Allentown Truck Accident Lawyer
Few accidents results in injuries as severe as those which may occur when a commercial truck collides with a smaller vehicle. If you are fortunate enough to survive such a wreck, this type of incident could change your life and those of your family members forever.
If the accident resulted from the truck driver’s recklessness or negligence, it may be time to get in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney. An Allentown truck accident lawyer could conduct a thorough investigation and work with you to pursue compensation that could help you rebuild your life.
Determining the Cause of a Truck Crash
In 2017, there were a total of 6,807 heavy truck accidents in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 55 percent of these crashes occurred on state highways and 28 percent on interstate highways. These are sobering statistics, as they indicate that approximately 18 heavy truck crashes occurred daily.
Not all truck accidents involve collisions. Big rigs can easily run automobiles and lighter vehicles off the road, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities for the vehicle occupants. Either way, the sheer size of the truck often results in more horrific injuries, making a positive result in an ensuing civil case potentially all the more critical.
It is generally easiest to recover compensation in a truck accident case when an Allentown truck accident attorney can show evidence of specific careless or reckless behavior by the truck driver involved. Examples of such behavior that could be used to prove legal negligence include:
- Alcohol/drug use
- Distracted driving
- Driver inexperience
- Fatigue
- Overtaking other vehicles
- Speeding
Other factors may also play a role, including weather, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. PENNDOT states the plurality of heavy truck vehicle failure crashes stemmed from tire and wheel issues, followed by brake failure, power train failure, and either an overloaded truck or one with improperly secured freight.
Injuries as Grounds for Civil Action
Many truck accident injuries are catastrophic, meaning the victim will never fully recover and will remain permanently disabled. Even if a truck accident victim does recover, the road to full recovery is usually long, difficult, and expensive. ‘
Common truck accident injuries that could give rise to a civil claim include:
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Bone fractures and breaks
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain damage
Although these injuries may have lengthy recovery times, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years from the time of the accident. As such, getting legal help from a truck crash lawyer in Allentown as soon as possible may be essential, as achieving a successful result often requires speaking with eyewitnesses, reviewing police and medical reports, and looking into various parties associated with the trucking company who may bear some liability.
Recoverable Damages
Those severely injured in a truck accident may face months—if not years—of recuperation and physical therapy. Some truck accident victims will never work again, or they may not be able to perform the job they held before the crash. Many will require lifelong care.
These consequences may not only devastate a person’s body and mind but can also critically impact a family’s finances. Accordingly, truck accident victims in Allentown may be able to seek compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Get in Touch with an Allentown Truck Accident Attorney
Seasoned attorneys know how much truck accidents can affect your life and could work hard on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve, both for current and ongoing issues relating to your injuries. Call an Allentown truck accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation and start exploring what options for recovery may be available in your situation.
