Delaware County Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences for everyone involved. Due to their size and weight, large trucks often cause severe damage to smaller vehicles, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The legal matters surrounding these accidents can be quite involved, requiring a detailed examination of the circumstances to determine responsibility.
Our Delaware County truck accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York have the knowledge and resources necessary to skillfully represent clients impacted by serious truck accidents. We manage the legal process and fight to hold parties accountable, easing the burden for those injured. After a free initial consultation, we work to establish the accident’s cause and the liable parties.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Delaware County?
Truck accidents result from a variety of factors. Driver fatigue is one of the most prevalent causes, as long hours behind the wheel can impair judgment and reaction time. Other causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inexperience
- Mechanical failures
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
- Poor weather and road conditions
How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents in terms of the scale of damage and the legal considerations involved. Due to their larger size and weight, trucks are capable of causing much greater damage in collisions. This often results in more severe injuries and higher medical costs for those affected.
The legal aspects of truck accidents can also seem overwhelming for those affected. Federal and state regulations govern the trucking industry, including rules related to driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. These regulations must be considered when determining liability. Furthermore, multiple parties, such as the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders, may be involved, making the investigation and legal process more challenging.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident case involves identifying all parties whose actions contributed to the collision. The truck driver may be liable if their negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, caused the accident. The trucking company could also be held accountable if they failed to enforce proper safety protocols, hired unqualified drivers, or neglected regular vehicle maintenance.
Other potentially responsible parties include cargo loading teams, vehicle manufacturers, and maintenance providers. For example, if improperly secured cargo shifts during transport cause a crash, the party responsible for loading the truck may be held liable. Similarly, if defective equipment contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
What Evidence Is Vital in Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case?
Key truck accident evidence includes the truck’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, which can reveal whether the driver was adhering to regulations regarding hours of service. Maintenance logs can indicate whether the truck was in proper working condition at the time of the accident.
Photographs from the accident scene, eyewitness accounts, and video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams are also valuable. Police reports provide an official account of the incident, while medical records document the injuries sustained. Our Delaware County truck accident lawyers collect all relevant evidence to build compelling cases and establish liability.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims?
Insurance companies involved in truck accident claims often attempt to lowball their payouts. They may try to shift blame or dispute the severity of the injuries sustained. Adjusters may also offer settlements that are far below the actual value of the claim.
Our Delaware County truck accident lawyers advise against accepting initial insurance settlements for those reasons. We understand how to counter these strategies and can negotiate on your behalf; if necessary, we can represent you in court.
Can Multiple Parties Be Liable in a Single Truck Accident?
Yes, multiple parties can be held liable in a single-truck accident. For example, a truck driver may be responsible for causing the collision, while the trucking company could be accountable for failing to maintain the vehicle properly. Additionally, a third-party maintenance provider or cargo loader might share liability if their negligence contributed to the accident.
How Does a Lawyer Help in a Delaware County Truck Accident Case?
Lawyers play a vital role in managing truck accident cases by handling the legal complexities and advocating for their clients. Our Delaware County truck accident lawyers start by explaining the available legal options and help clients make informed decisions. We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
We handle communications with insurance companies, protecting clients’ rights throughout the process. Our support can be crucial in achieving a fair settlement or verdict, particularly in cases involving severe injuries or significant damages.
What Are the Challenges in Proving Negligence in Truck Accidents?
Proving negligence in truck accidents can be challenging due to the need for extensive evidence and detailed analysis. When multiple parties are involved, each can have their own legal representation and defenses. Additionally, trucking companies and insurers often have significant resources to contest claims and protect their interests.
Establishing negligence requires demonstrating that the responsible party breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused the accident and resulting damages. This process often involves complex legal arguments and technical evidence, making skilled legal representation essential.
How Are Damages Calculated in Truck Accident Cases?
Damages in truck accident cases are calculated based on the specific losses incurred by the injured party. Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, are considered, as well as lost income and reduced earning capacity. Property damage is also included in the calculation.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, are more subjective and vary depending on the severity of the injuries. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Experienced Delaware County Truck Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York Help Clients Pursue Fair Compensation for Their Injuries
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, let the Delaware County truck accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York help you with your claim. For a free initial consultation, call us at 856-843-8990 or 610-532-4222 or submit our online form. Our office locations in Milmont Park, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey proudly serve clients in Camden County, Burlington County, and Gloucester County, New Jersey, as well as Delaware County, Pennsylvania.