Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania
Any car crash can result in grave injuries. However, when the accident involves a tractor-trailer—a commercial vehicle weighing 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—the consequences can be deadly.
If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a Pennsylvania truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation. At Sharma Law Office, our truck accident attorneys can help you secure the justice you deserve with our unmatched representation in the courtroom. Call us for a free case evaluation by one of our personal injury attorneys in Easton.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
To prove negligence in a truck accident case, the lawyers at Sharma Law Office are aware of the common causes of truck accidents in Pennsylvania.
Defective Brakes
When fully loaded, a semi-trailer requires more than 525 feet—the length of two football fields—to come to a complete stop. But when a truck’s brakes are compromised, either because of a manufacturer’s fault or because of negligence on the maintenance or driver’s part, these massive vehicles can cause serious damage.
Overloaded Commercial Vehicles
According to federal regulations, semi-trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. However, some trucking companies will attempt to push this limit with hopes of increasing profit margins. Unfortunately, this negligence can contribute to poor handling and mechanical failures.
Trucker Fatigue and Negligence
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers can only drive for set periods of time until they need to take a break. If they exceed these limits, they risk falling asleep at the wheel.
Other examples of truck driver negligence include distracted driving, texting while driving, speeding, and reckless driving. Drunk truck driver accidents in PA are also a concern.
Trucking Company Negligence
In some cases, the trucking company is responsible for a truck accident in PA. For example, the trucking company may have failed to provide training to the drivers and maintenance to the truck. Some companies also push drivers to ignore driving limits.
Truck Accident Injuries
Because semi-trucks are so large, these vehicles can cause serious injuries, which include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – can lead to a lifetime of physical and psychological changes
- Spinal Cord Damage – which can contribute to paralysis
- Whiplash – which can cause long-lasting pain
- Lacerations and Burns – which can lead to amputation and disfigurement
- Internal Bleeding – which can require extensive surgery to repair
- Broken Bones – which can cause immobility
- Anxiety and Psychological Issues – which can impact the ability to function normally
Tragically, some victims involved in truck accidents in PA will pay the ultimate price, death. Though no amount of money will bring these victims back, compensation can help their families cope with the loss.
Consequences for Truck Accidents
In addition to criminal charges, negligent parties involved in a Pennsylvania truck accident may be required to pay recoveries related to:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost wages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
To receive the compensation you deserve, having an Easton personal injury attorney as soon as possible is important. In Pennsylvania, individuals with a personal injury claim have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Since PA truck accidents can involve multiple parties, you need a skilled truck accident attorney in Easton to build a strong case that proves negligence.
At Sharma Law Office, our attorneys –
- Conduct thorough research
- Gather documentation like phone records and maintenance logs
- Recruit the experts of accident specialists
- Enlist key witnesses to provide firsthand testimony
Simply, we do everything in our power to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve in the wake of a truck accident in PA.
Choose an Experienced Easton Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents in Pennsylvania can be incredibly complicated because they often involve many liable parties, manufacturer defects, legal regulations, and hazardous cargo.
Many law firms are intimidated by these challenges. However, at Sharma Law Office, we confront the challenge head-on and resolve to secure the compensation you are entitled to. If you want a lawyer who will fight for justice on your behalf, contact Sharma Law Office at 610-810-5090 today.