continue to monitor your condition as you heal.

Dangerous Highways and Roads Throughout Pennsylvania Contribute to Devastating Truck Accidents

Pennsylvania is vast, with a varied terrain ranging from mountains to flat land. Regardless of where you are in the state, these areas have their own unique conditions that can be hazardous to motorists and increase the risk of a collision. Some of the most dangerous roads in Pennsylvania include:

• I-83: This route often sees heavy traffic throughout several major cities. Mountainous terrain contributes to accidents by limiting visibility and increasing the risk of weather-related accidents.
• I-80: This interstate sees elevated semi truck traffic and accidents. This route is known for its fatalities. Sharp curves, limited visibility, and road conditions contribute to the safety hazards on this roadway.
• I-95: Another interstate characterized by increased truck traffic. This highway is often chaotic and congested. Truck accidents happen frequently and can result in fatalities.
• I-78: This highway has an extremely high number of accidents and fatalities. Road conditions, traffic congestion, and winter weather make this road hazardous to motorists of all kinds.

In addition to these interstates, Philadelphia has the most dangerous roads within a city. Narrow lanes, sharp curves, heavy traffic, and limited visibility contribute to accidents. Driver distractions, alcohol use, and road conditions can pose hazards as well.

Establishing Liability Is an Important Aspect in Resolving a Pennsylvania Semi Truck Accident Case

When you have been injured in a truck accident, the burden of proof is on you to show that the truck driver was negligent. While this may seem overwhelming, your Pennsylvania semi truck accident attorney is equipped and experienced to handle this on your behalf. They will investigate the accident and gather evidence so they can build your case and satisfy the standard of negligence, which includes four elements:

• Duty of care: Truck drivers are required to adhere to industry safety regulations, as well as follow the rules of the road and exercise normal driving precautions.
• Breach of duty: Truck drivers who fail to remain alert, do not follow work and rest regulations, or engage in careless driving activities violate their responsibilities and put other motorists at risk.
• Causation: This element shows the cause-and-effect connection between the truck driver’s actions, the accident, and your injuries.
• Damages: The truck driver who failed to protect the safety of others is held liable for their negligence and must pay you damages for the losses they caused you.

Once all four components have been satisfied, a truck driver’s negligence becomes a fact in the case. From here, they can be held accountable, and your case can be resolved. Your lawyer will provide guidance throughout this process and make sure that all requirements are fulfilled properly so you can have a favorable outcome.

How Comparative Negligence Can Impact the Outcome of a Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Insurance adjusters and lawyers will look at every party’s actions when assessing and resolving a case to determine how much each party contributed to the collision. While you could be found partially at fault, it does not mean that you are automatically disqualified from recovering compensation.

According to Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. The total value of your damages will be reduced in proportion to your fault. If you were eligible for $100,000 and were 15% at fault, you would be able to recover $85,000. Conversely, any party who contributes more than 50% of fault to the accident is barred from recovering compensation completely.

Compensation Helps You Tackle Staggering Expenses

The National Library of Medicine reports that motor vehicles are the leading cause of injury and death in the U.S. They estimate that the average cost of emergency and inpatient medical care for fatal injuries ranges between $6,880 and $41,570. The estimated cost of emergency and inpatient medical care for non-fatal injuries ranged from $1698 to $80,172. These numbers show the staggering costs that injury victims may face after an accident.

At Munley Law, we know that for many of our clients, these expenses alone are beyond their financial capacity. When adding on additional expenses from losses, meeting these financial obligations feels impossible. As such, we aggressively fight for our clients throughout Pennsylvania so they do not have to bear the weight of this burden alone. We optimize cases and persistently negotiate a fair settlement that may cover the following losses, as applicable:

• Cost of current and future medical care
• Cost of rehabilitation, equipment, home and vehicle accommodations, and medications
• Cost to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings
• End-of-life, funeral, and burial expenses when death occurs as a result of the accident
• Loss of services or inheritance
• Pain and suffering caused by the collision
• Emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia
• Reduced quality of life and ability to enjoy activities you did before
• Loss of companionship or consortium

Our team of Pennsylvania semi truck accident lawyers helps you identify which losses are applicable in your circumstances, and we calculate their value to determine how much your settlement is worth. Every case is different, and the final amount will depend on the specific losses you suffered, their severity, liability, and insurance policy limits. Our knowledgeable attorneys can provide clarity and counsel to make sure you receive maximum compensation.

Waiting to File a Claim Can Leave You With Nothing

When you have been injured in a truck accident and need compensation, you do not want to miss out on the opportunity to claim the damages you are entitled to receive. That is why it is important to hire a lawyer promptly after you have been injured. If you do not file a claim before the two-year statute of limitations expires, you could risk being left with nothing. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more evidence deteriorates and the weaker your case gets.

Partner With the Experienced Team at Munley Law Today

Munley Law is here to provide you with excellent and compassionate service after you have been injured in a semi-truck accident. We help minimize the impact this event has had on your life so you can get back on your feet faster. Our team is there for you when you need aggressive representation. Schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can serve you.