Lower Merion Township Truck Accident Lawyer
Injured in a trucking crash? Schedule a free consultation with Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan.
- Home
- Lower Merion Township Personal Injury Attorney
- Lower Merion Township Truck Accident Attorney
Amazon data shared by the global e-commerce brand in early 2024 chronicled how the company delivered four billion packages alone to its U.S.-based Amazon Prime customers the previous year.
Each of those packages spent some time on the back of a truck. It is no wonder that, according to American Trucking Associations, there are 14.33 million single-unit trucks with two axles and six or more tires, and many of those trucks make their way across Pennsylvania. Due to being on the outskirts of Philadelphia and in such close proximity to major highways and interstates, it’s no wonder that Lower Merion Township sees so many semi-trucks. Unfortunately, the volume of that traffic increases the risk of accidents.
According to 2022 crash facts from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), of the 7,522 heavy truck crashes that occurred in our state, equaling roughly 20 truck accidents each day. Of the reported semi-truck crashes, 959 of them involved passenger cars, 817 of them involved light trucks, vans, or SUVs, and 357 involved other large trucks.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries or damage due to the actions of a large truck driver, Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can help you seek justice. Contact us to be put in contact with a Lower Merion Township truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Common Reasons Semi-Truck Wrecks Occur in Pennsylvania
Driver error is often cited as a main cause of a lot of car accidents, and wrecks with big rigs are no different. Even with strict federal hours of service regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers still push the limits of the laws, themselves and their vehicles.
Aside from driver fatigue caused by pushing the limits of hours of service regulations, some additional frequently cited reasons for truck crashes are the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Mechanical failure
- Impaired driving
- Weather-related issues
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), driver fatigue and defective equipment are the two main causes of truck accidents, though it is uncertain exactly how many accidents these issues can be attributed to. Whether you suspect one of these two factors or something else led to your crash, a Lower Merion Township truck accident attorney can investigate what happened and who may be responsible for it.
Meet Our Attorney
-
535Jeffrey Laffey
Jeffrey LaffeyAreas of Practice
Learn More -
536Paul Bucci
Paul BucciAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
-
538Brian F. Lafferty Jr.
Brian F. Lafferty Jr. -
539Sam Reich
Sam ReichAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
-
6024Griffin Remick
Griffin RemickAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
Injuries Caused by Truck Crashes in Lower Merion Township
Any vehicle collision can lead to injuries, but truck collisions can be especially devastating due to the size difference between large trucks and other passenger vehicles. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds with a fully loaded cargo trailer and are, on average, 72 feet long, while an average passenger vehicle weighs approximately 4,000 pounds.
Some of the most common injuries attributed to truck crashes are:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Even a minor collision with a big rig can lead to severe injuries, sometimes ones not so easy to see, so it’s always best to seek medical attention immediately following any trucking collision in Lower Merion Township.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Montgomery County Trucking Accidents?
Unlike other personal injury cases where there may be one or two clearly responsible parties, truck accident cases can be more complex as there are multiple people and entities involved in the upkeep and operation of a truck. Any or all of the following could be held liable for your accident:
Truck Driver
The truck driver would be the focal point of any investigation into who can be held responsible for a collision with a big rig. As part of that investigation, your Lower Merion Township truck accident lawyer will look into the truck driver’s behavior at the time of the accident. They will also research the driver’s history of citations and infractions. All of those could establish a pattern of negligence.
Trucking Company
A trucking company has a responsibility to hire qualified workers. They also are responsible for providing certified mechanics to make repairs to the fleet. Failing in either of those tasks can compromise the safety of the truck driving job. It is also a reason to hold them liable in an accident.
Loading Company
In addition to the service hour requirements, FMCSA also sets the cargo securement rules that trucking companies must be in compliance with. If the cargo shifts during transit, it can lead to a rollover or jackknife situation. In those scenarios, the crew that loaded the cargo and the company they work for could also be held liable.
Manufacturer
According to a recent report by ABC News, there are around 1,000 car recalls each year. There is also a high number of recalls targeted at trucks. When a part or system on a truck is part of a recall, the manufacturer could still be held responsible for an accident if that defective item can be attributed to causing the accident.
Maintenance Crews
A truck goes through a lot of strain with every trip. That is why truck drivers and the companies they work with must grow through consistent and rigorous inspections for every trip. If there is a failure to repair or detect a problem, those maintenance crews can be held responsible.
As you can see, it’s not just the driver of the semi-truck who can be responsible for your injuries, and if you’re unsure which of those listed may be liable, your truck accident lawyer in Lower Merion Township can look at the evidence and documentation available. So, if you need this assistance after your crash, consider reaching out to our firm for a free case review.
Damages You Can Be Compensated For
In a semi-truck wreck case, as with other personal injury cases, victims can receive compensation or settlement for injuries and damages they have suffered. Typical damages include economic (financial) and noneconomic (nonfinancial), meaning items that are easy to calculate and other items that are possibly more difficult to calculate worth but are still damages that can be compensated.
Some of those damages are:
- Economic: This category may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and disability
- Noneconomic: Examples of this include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Hiring a Lower Merion Township Truck Accident Lawyer Benefits Your Case
Navigating the aftermath of any vehicle collision can be stressful and confusing, and the wake of a truck accident is often even more complex and difficult to manage. It’s bad enough that someone else’s negligent actions caused you harm and damage; you shouldn’t have to fight for justice alone. This is where a lawyer can help.
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we can help you build a strong case by gathering all the documents needed for your claim and filing within the two-year statute of limitations on your behalf. Additionally, your Lower Merion Township truck accident lawyer can speak with the at-fault party, their legal team, and their insurance company on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.
By having a qualified truck accident attorney on your side, you have a greater chance of success with your case and getting justice for the harm that you have suffered. Reach out to our legal team today for your free consultation and see how we can help.
Primary Office
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1100 Ludlow Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Main Office: