Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney

When it is fully loaded, a large commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The incredible size of tractor-trailers makes them an inherent safety risk. Thousands of people die in truck accidents every year from truck drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 5,000 people were killed in commercial truck accidents in 2020 alone. There are many tens of thousands more people who are seriously injured in truck accidents each year. With Interstate 95, the Schuylkill Expressway, Roosevelt Boulevard, and other major thoroughfares going directly through the region, Philadelphia experiences its fair share of truck accidents.

At the Quinn Injury Lawyers, our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer is an experienced, results-focused advocate for victims and families. We provide justice for truck accident victims throughout Pennsylvania. To set up your free, fully confidential initial consultation with a top-rated Philadelphia truck accident attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today. 

Semi-Truck Accidents are Disproportionately Likely to Cause Serious Injuries 

Semi-trucks travel at all hours of the day along I-95 and other highways across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They pull into our cities and towns to drop off goods like groceries and furniture and then head back out onto the highway. These truck drivers are vital links in the regional and national economies.

Unfortunately, large commercial trucks cause serious injuries when they crash into other vehicles on the road. Given their size and weight, they can total a smaller sedan and leave motorists with permanent, painful injuries. Truck accident injury victims suffer these common injuries: 

• Lacerations 
• Soft tissue damage (whiplash) 
• Muscle strains 
• Broken bones 
• Torn ligaments 
• Head injuries (TBIs and concussions) 
• Internal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Burns
• Spinal cord damage

Following a serious semi-truck accident, injured victims must get prompt medical care. The sooner you see a doctor, the better position you will be in to make a full recovery from your accident. Not only is getting medical care vital for your well-being, but it is also a required part of the legal process.

You cannot get compensation for your injuries if you lack medical records. If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, call us. Quinn Injury Lawyers can quickly begin investigating your truck accident case and start fighting for your rights.

What To Do If You Are In a Truck Accident

Depending on the severity of injuries at the scene of the accident, our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer recommends calling emergency services immediately. Regardless of the severity sustained by truck drivers, call local law enforcement to file a police report of the incident. Whether you sustained a severe injury or not, you should seek treatment from a licensed medical professional following a truck accident.

Injury symptoms could be delayed, and without proper medical attention, injuries can become more debilitating or even life-threatening.  If possible, be sure to take pictures of the scene and write down everything you remember about the accident, as this can be considered evidence and can help your Philadelphia truck accident attorney build your case. Do not dispose of any personal items that were damaged in the accident until after the resolution of your claim.

Any damaged property can be used to help prove damages in court. ​Collect the contact information of any witnesses and truck drivers available at the scene. If a third party was involved, such as a defective tire manufacturer or trucking company, be sure to keep careful records of all contact with the company following the accident.

You should not make any statements regarding fault without talking to an experienced truck accident lawyer. If you are unable to gather evidence while at the scene of the accident, an experienced attorney will help you gather witness statements and any documentation, such as photos of the accident scene, medical records showing related injuries, and police reports.

Contact your insurance company and tell them about your claim right away involving the truck driver. You will likely need to submit a proof of loss form, which your Philadelphia truck accident attorney can help you complete. Presenting this document is the first step in the insurance claim process and should not be done without consulting an experienced attorney.

Contact Quinn Injury Lawyers Philadelphia truck accident attorney to learn more information on what to do next.

Common Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks also called “big rigs,” are made up of two parts—tractor-trailers with goods in the back and a truck driver who hauls it. Because semis are usually long and thin, they have a high center of gravity which creates challenges for a truck driver. No one can drive a semi with a commercial driver’s license and specialized training.

Some of the more common semi-accidents are:

• Rollover. The trailer can roll onto its side and land on nearby vehicles. Often, shifting cargo or taking a turn at high speeds leads to a rollover.
• Jackknife. The trailer can swing at an angle, slamming into cars or pedestrians, due to slick roads or poor braking.
• Tire Blowout. Semi-trucks put increased pressure on tires, which can blow and make the truck unstable.
• Underride. Because trailers sit high off the ground, a car can sometimes slide underneath, especially if it is riding too closely.
• Override. A truck can ride over another vehicle in a blind spot, also called a “no zone.”

The cause of the semi-truck accident matters. Every commercial truck crash in Pennsylvania or New Jersey should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. A lawyer will ensure that you have access to the documents, records, and other evidence needed to prove fault, establish liability, and maximize your financial recovery.

