Truck Accident Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia truck accident attorneys at the Law of Office of Jared S. Zafran to discuss your legal options.

How many Truck Drivers Die each year in the US?

Studies have shown that unfortunately, fatalities from truck accidents have been on the rise. According to Trucks.com, in 2017 the number of fatalities from truck accidents was the highest it has been in 29 years, even though the overall traffic fatality rate declined. More specifically, 18-wheeler fatalities totaled 4,761, with about 1,300 of those deaths being truckers. The remaining deaths were occupants of the other vehicle involved in the accident.

Why are Large Truck Crashes so often Deadly?

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.

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:

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers spend hundreds of hours every year on the road, and it can be both boring and exhausting. Consequently, it’s not uncommon for drivers to become distracted by their phones, lose their focus on the road, or fall asleep at the wheel.

Poor Weather

Ice, snow, and rain are difficult for any driver to navigate. The same is true for truck drivers. In addition to diminishing visibility, slick weather conditions can make it extremely difficult for large trucks to stop quickly or maintain traction with the road.

Truck Defects

Like all cars, trucks must be maintained to run properly. This involves ensuring that brakes, tires, transmission, engine, and any other safety features of the vehicle are in proper working order. When a truck driver fails to do this, it increases the chance of causing an accident.

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

In general, accidents are caused by individuals who speed, tailgate, improperly pass, or act aggressively on the road. Truck drivers must be especially careful while driving as their large vehicles create significant blind spots. When a truck driver is aggressive or reckless on the road, there is an increased chance of an accident.
Impairment: An incredible number of truck accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other medications.

Impairment

An incredible number of truck accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other medications.

Poorly Loaded Cargo

Believe it or not, the way a truck is loaded can affect its safety. If weight is not properly distributed, it can cause a truck to tip over, fail to stop, or swing erratically.

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, from 2011 to 2018, the number of individuals killed in truck crashes, both passenger drivers and truck drivers, has steadily increased. During that time frame, the lowest number of deaths per year was 3,384 in 2011, up to 4,136 in 2018. Every year, however, the number of passenger vehicle drivers who died was significantly higher than the number of truck driver fatalities. In fact, between 2011 to 2018 in all accidents resulting in fatalities involving a semi-truck, individuals in the passenger car were 4.1 times more likely to die than the truck driver. Of the 25,729 drivers killed in truck-related accidents from 2011 to 2018, 20,432 were passenger drivers, while only 4,937 were truck drivers.

Who is Liable in a 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.

What Is The Average Settlement For An 18-Wheeler Accident?

Settlements in an 18-wheeler accident depend on who is at fault, the extent of damages or injuries, the type of medical treatment received and the impact the accident has had on your life. 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.