Scranton Truck Accident Lawyer

For 65 years, the Scranton truck accident lawyers at Munley Law have been helping truck accident victims in Scranton, PA. Our team includes three board-certified truck accident attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and the challenges you face.

Don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Our knowledgeable lawyers will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Time is critical in truck accident cases. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney in Scranton, PA

A truck accident lawyer specializes in helping injury victims obtain compensation from various parties responsible for the victim’s losses, including the truck driver, trucking company, and third-party brokers. It is important to hire a truck accident attorney promptly after the trucking accident to protect your rights, as trucking companies often dispatch their lawyers to the accident scene, potentially leading to the loss or confiscation of crucial evidence. You need a legal team that can act swiftly.

After hiring our truck accident law firm, one of our initial steps is sending a spoliation letter to the trucking company. This letter aims to prevent the destruction of vital evidence such as log books and data from the truck’s “black box,” which records information about the vehicle and the driver’s actions at the time of the accident. Not many personal injury attorneys in Scranton understand how vital this information can be to your case.

A truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can also assist you in the following ways:

• Order the police report
• Begin negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Hire expert witnesses to strengthen your claim
• Search for and speak with eyewitnesses of the truck accident
• File a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court

Not all Scranton truck accident attorneys possess the expertise to protect your tractor trailer accident claim. With 65 years of experience handling truck accident cases, our Scranton personal injury attorneys are well-equipped to fight for your rights. We offer a free initial consultation, allowing you to have your case reviewed by our Scranton truck accident lawyers without any financial risk.

What is the Cost of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer?

It costs nothing to hire a Scranton truck accident lawyer at Munley Law. We work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. You don’t owe us any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. We only collect a fee if we win your injury case, taking a percentage of your settlement. By offering a contingency fee model, you will receive the exact representation of the insurance company from your vehicle or truck accident case, which often pays exorbitant fees to protect its interests.

We provide free consultations for all truck injury victims, allowing you to have your legal questions answered by an experienced truck accident lawyer without the burden of paying a fee or signing a contract until you feel comfortable working with our attorneys, especially if a loved one was killed and there were fatalities.

Compensation Available After a Scranton Truck Crash

The compensation available after a truck crash depends on the losses you suffered in the accident. Three types of damages can be awarded in a personal injury claim: economic, noneconomic, and punitive. Economic damages include expenses that can be calculated in dollar amounts. Noneconomic damages are non-monetary losses like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly outrageous behavior.

What Are Economic Damages?

Economic damages are monetary losses you experienced in the accident, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. To determine economic damages, your trucking accident attorney will review your expenses to see how much the accident costs. Some expenses that will be taken into account include:

• Both current and future medical expenses, including lab results, surgery, medical equipment, and physical therapy
• Costs associated with loss of work from your job if you were unable to work because of your injuries
• Property damage to your vehicle or other property involved in the accident
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your truck crash, such as travel expenses

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What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are compensation that isn’t quantifiable with money. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish or trauma, disfigurement, loss of consortium (an injury that prevents a spouse from participating in activities they usually would), inconvenience, annoyance, anxiety, and any other type of non-financial harm that can be caused by an injury such as yours.

What Are Punitive Damages?

The third type of damages is awarded to the truck injury victim to punish the defendant financially for their actions. This is usually only awarded when intentional acts cause harm (such as drunk driving) but occasionally occurs in cases where the defendant’s negligence was particularly egregious (such as not maintaining their vehicle).

Liable Parties in a Scranton, PA Truck Accident

Several parties could be held responsible for a trucking accident in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Once you hire our trucking accident lawyers, they will begin their investigation immediately to collect the evidence needed to determine who may be at fault for the accident. This includes gathering critical evidence, consulting experts, speaking with witnesses, reviewing the police report, and much more.

