Munley Law’s Philadelphia fatal truck accident lawyers have been fighting for families after devastating losses for almost seven decades. Our firm has secured landmark verdicts and settlements in truck accident cases, involving multi-million-dollar recoveries in wrongful death cases involving commercial trucks.
When a fatal crash changes everything, you need answers, accountability, and financial stability. We step in to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation your family deserves.
Our Philadelphia attorneys are nationally recognized and include leaders in truck accident litigation. Munley Law is the only firm in Pennsylvania with three board-certified Truck Accident Law attorneys: Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon. We handle complex claims involving trucking companies, insurers, and corporate defendants.
From investigation to resolution, Munley Law’s Philadelphia fatal truck accident lawyers stand with you every step of the way – so you can focus on your family while we focus on justice.
Chat live, fill out our email form, or call today for a free consultation regarding whether you may have a wrongful death claim after a truck accident. There is no fee for our services, and you never pay anything out of pocket. We get paid out of what we recover for you.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Do You Need a Philadelphia Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer?
The right truck accident attorney is always going to work to make sure your rights are protected in the wake of a fatal commercial vehicle accident. No matter how big or small, truck accidents have consequences, and many players are involved. Your lawyer can focus on holding the liable parties accountable and getting you the financial relief you and your family need.
Here are just a few reasons you shouldn’t try to navigate the aftermath of a truck crash alone:
Fatal Truck Accidents Involve Multiple Liable Parties, Creating Complexity
While it may seem simple, the commercial trucking industry is incredibly complex, and ascertaining liability in a fatal truck accident is not straightforward. Fatal truck accident cases involve many players, and many times these players are going to react to an accident by trying to minimize their own financial exposure, especially when someone has died. You need a lawyer to make sure you’re not left holding the bill for the damages caused by someone else’s wrongdoing.
Parties with a vested interest in the outcome of a legal claim following a fatal truck accident may include:
- Passengers
- The truck driver
- The driver of any other vehicle involved
- The trucking company
- Insurance companies
- The truck maintenance company
- The truck manufacturer
It’s hard to know which of these parties is responsible for the injuries you suffered. In fact, multiple parties could be held responsible. A lawyer can help you get to the bottom of it to make sure you are getting all the compensation you deserve.
Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help Resolve Your Case Before It Goes to Court
Of course, lawyers are familiar with fighting truck accident cases in court, and Munley Law’s board-certified attorneys in Truck Accident Law are no exception. But sometimes, the best option is to resolve a dispute well before a formal lawsuit.
Whether you’re fighting with an insurance company, an individual involved in the crash, or a negligent trucking company, getting a lawyer involved early can help get the case resolved faster. Sometimes, well-prepared lawyers can do this simply by participating in negotiations. After all, people are sometimes more forthcoming if they know that you are armed and ready to take a dispute to court.
How Do Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyers Investigate Fatal Truck Accidents?
Because of the complexity of truck accidents, especially accidents involving large commercial trucks like tractor-trailers, there can be a lot of ground to cover to prove your claim. Let an experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorney—who is used to dealing with powerful insurance companies and trucking companies after an accident—investigate what happened. For example:
- A lawyer can identify and interview witnesses. This can involve any number of people. For example, the truck driver, other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and other witnesses who physically saw what happened can have invaluable information. We can also figure out who maintained the truck or trucks involved. We’ll find witnesses with information, interview them, and preserve their testimony for use in court.
- We’ll also gather documents and other physical evidence. We can take pictures of the truck involved, the accident scene, and any damage caused. Furthermore, we can track down surveillance video and other camera footage of the accident; this can be used both when advocating against insurance companies and in court. Sometimes, a truck accident is caused by faulty maintenance or a mechanical malfunction. These cases require us to track down maintenance records and other important reports. We know where to look and have experience tracking this evidence down for our clients.
- Some fatal truck accident cases require expert witness testimony. This could be a medical expert who can testify to your injuries and how they will impact your life. It could also be an expert tasked with calculating the different ways the truck accident has cost you money. Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to numerous interlocking government regulations imposed by the City of Philadelphia, the State of Pennsylvania, and even the United States Government. There are experts who can explain these regulations and why any violation of them was unreasonable. Expert witnesses can be the difference between winning and losing a case. Munley Law has worked with experts across Pennsylvania and the country to support our clients. We know how to do it effectively and efficiently.
