Upper Darby Truck Accident Lawyer
Injured in a trucking crash? Schedule a free consultation with Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan.
- Home
- Upper Darby Personal Injury Attorney
- Upper Darby Truck Accident Attorney
As the sixth largest municipality in Pennsylvania, Upper Darby sees a lot of traffic throughout the day and night. There are hundreds of trucks traveling on the road. While most drivers adhere to the rules of the road, some act in a reckless manner. Unfortunately, this can lead to devastating accidents.
These accident victims and their families have the legal right to pursue compensation for their injuries and other damages. You need an Upper Darby truck accident lawyer to assist in these situations.
Whether you had an accident on the West Chester Pike, State Road, or the Baltimore Pike, contact a local law firm to fight for your rights and compensation.
Reach out to Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, to find out how we can help in your case.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Upper Darby
Identifying the cause of a crash is essential for recovering compensation in an accident claim. If you’ve been affected by a truck accident, most of the time, human error was the cause of the crash. Many of these incidents have involved:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours and face tight schedules. While the FMCSA sets Hours of Service regulations that limit time on the road, drivers can still become fatigued. A tired driver will have a slower time to react to traffic pattern changes or obstacles on the road.
All of that can increase the likelihood of accidents. Inadequate rest breaks and demanding delivery deadlines can also contribute to driver fatigue.
Distracted Driving
Like many drivers, distracted driving is another concern, especially when operating a heavy vehicle like a commercial truck.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving led to 3,308 lives lost in 2022. Truckers can get distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other distractions. It could lead to an accident when they take their eyes off the road, even for a moment.
Alcohol and Drugs
Large trucks can be difficult to maneuver. If you add an intoxicated driver behind the wheel, that can be a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use is a major factor in truck accidents.
Despite strict regulations, violations still occur, leading to deadly results.
Speeding and Overtaking
Trucks traveling at excessive speeds are harder to control and stop, increasing the risk of accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Unsafe overtaking maneuvers can also lead to crashes on the road.
Poor Training and Maintenance
All drivers need to be properly trained before they can operate a vehicle. They must have a CDL license and pass all the approach testing.
However, some companies hire inexperienced drivers who practice unsafe driving. Along with trained drivers, companies also need to make sure their vehicles are road-ready; otherwise, components, like brakes or tires, may fail during driving and cause an accident.
Improper Cargo Loading
Incorrectly loaded cargo can affect a truck’s stability. As a result, it could be prone to tipping over or causing accidents. Drivers and cargo loaders are responsible for ensuring that these trucks’ loads are properly secured.
All these situations can lead to serious accidents on the road. Often, other drivers and their passengers are left with devastating injuries. Most of these causes result from negligent behavior, and the responsible parties could be held liable for their actions.
Contact our law firm to consult with an Upper Darby truck accident lawyer about any rights you may have in your case today.
Meet Our Attorneys
-
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
Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
At first glance, a crash is a crash. The vehicles collide, people get hurt, and insurance companies get involved. But when that vehicle is a commercial truck instead of another car, everything changes.
Here are some reasons why truck accident cases are in a league of their own:
The Size and Weight Factor
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compare that to the average 3,000-pound car, and the results are often catastrophic. Even at lower speeds, trucks cause massive damage that cars cannot withstand.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
In a car accident, it’s typically one driver versus another. With trucks, the web of responsibility gets messy. The driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, cargo loaders, or even the manufacturer could all share blame. Pinpointing the fault takes a thorough investigation.
Special Rules and Regulations
Truck drivers do not follow the same traffic laws as everyone else. They are also governed by federal safety regulations through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover everything from how many hours they can drive without resting to how cargo must be loaded. If a rule was broken, it can dramatically strengthen your case.
Insurance Companies Fight Harder
Commercial trucking companies carry large insurance policies, and their insurers do not hand out checks easily. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to limit payouts. That means victims often face an uphill battle without experienced legal help.
The Injuries Are More Severe
Truck accidents result in life-changing injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or worse. These cases are not about minor medical bills. They are about long-term care, lost income, and quality of life.
Due to all these differences, truck accidents demand a different level of legal experience. This isn’t just about filing paperwork. You need an Upper Darby truck accident lawyer to know about the regulations, uncover hidden evidence, and stand up to powerful trucking and insurance companies.
Determining the Liable Parties
Unlike car accidents, there may be several parties responsible for the accident, such as:
- Truck driver: If the driver was negligent, such as by speeding, being distracted, or driving while impaired, they may be held liable for the accident.
- Trucking company: Employers are often liable for the actions of their employees during work hours, and they may share responsibility for the accident.
- Maintenance and repair companies: The shop or technician responsible for maintaining or repairing the vehicle could be liable in cases of brake failure or poor vehicle maintenance.
- Cargo loading companies: Any cargo loading company that fails to secure the cargo could be held accountable for any accidents.
- Manufacturers: If a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes, caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for the crash.
Liability can be challenging to determine. Often, it requires a thorough investigation of the evidence to identify reasonable parties. For this reason, you should consult with an Upper Darby truck accident attorney to examine your case more closely.
Fighting Multiple Parties
In these cases, you can seek compensation for your damages. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
However, settling a truck accident case is not easy. It often involves negotiating with several insurance companies and legal teams at once, and in many cases, multiple parties may share liability.
Some parties may settle early, while others may contest liability. Given the complexity of these cases, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is important. If you want an experienced legal team to handle your case, Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is ready to help.
FAQs About Truck Accidents in Upper Darby
How quickly should I call a lawyer after a truck accident?
The sooner, the better. Trucking companies send their own investigators to the scene right away to protect themselves. Having a lawyer early means someone is protecting your interests while the evidence is still fresh.
Can black box data be used in my case?
Yes! Most commercial trucks have an “event data recorder” that tracks speed, braking, and hours driven before a crash. This information can be powerful evidence, but it needs to be requested quickly before it disappears.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement right away?
Early offers are designed to save the company money, not cover your full medical bills and losses. You want to have a lawyer review it before you sign anything, so you do not leave compensation on the table.
Are truck accident lawsuits always settled in court?
Many cases are resolved through negotiations without ever stepping into a courtroom. But a strong lawyer prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This is what pushes insurance companies to settle fairly.
How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
Some cases settle within a few months, while others, especially those involving severe injuries or multiple liable parties, can take longer. Your lawyer should keep you updated at every step, so you are never left guessing.
Get Help From an Upper Darby Truck Accident Lawyer
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we have over 40 years of experience with personal injury cases. Our team will work hard to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you would like to learn more, contact our office to schedule a consultation with an Upper Darby truck accident lawyer.
Primary Office
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1100 Ludlow Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Main Office: