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Get a Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney to Fight for You
Local truck accident attorney Edith Pearce and The Pearce Law Firm protect victims injured in accidents across Philadelphia and South Jersey. Motorists left with painful injuries due to a poor decision by a truck driver should not have to wait to receive compensation for expensive hospital bills and any costs of rehabilitation to come. We can make sure insurance companies can’t ignore your suffering and deny your right to compensation.
Edith Pearce has years of experience representing accident victims and has won millions in truck accident settlements for them. She earned a 2.6 million dollar settlement after a women’s hockey team slammed into a parked tractor-trailer on the side of the road.
Edith Pearce protected those victims and she’d like the opportunity to represent you if you’ve been hurt in an accident. She offers you and your family the personal attention lacking in many large firms. Let her inside knowledge work for you to obtain the maximum compensation for your truck accident, either through settlement or trial.
Contact us for a free consultation.
Philadelphia Office:
1701 Walnut Street
6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
On This Page: Why Should You Hire a Truck Accident Attorney, Common Types of Truck Accident Cases, Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents, Let Us Help, Client Testimonial
Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyers Near You
Traveling alongside 18-wheelers on the highway can be frightening and dangerous. The truck driver may be handling the rig in a perfectly safe manner, but it can still be frightening to hear the roar and feel the vibration of an object that’s much bigger and heavier than your vehicle. And sometimes, trucks cause accidents that injure others.
Philadelphia is a crossroads for North-South trucking routes and the extra traffic can be felt anytime you’re on the highways and interstates. Big rigs, large construction and farming vehicles, tanker trucks, garbage trucks, dump trucks, and other giant transports can all end up in the lane next to you. Anyone with eyes can see the obvious dangers if your vehicle were to collide with one of these large trucks.
The number of large truck accidents in Philadelphia County continues to rise at an alarming rate. In 2013, there were 339 of them. That number increased to 407 in 2014, with 429 in 2015 and 461 in 2016.
State Law Enforcement responds to accidents involving extra-large vehicles all year long. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reports that in 2019, large trucks were involved in accidents that caused over 7,000 injuries. Another 122 motorists tragically lost their lives in truck accidents.
PennDOT also tracked the causes of large truck accidents over the year. Malfunctions and breakdowns played a big part in the hazards trucks present on local roads.
There were several key causes playing a part in 2019 Pennsylvania truck accidents:
- Tire/Wheel-Related- 122 incidents
- Brake-Related- 77 incidents
- Unsecure Trailer/Overloaded- 37 incidents
- Power Train Failure- 18 incidents
- Total Steering System Failure- 16 incidents
- Trailer Hitch/Improper Towing- 12 incidents
- Suspension- 9 incidents
- Other Failure- 6 incidents
- Exhaust System Failure- 3 incidents
- Vehicle Lighting Related- 2 incidents
The numbers are frightening when you consider that each breakdown could represent a giant, speeding vehicle suddenly out of control.
Tire and Wheel related problems were the biggest factors in the state’s truck accidents. You can see the aftermath of a tire blowout all the time on the highways in the form of shredded tire pieces all over the road. Even this rubber debris can lead to an accident and send your vehicle out of control.
If you are unfortunately nearby when a truck experiences one of these dangerous issues, you could be forced into an unavoidable collision. If you are injured, you may not just face the driver and his or her insurance. You could have to take on a nationwide trucking company and their team of lawyers. This is not something you should have to do alone.
If you’re looking for a great Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer to defend you, let us help you even the odds against these big companies. You simply want help paying for the consequences of an accident that their employee caused. Yet, large corporations can do their best to avoid liability and do everything they can to weaken your claim. Our attorneys can help you recognize their lowball offers and force them to cover all of your expenses now and in the future.
Common Types of Truck Accident Cases in Philadelphia & South Jersey
When trucks are on the road, they can pose significant dangers to other vehicles and drivers. The dangers posed by trucks are all the more present when trucks are not maintained properly or drivers fail to properly operate their trucks. Unfortunately, these types of mistakes occur far too often. And when these mistakes do occur, trucks can cause severe crashes on the road and cause significant injuries and even death.
Lost Load Accidents
One common cause of truck accidents is when cargo or a vehicle dislodges from a vehicle and falls into the road. These situations are particularly dangerous because they often occur at high speeds with little opportunity for other drivers on the road to react. Regardless of the size of the object coming from a truck, loose debris and lost loads pose a serious threat. Road debris includes substances, materials, and objects that are foreign to the normal roadway environment.
Trucks are particularly susceptible to causing road debris and losing trucks loads when there are open cargo areas with little protection. Common examples of accidents involving unsecured truck loads include unsecured boats or cars or improperly secured construction materials or machinery.
Cargo Regulations and Securement Requirements
In order to ensure that truck companies and drivers properly secure cargo being pulled, federal regulations require that cargo is properly secured when being transported on the roads. For example, truck and tractor drivers are required to “inspect the cargo and the devices used to secure the cargo within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip and cause any adjustments to be made to the cargo or load securement devices as necessary.” What’s more, a driver is required to reexamine a vehicle’s cargo and its load securement devices during the course of transportation and make any necessary adjustments.
