While 18-wheel trucks and other commercial vehicles are essential to businesses and consumers across Pennsylvania, they can cause devastating harm when involved in a motor vehicle or commercial accident. Due to their size, weight, and the cargo they carry, these crashes often result in serious injuries, extensive property damage, or even fatalities.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck or commercial accident in Philadelphia, the experienced attorneys at Zafran Law Group are here to help. Our legal team understands the complexities of commercial vehicle insurance, liability, and federal trucking regulations. We’ll evaluate your case, determine who is responsible, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Zafran Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Philadelphia commercial accident attorney.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents?
Several factors can cause a truck or commercial vehicle accident. Some of the most common include:
How Many Deaths Are Caused Each Year By Semi-Trucks?
The number of deaths from semi-trucks varies from year to year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of fatalities in large truck crashes in 2022 was 51% greater than in 2009, at its lowest point since fatal crash data collection started in 1975. However, the number of truck occupants who died was 83% higher than in 2009.
Data from the 2023 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics report reveals a concerning rise in fatalities from truck-related accidents. In recent years, Pennsylvania has seen an uptick in crashes involving large trucks. According to the report, fatalities from truck accidents accounted for a significant portion of the state’s traffic deaths. Of these, the majority of fatalities occurred among the occupants of other vehicles involved, with truck drivers representing a smaller, yet notable, percentage of the total.
Trucks are undeniably large vehicles that can weigh over 10,000 pounds – up to 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. That amount of weight traveling at high rates of speed generates an incredible amount of force.
Unfortunately, the remarkable amount of force caused by these vehicles is precisely what increases the risk of fatality if it is involved in a wreck. Sadly, individuals and the cars they are traveling in simply cannot withstand the amount of force that impacts them during a collision with a truck. If a loved one was the victim of a fatal truck accident, contact our Philadelphia-area truck accident lawyers today.
FAQs For Truck Accident
Liability in commercial accidents can be more complex than in standard car crashes. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
- The truck or commercial driver
- The driver’s employer or trucking company
- A cargo loader or maintenance provider
- A manufacturer responsible for defective vehicle parts
Zafran Law Group has extensive experience investigating and litigating commercial truck accident claims across Pennsylvania. We’ll work to identify every liable party and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you are a truck driver injured in an accident, you should take the following steps:
- Even if your injuries appear minor at first, get medical assistance right away to evaluate, record, and treat any injuries.
- File a workers’ compensation claim if the accident occurred while you were on the job to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
- Consult with a truck accident attorney in Philadelphia to explore any additional compensation options, such as personal injury claims against other drivers involved.
If a truck accident results in a life-altering disability, you should take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention to ensure your injuries are properly treated and documented.
- Keep detailed records of medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and any modifications made to your home or vehicle.
- Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Philadelphia to understand your legal rights and options for compensation.
If you believe you may be partially at fault for your truck accident, you may still be able to recover compensation, depending on the laws in your state. In Pennsylvania, for example, the modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Zafran Law Group is a trusted personal injury law firm with years of experience handling complex truck accident cases. Their attorneys can assess your situation and guide you through the legal process to help secure the compensation you deserve.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including truck accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a claim in court, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. There are some exceptions that may extend or shorten this time frame, such as cases involving minors or government entities. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
If you have been in an accident with a truck, our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers can evaluate your claim and help you determine a reasonable settlement amount for your case. Contact our Philadelphia-area truck accident attorneys today at 215-587-0038.