No driver should have to experience the devastating reality of common truck accident injuries. When a collision occurs, the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck can lead to catastrophic outcomes, not just for others involved, but for the truck driver as well. Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding are frequent and often life-altering. These injuries can lead to long-term disability, loss of income, and overwhelming medical bills. For victims and their families, understanding who may be legally responsible is crucial. Liability could fall on various parties, such as the negligent driver, a trucking company that failed to maintain the vehicle, a manufacturer of faulty parts, or even a shipper who overloaded or improperly loaded the cargo. Knowing your legal options after a crash and discussing them with an experienced semi truck accident injury attorneys can be the first step toward recovery and holding the right party accountable.
What is the Most Common Injury in Trucking Accidents?
The most common truck accident injuries are often severe due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. Both drivers and passengers involved in these crashes can frequently suffer from internal, external, immediate, and even psychological trauma. Even seemingly minor collisions can lead to long-term pain and complications, making it essential to seek medical attention immediately after any accident.
It is important to contact an experienced catastrophic truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you or your loved one has suffered any of the following common truck accident injuries:
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What is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents?
Over 80% of semi-truck accidents are caused by the driver, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Other common causes of truck accidents include, mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, from poor maintenance or defects in manufacturing, improperly loaded or overloaded cargo, usually the responsibility of a third-party shipper or loading crew, hazardous road conditions, such as poorly marked construction zones, missing signage, or unaddressed weather-related hazards. These causes can lead to many different types of semi-truck accidents:
- Head-on collisions
- Occupational truck accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Underride
- Wide turn
- Jackknife
In these situations, be sure to contact semi-truck accident injury attorneys to properly document your case. Liability may rest with the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, maintenance provider, or even a government entity responsible for road upkeep.
How Much are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
In Pennsylvania, common truck accident injuries and accident settlements vary widely based on factors such as injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage. Minor injuries, like whiplash or sprains, may result in settlements ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Moderate injuries, including broken bones or injuries requiring surgery, can lead to settlements between $50,000 and $250,000. Those who work with a catastrophic truck accident injury attorney, severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, often see settlements from $250,000 to several million dollars. Wrongful death cases may see settlements exceeding $1 million, depending on factors like the victim’s age and earning capacity.
How do I Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case?
Proving negligence in common truck accident injuriy cases can be complex. Be sure to enlist the services of an experienced semi-truck accident injury attorney to help prove negligence by establishing these four elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal obligation to act safely and reasonably
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold this duty through actions like violating safety regulations.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the defendant’s breach and the accident that caused harm.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Your catastrophic truck accident injury attorney will help collect evidence to support these elements, which can include police reports, eyewitness statements, electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and expert testimony. Additionally, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning a plaintiff’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault, and barred entirely if they are more than 50% responsible.
How Long Does a Semi Truck Lawsuit Take?
The duration of a semi-truck accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania can vary significantly, typically ranging from several months to over a year. Many cases settle out of court within 6 to 12 months, especially when liability is clear and injuries are well-documented. However, if the case involves severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple liable parties, the timeline can extend beyond a year, particularly if it proceeds to trial. Factors influencing the duration include the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, the severity of injuries, and court scheduling. It’s also important to be aware of the 2-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident in Pennsylvania. Initiating legal action promptly with an experienced attorney like Stuart Carpey can help preserve evidence and expedite the resolution process in common truck accident injury cases.
Stuart A. Carpey, who has been practicing as an attorney since 1987, focuses his practice on complex civil litigation which includes representing injured individuals in a vast array of personal injury cases.