Wilkes-Barre Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

Our Wilkes-Barre Fatal Truck Accident Attorneys Can Get You Justice

Truck accidents are some of the most destructive types of crashes that happen in Wilkes-Barre. Far too often, these truck crashes result in loss of life. A fatal truck crash can upend the lives of surviving family members and leave you devastated, looking for answers, and wanting justice. No amount of money can make up for the sudden loss of a beloved family member, but a lawsuit can hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions and bring you some future security so that financial burdens do not interfere with your ability to honor your loved one’s memory in peace.

If someone you love was killed in a fatal crash, our truck accident attorneys can help you fight for justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our compassionate team of legal experts will answer your questions, assist you during this difficult time, and see that justice is done for your family.

Contact Munley Law today for a free, private consultation. If you are unable to meet with us at our Wilkes-Barre office location, we can arrange a virtual meeting or travel to meet you where you are located. There is no charge for the consultation and no fee unless we win your case.

What Are the Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents?

Wilkes-Barre’s location near major interstates means tractor trailer accident cases are tragically common and often devastating for families, including PA-309, PA-476, I-81, I-80, and I-380 means that Luzerne County residents share the road with large trucks and tractor trailers during their daily travels. Under these conditions, a negligent action or omission can result in a devastating wreck. Some common causes of truck accidents in Wilkes-Barre include:

• Driver distraction – Driver distraction is among the most common causes of deadly accidents, including those involving a large truck. Truckers and drivers of passenger vehicles must stay alert at all times – but this is not always the case. Distraction can take many forms; the most common type of distraction is technology, be it a mobile device, navigation, or hands-free system. But other passengers, food and drink, multitasking, or anything else that takes your attention away from the task of driving can become deadly.
• Driver fatigue – Fatigue and lack of sleep can impair driving performance as much as alcohol. Truck drivers can be especially susceptible to driver fatigue because they face a higher risk of sleep apnea and often drive during hours when the rest of us are sleeping. Truckers also face intense pressure to make deliveries on time, and time not spent driving is time for which they are not paid. In some cases, this financial pressure can incentivize drivers to exceed the maximum hours of service established by federal law.
• Driving too fast for conditions – Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions is one of the leading causes of deadly traffic accidents. Speed not only increases the risk of a crash, but it also increases the chances that the crash will be deadly. Trucks take far longer than passenger cars to slow down or come to a stop. If a truck is traveling too fast for the traffic or weather conditions, it can result in a fatal rear-end or multivehicle pile-up crash.
• Improperly secured loads – An improperly secured load can also lead to a devastating truck crash. For example, if cargo is not loaded properly, it can cause uneven distribution of weight that can cause a truck driver to lose control of the trailer. This can be deadly for the trucker and for other drivers on the road.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

If your loved one died in a fatal truck accident in Luzerne County, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for your loss. A wrongful death suit is different from a regular personal injury case. While a personal injury case typically seeks to compensate the victim of an accident or injury, a wrongful death claim seeks to compensate the victim’s surviving beneficiaries. A wrongful death claim also serves to hold the negligent party responsible for their wrongdoing.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Fatal Truck Accident in Wilkes-Barre?

Under the statute of limitations in PA, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the accident that resulted in your loved one’s death.

What If My Loved One Was a Truck Driver Who Was Killed on the Job?

Truck drivers have dangerous jobs. They face one of the highest rates of workplace fatality in any occupation. Truck drivers can be killed on the road, while loading heavy materials into their trailer, or even while resting in the sleeper berth of their cab. Munley Law has represented truck drivers’ families in securing workers’ compensation death benefits and pursuing third-party liability claims.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406