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who can be held at fault. These may include:

• The negligent truck driver who violated traffic regulations
• The trucking company that failed to provide proper training or maintenance
• The trucking manufacturer is responsible for unrepaired defects
• The shipping company or a third-party broker that neglected their due diligence in selecting a reliable carrier

Truck accident lawsuits demand immediate action and the expertise of a seasoned truck accident attorney. If you’ve sustained injuries in a collision with a large commercial vehicle, contacting our Scranton tractor trailer accident lawyers immediately is crucial. Our team will handle all aspects of your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your truck accident injuries.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Scranton, PA

The common causes of truck accidents are due to various factors, posing significant risks on the road. From vehicle defects to adverse weather conditions, the causes of these accidents are diverse. However, the most common causes of truck accidents are the following:

• Drowsy Driving: Truck drivers must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules establish maximum driving time and required rest periods. Nevertheless, trucking companies often push drivers to exceed these limits, leading to fatigue and sleep deprivation, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Commercial truck drivers face stricter blood alcohol concentration limits than non-commercial drivers.
• Overloaded Cargo: Overloading an already substantial 18-wheeler heightens its risks, potentially endangering nearby drivers and passengers.
• Excessive Speeding: Legal action may be pursued if a truck driver’s excessive speed causes a collision.
• Distracted Driving: Diverting attention from the road, even for a few seconds, can result in disastrous consequences.
• Equipment Malfunction: Poor maintenance or equipment malfunctions pose hazards on the road.
• Defective Tires: Faulty truck tires, including blowouts, can cause accidents and jeopardize the safety of others on the road.
• Failure to Follow State and Federal Regulations: Trucking companies must adhere to state and federal regulations. Failure to comply increases the risk of accidents, making them liable for the passenger’s and/or the driver’s injuries and damages.

Most of these causes stem from negligence, whether the truck driver’s failure to uphold safe driving practices or the trucking companies disregarding regulations to prioritize profit. Unfortunately, the consequences of such negligence can result in a fatal truck crash.

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Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Crashes?

The main reason why truck accidents are more dangerous than car crashes has to do with the size of the vehicle. Tractor trailers weigh 80,000 or more pounds which is 20 times the weight of a regular passenger car. Not only are trucks heavier, but they have a higher ground clearance, making the truck more difficult to maneuver than a regular-sized car.

Because of the massive scale of commercial vehicles, truck drivers have specific federal rules they have to follow. Not only do they have to carry a higher amount of liability insurance, but they must adhere to the following regulations:

• Truck drivers can only spend a certain amount of time on the road at one time without a break, known as hours of service
• Trucks must have an electronic recording device on the truck and recording data.
• Proof of routine maintenance
• Receive training on how to load and secure their cargo properly
• Receive training on how to haul hazardous materials
• Restrictions of weight and height of the vehicle

Failure to follow these regulations could result in a severe accident. According to the most recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, approximately 5 and a half percent of the total auto accidents in Lackawanna County involved a large truck.

Common Injuries of Scranton Truck Accidents

The common injuries of truck accidents in Scranton can range from catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage or spinal cord injuries, to soft tissue injuries. The most common injuries include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding
• Burns
• Fatalities

Many of these injuries may involve lengthy medical treatments that can last years, even a lifetime. They can affect your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with loved ones. You can experience mental and emotional distress, such as PSTD.

What To Do If the Trucking Company’s Insurance Company Calls

Following the accident, you may receive a call from the trucking company’s insurance company. Refusing speaking with them is advisable until you have hired a Scranton truck accident lawyer. However, if you do engage in conversation, keep the following tips in mind:

• Do not agree to provide a recorded statement or sign any forms sent by the trucking company or its insurance carrier.
• You are not obligated to disclose any information about the accident. Keep your comments brief and stick to the facts if pressured to speak.
• Avoid discussing your injuries, medical treatment, or losses in detail.

Contact our semi truck accident lawyer in Scranton as soon as possible for a free consultation. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will review any paperwork sent to you.

Is There a Statute of Limitations For My Truck Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for a truck accident claim in Scranton, PA, is two years. However, waiting too long can result in crucial evidence disappearing, such as maintenance logs, drivers’ schedules, timesheets, and witness statements. In your best interest, promptly contact an experienced truck accident attorney to initiate the claims process.

Contact a Scranton Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

Munley Law not only has the experience you need, but our Scranton truck accident attorneys are deeply rooted in the Scranton community—our ancestors worked in the coal mines and steel mills in Lackawanna County. We are not just your truck accident lawyers; we are your neighbors. We understand the impact a truck accident can have on your life and the lives of those around you. We aim to provide you with the best legal representation possible, helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

When it comes to finding the proper representation, choose carefully. Contact us today if you or your loved one requires aggressive legal representation for a truck injury case. Our consultation is always free, and we will fight on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve. We only get paid if we win your truck accident case.

Contact Munley Law now to speak with an experienced Scranton truck accident lawyer.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570)865-4699