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. Contact Zafran Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer.
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 To Do After A Truck Accident?
Trucking cases don’t work like ordinary car accident claims. The trucking company controls most of the evidence, and some of it can be overwritten or lost within days. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, here is what we do:
- Send a preservation letter right away. We demand that the carrier keep the truck’s black box (ECM) data, dashcam footage, driver logs, and maintenance records.
- Check the driver’s hours against federal limits. Federal rules cap driving at 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Look at the carrier’s own conduct. We examine whether the company hired, trained, and supervised the driver properly.
- Identify every available insurance policy. Federal rules require most for-hire carriers hauling general freight to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and larger commercial policies can apply on top of that.
- Account for the full extent of your injuries. Many trucking claims involve spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, and Zafran Law Group works with your doctors to record both your current treatment and the long-term care you may need.
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:
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident in Philadelphia?
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.
A government entity responsible for road maintenance may also share liability in certain circumstances. Determining responsibility requires examining the facts of the collision and the conduct of each potentially liable party.
How Our Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorneys Build Your Case
Strong truck accident claims are won on evidence, and much of that evidence sits with the trucking company. We move quickly to secure it, including:
- Electronic control module (black box) data showing speed, braking and engine activity
- Electronic logging device and driver log records
- Driver qualification files, training records and drug and alcohol testing results
- Vehicle inspection, maintenance and repair records
- Dashcam footage, GPS data and dispatch communications
- Police and accident reconstruction reports, witness statements and medical records
Federal rules require carriers to keep many of these records for limited periods only, so waiting can mean losing proof.
FAQs For Truck Accident
According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics report, Pennsylvania recorded over 4,700 crashes involving large trucks in a single year, resulting in hundreds of fatalities. In the majority of deadly truck crashes, the victims are occupants of the smaller passenger vehicles, not the truck drivers, underscoring how catastrophic these collisions can be for everyday drivers.
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, roughly 20 times as much as a typical passenger car. At highway speeds, that weight produces enormous force, and passenger vehicles simply can’t absorb it. If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, contact our truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia as soon as you can so evidence can be preserved.
Victims of truck accidents in Pennsylvania may be entitled to recover: medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages. Our attorneys will work to document every category of loss to maximize your recovery.
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. However, if a government vehicle (such as a PennDOT truck) was involved, the notice period can be as short as six months — another reason to contact an attorney immediately after your accident. 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 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.
- Document how the injury affects your ability to work and manage daily activities.
- Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Philadelphia to understand your legal rights and options for compensation.
Why Choose Zafran Law Group for Your Truck Accident Case?
Zafran Law Group has represented seriously injured clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including a high-profile collision involving a FedEx truck. Jared S. Zafran has been recognized as a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine. Our firm handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. We serve clients throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and all of Eastern Pennsylvania.
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.