When accidents involving trucks and other vehicles occur, victims are often left wondering how to determine liability, which is where the help of a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer is invaluable. The aftermath of these accidents is often complex and devastating, but with Munley Law, there’s no need to face this alone. We’re proud to be the only law firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys who are board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Since 1959, our lawyers have investigated truck accidents, identified those liable, held them responsible for their actions, negotiated settlements with trucking companies and insurers, or faced them in court. By securing outcomes such as a $26 million truck accident settlement and a $20 million commercial vehicle settlement, we’ve helped clients recover more than $1 billion in damages. The Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum/Million Dollar Advocates Forum, American Association for Justice, National Trial Lawyers, Irish Legal 100, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon are among the respected legal institutions and organizations that routinely honor our lawyers.
Munley Law’s truck accident lawyers can assist those involved in Bethlehem truck accidents to establish fault and prove liability. Let us help you if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Lehigh Valley. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Do We Determine Liability in Bethlehem Truck Accident Cases?
One of the most important things to understand about truck accident cases is that liability rarely falls on just one party. Unlike a typical car accident, a commercial truck crash can involve a web of potentially responsible parties — and identifying all of them is critical to recovering full compensation.
The Truck Driver
Driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Fatigue, distraction, impairment, and speeding are all common factors. Federal regulations set strict limits on how many hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle without rest, and violations of those rules can be powerful evidence of negligence.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often liable for accidents caused by their drivers under a legal doctrine called vicarious liability. But their own negligence can also create direct liability — failure to properly screen or train drivers, pressure to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, and inadequate vehicle maintenance programs are all issues our attorneys investigate.
Cargo Loaders and Freight Companies
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, shift unexpectedly, or spill onto the roadway. When a third-party freight or loading company is responsible for securing the cargo, they can share liability for the resulting accident.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
If a mechanical defect contributed to the crash — a faulty braking system, defective tires, or a malfunctioning steering component — the manufacturer may bear responsibility under product liability law. According to PennDOT, 775 accidents in Pennsylvania in 2024 were tire- or wheel-related, and 641 were brake-related.
Maintenance Providers
Trucking companies sometimes outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party providers. If negligent maintenance — missed inspections, improper repairs, or failure to identify known issues — contributed to the accident, that provider can also be held accountable.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Is Liability Proven in a Truck Accident Case?
Proving liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation that goes well beyond a standard car accident claim. Our attorneys move quickly after an accident to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
Evidence we gather and analyze includes:
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs) and black box data: Modern commercial trucks are required to use ELDs that record hours of service. The truck’s black box captures speed, braking, and other data in the moments before a crash. This information can be decisive in establishing what happened.
- Driver logs and employment records: We review driver logs for hours-of-service violations and examine employment records to identify prior incidents, inadequate training, or licensing issues.
- Trucking company records: Maintenance logs, inspection records, and internal communications can reveal systemic safety failures that contributed to the accident.
- Accident reconstruction: For complex crashes, we work with expert accident reconstructionists who analyze physical evidence and provide testimony on how and why the collision occurred.
- Witness testimony: Statements from other drivers, passengers, and bystanders help establish the sequence of events and corroborate physical evidence.
- Police and incident reports: Official reports document the scene and often contain initial findings about contributing factors.
Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law and How It Affects Your Case
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102, which means that fault can be distributed among multiple parties, including, in some cases, the accident victim. According to Pennsylvania law, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear.
This makes it especially important to have an experienced attorney thoroughly investigate your case. Trucking companies and their insurers will often attempt to shift blame onto the victim to reduce or eliminate their liability. Munley Law’s truck accident attorneys know these tactics and work aggressively to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
Another way in which our Bethlehem truck accident lawyers can help you is by ensuring the investigation is completed, and your case is filed before the deadline set by Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations is reached. Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 (2), you have two years from the date of the collision to file a claim, unless the injured person was a minor (under 18 years of age).
In this case, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until their 18th birthday. The two-year window begins when they turn 18, meaning they need to file a claim before their 20th birthday.
Why Liability Matters for Your Financial Recovery
Identifying every liable party isn’t just a legal formality; it directly determines how much compensation you can recover. Trucking companies carry significantly higher insurance policies than individual drivers, and when multiple parties share fault, multiple insurance policies may be available to cover your losses.
The financial impact of a serious truck accident can be substantial and long-lasting. Compensation in these cases can include medical expenses — both current and future — lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages designed to punish particularly reckless conduct.
The more thoroughly liability is established, the stronger your position at the negotiating table or in court.
If you were injured in a trucking accident in Bethlehem, PA, Munley Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is a nationally recognized, leading truck accident lawyer. He has been board certified in Truck Accident Law by the NBTA as well as being a charter member for the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group. Daniel often takes part in speaking engagements presenting the latest cutting-edge technology and trial techniques to help attorneys nationwide protect the rights of truck accident victims. Additionally, Daniel has secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements for victims, including the largest truck accident settlement for an individual plaintiff on record in Northern Pennsylvania, at $26 million.