Further, drivers are required to employ proper securing devices to ensure that cargo is properly secured to a vehicle or a trailer, such as through chains, ropes, binder, or winches. Too often, however, drivers and companies do not take proper precautions to secure cargo to trucks. And unfortunately, innocent drivers suffer when loose cargo falls from a truck and hits drivers.
Truck Tire Blowout Accidents
One of the most common type of accident that occurs from failing to properly maintain a truck is a tire blowout. Truck tire blowouts are particularly dangerous because they often occur at high speeds on the highway without any warning or little opportunity for other drivers to avoid the tire debris.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2003 (before tire pressuring monitoring systems were installed), an estimated 414 fatalities, 10,275 non-fatal injuries, and 78,392 crashes occurred annually due to flat tires or blowouts.
Most truck tire blowouts occur because someone did not properly maintain and inspect a truck. For example, common causes of truck tire blowouts include:
- Inadequate tread depth;
- Tire underinflation;
- Extreme climatic conditions; and
- Overloading a truck beyond the recommended weight.
Given the size and weight of trucks, it is especially important that trucks are maintained in good condition and regularly monitored. Unfortunately, truck drivers and owners often fail to take adequate care of their trucks, which can lead to deadly accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident, The Pearce Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights.
Possible Federal Regulations to Prevent Tire Blowouts
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is tasked with addressing highway safety issues across the United States, recognizes that tire blowouts on large commercial trucks are a serious problem. In this regard, the administrator of the NHTSA has been pushing regulations that would require electronic speed limiters on big rigs. Large, heavy commercial trucks are not meant to be driven at high speeds, yet many states throughout the United States have truck speed limits of 75 or 80, or even 85 in Texas.
While the move to require speed-limiting devices has been discussed for years, an investigation by the NHTSA last year into the Michelin truck tire failures renewed the push. In the investigation, the NHTSA found that under-inflation of tires or heavy loads caused the accidents. The administration, however, believes that a more likely cause of the tire failures was that trucks were traveling at speeds higher than what the tires were designed for.
Multiple Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Driving in traffic with multiple tractor-trailers is a challenge for many drivers. Most tractor-trailer drivers are responsible. They’re experienced maneuvering their truck and trailer at highway speeds, but if a careless and negligent driver of one of those big rigs drives irresponsibly, the result could be chaotic and catastrophic.
Stopping Distance and Speeding
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s at least 30 times heavier than the weight of an average passenger car. At a high speed on a busy highway like Interstate 78, a tractor-trailer can flatten a passenger vehicle in a matter of a few seconds. When multiple tractor-trailers are involved in a crash, the risk of severe injuries or deaths increases exponentially.
We’re fully aware of the fact that time is money in the trucking industry, especially in the current economy when there just aren’t enough truck drivers to haul cargo. The sooner that a trucker can get a load to a destination, the sooner another load can be arranged and on the move. That’s not a reason for truckers to drive at excessive speeds and put the lives of other people around them in danger though. A fully loaded truck on a dry road is going to need 20 to 40 percent more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. That stopping distance only increases when a truck driver is speeding, and when roads are wet, stopping distances drastically increase.
Other Types of Truck Accident Cases
We also handle other types of truck accident cases such as:
- Dump Truck Accidents
- Garbage Truck Accidents
- Rental & Moving Truck Accidents
- Delivery Truck Accidents
- Truck Rollover Accidents
- Fire Truck Accidents
- Getting Hit by a Semi Truck Accident
Philadelphia Area Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
Who can be sued if a truck driver hits me?
Your attorney will have to investigate and determine everyone who may be held liable for your case. It might be the large trucking company that employs the driver that should be targeted in a claim for damages and would have to pay you compensation. In other cases, the truck driver may be an independent contractor and he or she may have their own policy that can provide compensation for your hardships. They may have hired a rental truck and are moving and driving a large truck with no experience.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, if you are injured in a truck accident, you have two years to file your lawsuit. This starts from the date of the injury (which is usually the accident date). If you miss that deadline, it could mean that you forfeit your right to get compensation for your injuries. You should file as soon as possible, especially when large trucking companies are involved. They can take their time responding to a lawsuit, so the sooner the better.
What type of damages can I get if I get hit by a commercial truck?
Under Pennsylvania law, anyone injured by a commercial truck can seek compensation for all injuries and financial losses resulting from the accident. The most common are medical bills, pain and suffering, missed time from work, mental anguish, future lost wages, permanent disability, and damage to your vehicle.
Should I talk to the truck driver’s insurance company?
Don’t offer the truck driver or any representatives for his or her company any statements about the accident. Insurance agents and lawyers hope you’ll say something they can use to cast doubt on your case. Let your attorney handle all communication with opposing lawyers and insurance companies. Learn more about how our bad faith insurance lawyers near you can help. We also have insurance dispute lawyers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Contact a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer Near You
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (or if you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and your truck accident occurred out of state), you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us for a free consultation. Our firm will thoroughly investigate your truck accident and work diligently to arrive at a timely settlement or proceed to trial to obtain the compensation you’ll need to get your life back on track.
