Passenger vehicles and trucks share the roads, whether simple two-way streets or intrastate freeways. When truckers lose control of their vehicles on these roads, the results can be devastating and lead to permanent, life-altering injuries.
If you or somebody you love sustained bodily harm in a collision with a commercial vehicle, a Norristown truck accident lawyer could assist you in seeking compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer could empower you to follow through on your legal rights and offer support during this stressful time.
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Potential Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. While driver error is typically the cause, it is not always the culprit. Sometimes there is more than one cause of a crash and more than one party responsible.
A Norristown truck wreck attorney could determine the best course of legal action to take based on the cause of the accident and the potentially liable parties. Some common causes of commercial vehicle crashes may include:
- Speeding
- Dangerous overtaking maneuvers
- Distracted driving
- Truck driver fatigue
- Driver intoxication
- Improperly loaded or balanced cargo
- Mechanical failure
- Dangerous road or weather conditions
Comparative Fault
42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §7102 establishes the comparative fault law that applies to personal injury claims. In a civil case for damages, comparative fault asks the question, which parties were at fault, and to what degree.
A plaintiff may be able to recover damages so long as they are less than 51 percent responsible for the accident. Additionally, the claimant’s award diminishes in proportion to the amount of fault attributed to them.
For example, if an injured party is 30 percent negligent in causing the incident in question, they may only recover 70 percent of their damages. A knowledgeable and well-practiced Norristown lawyer could assess the cause of a truck accident to determine if a claimant may be partially to blame.
Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit
According to state law, potential claimants have two years from the date of their truck accident to file a lawsuit for damages. This deadline is meant to encourage prospective plaintiffs to file lawsuits as quickly as possible. As time passes, witnesses may forget the events in question, and evidence may be destroyed or become irrelevant.
Additionally, swift action can mean more leverage in settlement negotiations with insurance companies. An insurer may gain the upper hand if they can pressure the injured party into settling, especially if the statute of limitations deadline is approaching.
Call a Norristown Truck Accident Attorney Today
Collisions with commercial vehicles can leave individuals with substantial medical bills, injuries, financial struggles, and worries about the future. Fortunately, there may be a legal remedy available to help you seek compensation if you have been involved in a collision with a truck.
Experienced legal counsel could help make sense of your options as well as negotiate with insurance companies or advocate for your rights in the courtroom. Call a dedicated Norristown truck accident lawyer today to schedule an initial case consultation.