While 18-wheel trucks are essential to many businesses and individuals across the country, they can be extremely dangerous if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you were involved in a truck accident, call the experienced truck accident attorneys in Philadelphia at the Zafran Law Group to discuss your legal options.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?
There are several factors that can cause a car accident with a truck. Some of the most common reasons are:
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
In Pennsylvania, the individual who caused the accident is liable for it. Therefore, a passenger car driver can be liable for a truck accident, even if they were injured and the truck driver wasn’t if it is determined that the passenger car driver caused the accident. Call our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys at Zafran Law Group to discuss the details of your case.
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.