If you have any questions and need further information from a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer, please contact The Pearce Law Firm Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers P.C. online or call (215) 557-8686 for a free case evaluation. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and obtaining full and fair compensation for you.
No Recovery / No Fee / Contingent Fee Cases Accepted
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Philadelphia or looking to hire a truck accident lawyer in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, call us today for a free truck accident consultation, or email us. If you are ever in a truck accident involving public transportation in Philadelphia, you will need to have an experienced Philadelphia mass transit accident lawyer on your side.
Learn more about:
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How To File a Police Report Online in Pennsylvania
Review of Our Big Rig Accident Law Firm Near You
“Nicole was my lawyer and I absolutely adore her! She helped me get through physical therapy after my back and shoulder injury. She always responded in a timely manner and was very informative throughout the process. I am more than pleased with my settlement and I 100% recommend Pearce Law Firm for Personal Injury and Accident Claims.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Briana Ramos
“The Pearce Law Firm did a great job on my case. After I was injured in an auto accident my attorney, William Ringland, Esquire, helped me get a very good settlement. Highly recommended!!!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Justino Nieves
“Edith Pearce is an extraordinary attorney one who you will want by your side when involved in an accident. I myself had no idea of the process and Edith explained the step by step process and kept me informed every step of the way. If you want results Edith is the attorney to have by your side.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Monica Berkley
Find more of our reviews on Google. We have a 4.8-star rating and over 75 reviews.
Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement From Your Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
Since big rigs often weigh as much as 80,000 pounds (cars weigh around just 5,000 pounds), truck accidents can cause catastrophic damage to everyone and everything involved. What you do in the aftermath of a crash has an impact on what type of financial award you receive. Injuries you sustained could become permanent disabilities or worsen over time. Accepting a quick settlement can deny you of the care you need down the line.
Be careful what you say to anyone who contacts you about your 18-wheeler accident, as they can carefully notate your words—possibly to use them out of context against you later. Even your own insurance company will want to keep costs down when they compensate you.
Once you receive a medical evaluation from a doctor, make sure to have any injuries fully documented. Always follow your doctor’s advice and attend any follow-up visits. If you fail to proceed as prescribed, it may appear that you’re not as injured as you really are. Your Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help explain these specifics to you.
Finding Fault for Truck Accidents in Philadelphia & New Jersey
Truck drivers work hard, long hours, but if you’re just trying to get to work, school, or soccer practice they can become a frequent obstacle. And in the worst-case scenarios, a truck with a distracted or drowsy driver can become a giant threat to everyone else on the road. But what if the trucker wasn’t to blame for the accident that injured you or a loved one?
If the truck driver isn’t to blame, then what happens if I was injured in a truck accident?
The trucker is not always to blame. The vehicle itself can fail, or a manufacturer or mechanic can do negligent work. Some non-driver-related crash causes include tire, brake, power train, or steering failures; overloaded or unsecured trailers; and improper towing.
Sometimes the truck driver is a victim of the employer’s shoddy business practices. Some companies give them unrealistic delivery deadlines or cut corners on safety measures. The company the driver was hauling for may also have supplied hazardous goods.
It’s also possible that someone may have scrimped on the multitude of inspections required for safe operation approval. Inspection records have a shelf life, however, after which they can be destroyed. It’s vital to get someone on the case right away who knows what to look for, so be sure to contact a Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer from our firm as soon as possible.
Why acting quickly is important
Witnesses, video cameras, tire marks, crash debris, and police reports can all yield signs that point to the cause of an accident. A careful investigation performed by a Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer from our firm can uncover evidence of wrongdoing.
It’s essential to act quickly to preserve valuable evidence. We’ll need to contact all record-keeping parties to ensure truck driver and inspection logs are not destroyed. Some of the records that need to be examined include all the following:
- Onboard computers
- Weight limits
- Licenses
- Driver logs
- Broker liability
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Police reports
- Hiring practices (Was the driver already a known high risk?)
- Inspection records (There are six levels, and the first has twenty-six steps alone!)
Unsafe and dangerous roads
Not only can trucking-related entities be responsible for your crash, but local, state, or federal government agencies may also have contributed through unsafe roads or missing or improper signs.
A construction crew hired by the government may have left their site unsecure and unsafe. An example would be traffic barriers that lead to nowhere or missing signs that send tractor-trailers careening out of their lane and into other vehicles.
To secure the best case for you, many angles need to be researched. Your Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you through all of these steps and can tell you what he or she thinks your case is worth.
Get What You Deserve: Hire a Truck Accident Law Firm Near You
Even if negligence is proven and a settlement is due, the trucking company may have inadequate insurance coverage. A skilled Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer from the Pearce Law Firm, PC will know what to do and how to seek proper compensation for your damages, even if you were the passenger.
To get what you deserve, it’s important to contact an attorney quickly before inspection records expire and other evidence is lost. We have handled many truck accident cases, and we know how to navigate the legal intricacies involved. Call us obligation-free at 215-557-8686 to speak with a knowledgeable Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer near you or email us.
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