TRUCK ACCIDENT

Check for injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. Call for medical assistance immediately if anyone is hurt.

Move to safety: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the roadway to prevent further accidents.

Call the police: Report the accident to the police, even if it appears to be minor. Having an official police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other involved parties. Get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, and insurance details.

Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. This evidence can be helpful later on.

Collect witness information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information. Their statements may be valuable in the claims process.

Do not admit fault: Avoid discussing who is at fault for the accident with anyone at the scene, including the other driver, witnesses, or the police. Admitting fault could harm your case later.

Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the relevant information and cooperate with their investigation.

Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to ensure there are no hidden injuries. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to for an injury related to a truck accident can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of liability, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.

In cases of truck accidents, there may be multiple parties involved, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially others. Each party’s insurance coverage and assets can affect the compensation available to you. To determine the potential compensation, our law firm can evaluate your case, consider all the relevant factors, and provide a more accurate estimate of the compensation you might be entitled to.

Driver Fatigue: Long hours of driving without adequate rest can lead to drowsiness and reduced reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

Distracted Driving: When truck drivers are engaged in activities such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting controls while driving, their attention is diverted from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a truck driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or road hazards.

Impaired Driving: Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair judgment and coordination.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks that are not properly maintained can experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that lead to accidents.

Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and aggressive maneuvers can increase the chances of collisions.

Weather Conditions: Poor weather, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make driving hazardous, especially for large trucks.

Inadequate Training: Insufficient training in handling large vehicles can lead to errors and accidents.

Inadequate Load Securing: Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially leading to accidents.

Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, construction zones, and poorly designed roads can pose challenges for truck drivers.

Blind Spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots, and if other vehicles are not visible to the truck driver, accidents can occur during lane changes or turns.

Fatigue and Inattention in Other Drivers: Accidents can also be caused by other drivers’ actions, such as cutting off a truck, not giving enough space, or failing to observe traffic laws.

With I-76, I-78, I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-95 and other interstate and state highways running through Pennsylvania, many of the nation’s large truck wrecks occur in the Pennsylvania.

According to recent statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, total crashes involving heavy trucks in 2022 were the highest in the last 5 years – 7,522. Fatal injury crashes in 2022 were also the highest over the last 5 years.

The vast majority of primary factors in heavy truck vehicle failure crashes were related to tires and wheels, brakes, and unsecure/overloaded trailers.