Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents happen around us all the time, often causing traumatic and catastrophic injuries and damages, and sometimes fatalities. In fact, these devastating accidents were responsible for 164 deaths on Pennsylvania roads in 2022, per the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Not only do semi-truck crashes leave victims and their families dealing with severe injuries or the sudden death of a loved one, but there is often property damage and car repairs that must be taken care of as well. Also, with the loss of income or loss of ability to get to work, these damages can lead to major financial concerns for the family.

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we understand the complexities of truck accidents in Bethlehem and how important it is that those responsible are held accountable for their negligent actions that led to your injuries or damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to discuss your case and your right to request a financial recovery.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The same PennDOT 2022 Crash Facts and Statistics report cited above also chronicles how 8,223 heavy trucks crashed on our state’s roadways that year in a total of 7,522 accidents. Here are some of the most common causes of these crashes:

• Driver fatigue
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Improper maintenance
• Mechanical failure
• Inadequate training
• Weather conditions
• Poor road conditions

Despite strict federal Hours of Service Regulations limiting how long truck drivers are allowed to be on the road without taking a break, driver fatigue is still one of the most common trucker violations that lead to accidents. Drivers push the limits of themselves and their vehicles, causing dangerous, drowsy driving or mechanical issues on their trucks.

Types of Truck Crashes Our Firm Handles

Unfortunately, there are so many ways that trucks can crash, causing a variety of usually devastating injuries and damages. Our legal team has experience with all types of truck collisions, including:

• Jackknife accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Underride accidents
• Override accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Sideswipe accidents
• T-bone collisions
• Wide-turn accidents
• Uneven load accidents
• Blindspot collisions
• Tire blowout collisions
• Wrongful death accidents

No matter the type of truck accident you are involved in, know that one of our attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. So, if you’re ready to see how much you may qualify for as a settlement, reach out to us here at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan so we can begin calculating your losses. That no-risk case evaluation between you and a lawyer is completely free.

How Truck and Car Accidents Differ

Any vehicle collision can be traumatic and stressful. However, here are two main differences that often make a crash with a semi-truck worse than a crash with a passenger car.

Size of the Vehicle

We all know how disastrous car accidents can be, even what might be considered a “fender bender”, and it’s important to understand that accidents with large trucks can be far more devastating, mostly due to the size and weight difference.

Semi-trucks can weigh between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds unladen weight, meaning without cargo in a trailer. When you add a trailer full of cargo, the weight of a semi-truck can be up to 80,000 pounds. Compare that to the average large passenger car weighing in at 4,400 pounds, and you can see why the size difference alone is a major factor in how deadly and destructive a truck accident can be.

Operator Responsibility

Unlike smaller car drivers, operators of semi-trucks have an increased responsibility to others that they share the road with. Not only must they obey the rules of the road and keep their vehicle maintained as other drivers do, but they must operate their big trucks more cautiously due to the cargo loads that they carry, as well as be properly trained on how to spot problems with their vehicle or cargo, how it is secured, how heavy a load they can carry, etc.

If it is determined that the truck driver was negligent due to improper training or noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations, then those details will be included in your claim against the driver, the company they work for, or whoever else may be liable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Crash?

One of the other main differences between truck and car crashes is the amount of people or entities that could be held responsible for your accident. With a truck collision, it’s not just the driver but any of the following whom you could pursue legal action against:

Truck Driver

Of course, the most common defendant in a big rig accident is the truck driver themselves. If their negligence, recklessness, or driving violations caused your accident, they can be held accountable.

Trucking Company

If the truck driver is an employee of a larger company that had inadequate safety policies or pushed their drivers to violate regulations, the company can be held responsible.

Truck Owner

In some cases, another person separate from the driver or trucking company owns the truck itself and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep, of that truck. The truck owner can be held liable if they fail to properly maintain the vehicle.

Loading Company

The people who load and secure a truck’s cargo are usually a separate company from the trucking company, and if it’s determined that improperly loaded cargo caused your accident, the loading company could be held liable.

Manufacturer

Vehicles have recalls due to defective parts all the time, and if a defective part such as brakes or tires, played a role in your crash, the facility or manufacturing company that created the faulty part can be held accountable.

Mechanic

Every vehicle needs regular upkeep and the company responsible for maintaining the truck may be held liable if it’s proven that their neglect or improper maintenance caused your wreck.

Third Party

Sometimes, it’s not the truck driver’s fault that an accident occurs, but another vehicle or an obstruction in the road. If another driver moved into the truck’s lane, causing the truck to swerve into you and causing an accident, that first driver could be held responsible for your damages.

Expected Compensation in Your Big Rig Collision

As with other vehicle collisions or personal injury cases, when you pursue legal action against a negligent party, you can ask for compensation for a variety of injuries and damages, such as the following:

• Medical bills, current and future
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Reduced quality of life
• Physical therapy
• Nursing assistance
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Funeral and burial expenses if the accident is fatal

A Bethlehem truck accident lawyer who is experienced with semi-truck collision cases can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation and evidence that proves these losses, which can be presented when you request compensation.

Seek Expert Legal Help from a Bethlehem Truck Accident Attorney

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we have the experience needed to ensure the best chance of success for your case. We understand the complexities surrounding truck wrecks and laws that might apply to your claim, such as the two-year statute of limitations you have to file your truck accident claim.

Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Bethlehem truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys have combined decades of experience litigating the complicated avenues of truck crash claims throughout Pennsylvania, and we are ready to assist you with yours. Don’t wait another day.