Williamsport Truck Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a truck crash on I-80, I-180, Route 15, Route 220, or any other main roads running through Williamsport and Lycoming County, contact the truck accident team at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case and advise you about what to do next. There is no charge for our services unless we win your case.

At Munley Law, we understand the devastating impact of commercial truck accident injuries. We also know how vigorously the trucking companies and insurers will fight to avoid liability. With decades of experience, we have helped numerous clients recover millions for their truck accident injuries, and we have a hard-earned reputation for ensuring that all of our clients receive just compensation.

Why Choose a Williamsport Truck Accident Lawyer at Munley Law?

Our lawyers have devoted decades to tractor trailer and major transportation accident cases. We are among a few law firms in the United States that have earned credentialing specifically for truck accident attorneys. Attorneys Dan Munley and Marion Munley have served as chair of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, making Munley Law the only law firm in the U.S. with two lawyers who have held that position.

We are among a select few lawyers nationwide to earn board certification in truck accident law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We have won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for truck accident victims in Pennsylvania and frequently travel around the country to educate other lawyers on truck accident cases. No law firm in Pennsylvania is better qualified to handle your truck case.

The truck accident lawyers know how critical it is to act quickly after a truck wreck. We will work immediately to get necessary court orders and preserve and obtain evidence before they can be lost or destroyed. This includes getting the truck driver’s cell phone and any black box data from the truck’s electronic data recorder. From that point forward, we will work with top industry experts to build your case, support you during your recovery, negotiate with the insurance company, and bring your case to trial if no settlement can be reached.

What Causes of Truck Accidents in Williamsport?

Some of the most common causes of truck crashes in Williamsport include:

• Distraction – One of the leading causes of all kinds of accidents is driver distraction, and truck crashes are no different. We have seen many cases involving commercial truck drivers using a cell phone, watching a video, or otherwise distracted while operating a tractor trailer. When truck drivers take their attention away from the task of driving, they put all other drivers at risk.
• Truck Driver Fatigue – Truckers spend long hours behind the wheel, often driving during the late night and early morning hours. In some cases, transportation companies put pressure on their drivers to exceed the maximum hours of service and stay on the road longer than they should in order to make their deliveries. If a truck driver dozes off at the wheel, the results can be devastating.
• Speed – Excessive speed is one of the most common contributing factors to fatal crashes. Large trucks and eighteen-wheelers need more time and space to come to a stop than smaller vehicles. When traveling at a high rate of speed, trucks cannot easily slow down in response to changes in traffic or an obstruction in the road. As a result, they can lose control, rollover, collide with vehicles ahead, or cause a multi-vehicle pileup.

In addition to truck driver negligence, there are various other issues for which trucking companies can also be held legally responsible. Some of the most common non-driver-related factors in tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents include:

• Inadequate truck maintenance
• Loose or unbalanced cargo and other cargo-loading errors
• Negligent truck repair
• Overloaded trailers
• Truck and trailer defects

Additionally, it is essential to remember that not all trucking accidents are triggered by the trucks involved. For example, maybe another driver hit the truck and caused a chain-reaction collision. Or perhaps a defect in the road caused the truck driver to lose control. When we investigate your case, we will explore all potential causes to ensure we can seek total compensation for your injuries.

What Injuries Can You Receive in a Truck Accident in Williamsport, PA?

Truck accidents in Williamsport often result in severe or even life-changing injuries. These injuries may require treatment for months or years to come.

Traumatic brain injury – Traumatic brain injuries or TBI are among the most common and most severe types of injuries truck accident victims experience. Brain injuries range from concussions to skull fractures and brain bleeds. They can result in permanent brain damage and disability and can even become fatal.

Broken bones – Broken bones often require surgery and can take a long time to heal correctly. Some fractures can also cause more severe complications like punctured organs and internal bleeding.

Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries – The violent impact of a truck crash can cause serious damage to the neck, back, and spine. Neck and back injuries can affect your ability to work and enjoy life as you used to, and spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis.

Death – In the most tragic cases, truck accidents can result in loss of life. Suppose you lost a loved one in a truck wreck. In that case, a truck accident lawsuit can provide future security for your family and hold the negligent parties responsible for the devastation they caused.

What If I Am a Truck Driver Injured in a Truck Crash in Williamsport?

The Williamsport truck accident attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have handled enough truck cases to know that not every tractor trailer crash is the trucker’s fault. We also know that driving a truck is a dangerous job that results in numerous occupational injuries and fatalities every year. We have represented many truck drivers who were hurt or killed in a serious accident while on the job. If you were injured in a wreck caused by another driver or another truck, we can help. Our attorneys can help you secure your workers’ compensation benefits and pursue a negligence claim against the at-fault driver and any other appropriate parties.

What is the Difference Between a Truck Accident and a Car Accident?

There are three significant differences between truck accidents and motor vehicle accidents. First, the size and weight of tractor-trailers far outweigh regular passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average car’s 3,000 pounds. That disparity makes the wreck far more dangerous for the occupants in the smaller vehicle.

Truck crashes are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries. The likelihood of fatalities is also much higher in truck accidents, with 97% of deaths occurring to occupants of the non-truck vehicle.

Finally, truck accident cases are more complex than car accident claims. In addition to the drivers, multiple parties can be liable in a truck accident. This complex web of potential defendants often leads to more extensive legal proceedings. It is in the victim’s best interest to hire a Williamsport truck accident lawyer to help navigate the complexities of such cases.

What is a Black Box?

A “black box” is the common name for an electronic data recorder on airplanes, trains, commercial trucks, and newer passenger vehicles. The black box captures information such as vehicle speed and whether the brakes were applied during a crash. It is a crucial piece of evidence in any truck accident case.

The black box and its data belong to the trucking company, and it can be expensive and difficult to obtain. This is one reason why having an experienced truck accident attorney on your case is extremely important. The truck accident team at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys knows how to quickly get a court order to obtain the black box data before it is destroyed or deleted. We will also work with an expert to analyze and interpret the data to learn the truck’s speed, acceleration and deceleration, hours of driving, airbag deployment, and more. All of this information can add evidence in support of your claim.

Can I Sue the Trucking Company If the Truck Driver Is At Fault?

Potentially, yes. Many truck drivers work for large trucking companies; under Pennsylvania law, employers can be held liable for their employee’s actions “within the scope of employment.” Suppose your accident occurred because the truck driver was speeding, following too closely, or distracted behind the wheel. In that case, these are all mistakes for which the trucking company may be legally accountable.

When you get hurt in a truck accident, you are entitled to seek financial compensation for all your accident-related losses. This includes medical and repair bills and loss of income, enjoyment, pain and suffering, and various other forms of financial and non-financial damages. A truck accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will explore all possible recovery sources and calculate your case’s maximum value.

How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation For My Truck Accident Injuries?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. However, you should still speak with an attorney right away. It is important to investigate as soon as possible, and you need to know how to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your financial recovery.

Schedule a Free Truck Accident Consultation Today

To get started on your case, please get in touch with our offices to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us 24/7 by sending us a message online or giving us a call and a legal team member will contact you as soon as possible.