What to Do if You Are in a Truck Accident
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Taking the proper steps immediately can protect your health and legal rights. Sharma Law Office represents Pennsylvania and New Jersey victims, helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. Move to a safe location if possible and remain at the scene. Pennsylvania law requires reporting accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. Evidence such as photos and witness information can strengthen your claim.
Gathering Evidence and Reporting the Accident
Documenting the scene can strengthen your case if you pursue compensation. Take clear photos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and visible injuries. Gather contact and insurance information from the truck driver, and take note of the company they work for. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as well.
Law enforcement officers will typically file an official report detailing the crash. This report can serve as crucial evidence in legal proceedings. Be sure to obtain a copy once it is available. Additionally, if the truck driver was distracted, fatigued, or violating federal trucking regulations, this information can significantly prove liability.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result from driver negligence, mechanical failures, or unsafe road conditions. One of the most dangerous factors is distracted truck driving, where a driver may be using a phone, adjusting GPS, or engaging in other activities that divert attention from the road. Other common causes include:
- Driver fatigue due to long hours on the road
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Brake or tire failures
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
A truck driver or trucking company may be held accountable for the resulting injuries and damages when a truck driver acts negligently. An Easton car accident attorney can help assess the circumstances of the crash and determine liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident claims often involve multiple liable parties. Depending on the situation, responsibility may fall on:
- The truck driver, if reckless or distracted driving, caused the accident
- The trucking company, if they failed to train drivers or enforce safety regulations properly
- The truck manufacturer, if a defective part contributed to the crash
- Cargo loaders, if improper loading led to instability or cargo spills
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and truck black box data. An experienced car accident lawyer in Easton can gather this evidence and build a strong case.
How Fault Affects Your Truck Accident Claim
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can
be reduced if you are partially at fault. However, you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% responsible.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. An Easton car accident attorney can challenge these tactics and work to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents often face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs. A personal injury lawyer in Easton, PA can help recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
If the accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can provide financial support for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.
How an Attorney Can Strengthen Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases are more complex than standard car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, federal regulations, and powerful trucking companies. A personal injury attorney in Easton, PA, can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather critical evidence, and take the case to court if necessary.
Sharma Law Office has extensive experience handling serious injury claims and understands the legal challenges victims face. Visit the practice areas page to learn more about their services.
Building a Strong Case After a Truck Accident
The legal process following a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking the proper steps early on can make a significant difference in your case. Seek immediate medical attention, document the accident, and consult with an Easton personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.
Sharma Law Office is committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims. Our offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey provide dedicated legal representation to those harmed by negligence. If you need assistance, visit the contact page today to schedule a consultation.