How Will a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer Represent You in Negotiations and Court?
You should never have to fight alone against the powerful entities (trucking companies and insurance companies, for example) that stand in your way after a fatal truck accident. Sometimes, these parties will argue that your loved one was at fault, even when they weren’t. There may be unique challenges to recovery, for example, a driver may not be able to pay all your damages himself. However, the trucking company and its insurance may be equally responsible and therefore must pay. Experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorneys know how to get you the compensation you deserve.
At Munley Law, we have experience working with and against many repeat players. We can make sure these powerful entities don’t overpower your interests in any negotiations. And, if it comes time to fight in court, our attorneys are nationally recognized for their skills in the courtroom. We’re ready to put them to work to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover After a Fatal Truck Accident in Philadelphia?
After a truck accident, you and your family will undoubtedly have questions, and it’s completely common to not know whether or how to seek compensation from the at-fault party. An experienced semi truck accident law firm can help. At Munley Law, during a free consultation, we can help you estimate how much money you could be entitled to, and we can help present your options in plain English.
Our record-breaking settlements for wrongful death and catastrophic injuries as a result of truck accidents include $26 million, $20 million, $19.8 million, and $11 million.
What Damages Are Available in a Philadelphia Fatal Truck Accident Lawsuit?
As the spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of someone who died as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you receive compensation for:
- Medical and funeral costs
- Lost earnings and benefits of the deceased
- Loss of care and companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of security for those dependent on the deceased
- In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages are designed to punish the negligent party
While no amount of money will truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, the purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to recover damages to help relieve the financial burden placed on a family in the aftermath of an accident. Munley Law works to secure your financial future so that you can grieve and begin to move forward with your family.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire An Experienced Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Munley Law, we understand that the financial burdens following a serious injury can be overwhelming, and that’s why you pay nothing out of pocket.
Our initial consultations are always free. You can speak to one of our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at no cost and completely risk-free; hearing your options won’t obligate you to do anything.
Additionally, all our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not collect a fee unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you. You pay nothing up front, and we’re paid directly from any recovery, so you’ll never owe anything out of pocket.
If you think you may have a case, or if you have questions about filing a personal injury lawsuit, we will evaluate the details of your situation at no charge and let you know your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Truck Accident Claims in Philadelphia
How Long Do I Have to File a Fatal Truck Accident Claim in Philadelphia?
In Pennsylvania, wrongful death claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means you typically have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?
In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim is usually filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This is often a close family member such as a spouse, parent, or adult child. Compensation is then distributed to eligible beneficiaries. A lawyer can help determine eligibility and guide the process.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex than Car Accidents?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. They are also governed by strict federal and state regulations. Evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records must be preserved quickly. These factors make legal representation critical.
What Evidence Is Important in a Fatal Truck Accident Case?
Key evidence may include crash reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and truck maintenance records. Data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) can also reveal driver behavior. In many cases, expert analysis is needed to reconstruct the accident. Acting quickly ensures this evidence is not lost or destroyed.
Can Multiple Parties Be Held Liable for a Fatal Truck Accident?
Yes, liability often extends beyond the truck driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or even vehicle manufacturers may share responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing compensation. An experienced attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover every source of liability.
How Is Compensation Calculated in a Wrongful Death Case?
Compensation is based on both economic and non-economic losses. This can include lost income, funeral expenses, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. Future financial contributions and benefits are also considered. Each case is unique, and a lawyer can help estimate its full value.
Contact Munley Law’s Award-Winning Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Munley Law. Our compassionate team understands how overwhelming this time can be and works to ease the burden by handling every aspect of your case on your behalf.
Contact us to discuss your case and understand your legal options. All consultations are free, and we charge no fees unless we win your case.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley is one of the nation’s most decorated and respected truck accident lawyers. Having contributed to numerous publications and spoken at numerous conferences, she has advocated for truck accident victims nationwide. Marion is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the NBTA and is the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 – additionally, she was named “Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Marion has assisted in several landmark truck accident settlements, including a $26 million settlement for a single mother of three who was critically injured when a tractor trailer collided with her car.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