Why You Should Talk to a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-truck accidents are very different from car crashes. Although you might negotiate your car settlement, you certainly need an attorney’s help with truck accidents. Many trucking companies vigorously defend themselves and their drivers.

They usually have an investigator on the accident scene within a couple of hours to start collecting evidence. And these companies hire high-priced law firms to defend them. Let us help you. An experienced truck accident attorney at Quinn Law can move quickly to preserve evidence in your case against the truck driver.

We use our skills to identify who is at fault for the crash and begin the claims process to seek compensation for medical care, lost income, car damage, property damage, and pain and suffering sustained by the truck driver.

How to Handle the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident in or Near Philadelphia

There is a lot on the line in truck accident claims. Not only are semi-truck accidents more likely to result in serious injuries, the large truck companies often carry extensive commercial insurance policies. You need to be prepared to deal with insurers after a serious truck collision.

Here are four tips for dealing with insurance adjusters after a truck accident in Philadelphia: 

• Know the Role of the Insurer (Not On Your Side): It is vital to remember that the insurance company is a business. It has a goal—to protect its financial interests. No matter how friendly or disarming an insurance company representative may come across, it is their job to protect the company, not to do what is right for you. Approach any interactions with the insurance company with caution.
• Never Speculate About the Accident or Your Injuries: Engaging in speculation about your truck accident (the cause) or your injuries (the severity) is never a good idea. If you ever have interactions with insurers or other parties, stick to the facts and provide only the information that you are sure of. Your speculation could be used against you to reduce your financial recovery or even to deny your claim. 
• Beware of Signing Anything Presented By the Insurer: The insurance company may present you with documents to sign, such as a release or a settlement offer. It is imperative to proceed with the utmost degree of caution when signing any documents, as they may contain language that limits your ability to seek further compensation in the future. It is always a good idea to have a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer review any documents before you sign them.
• Always Work Through a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer: You do not want to take on the aggressive commercial insurance companies that handle truck accident injury claims alone. Regardless of the specific situation, it is advisable to work with a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer who has the skills, experience, and proven knowledge that you can trust. A lawyer can help you to negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Bringing a Claim for Compensation Against the At-Fault Party

We can seek money for your injuries from whoever is responsible for the crash. Every large truck crash in Southeastern Pennsylvania should be thoroughly and comprehensively investigated by an experienced truck accident lawyer to determine exactly what went wrong. Truck accidents can happen for many reasons.

Though, most truck crashes share one key common characteristic: The truck crash could have been prevented with proper safety standards. Some of the truck companies and truck drivers we have sued include:

• The truck driver for driving negligently or recklessly. For example, the trucker might have been fatigued or intoxicated, or they might have been speeding.
• The trucking company. A trucking company is usually automatically liable if its employee injured you. But trucking companies can also have independent liability for negligent hiring and training employees.
• A loading company, if an unbalanced or unsecured load caused a collision.
• The truck manufacturer for defects in the truck which led to a crash, like a brake failure or defective tires.
• Mechanics for negligently performing repairs, such as improperly recapping tires.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Philadelphia Truck Accidents?

If you have been injured in Philadelphia due to another party’s negligence, a Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney can help determine who is responsible for the accident. The liable party can include:

• At-fault drivers (drivers who caused the accident)
• Defective parts manufacturers (parts that failed)
• Vehicle manufacturers (defective vehicles)
• Tire companies (defective tires) 
• Employers (negligent hiring, negligent supervision of drivers) 

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers can help determine who is responsible for your damages, depending on the specifics of your case. The responsible party may not always be obvious. If a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel and hits another car, for example, the company he is driving for could be considered responsible for any injuries caused by an accident to passenger vehicles.

Determining fault requires a thorough investigation of all possible parties involved in your Philadelphia truck accident. To determine the full extent of your legal rights and to ensure you receive total compensation for your injuries from your truck accident case, consult our Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyers with Quinn Injury Lawyers.

An Overview of Truck Accident Liability Laws in Pennsylvania

Were you involved in a serious truck accident case in Philadelphia or any of the surrounding counties? You need to know your rights and responsibilities under Pennsylvania law with your Philadelphia truck accident lawyer. Our state has some unique rules and regulations in place for a truck accident claim, including commercial truck crashes.

Here are four key things to understand from our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers about truck accident law in Pennsylvania: 

1. An Injury Crash Must Be Reported: In Pennsylvania, any motor vehicle accident—including a commercial truck crash—that results in injury or death must be reported in a truck accident claim. Make sure your truck accident is reported to the police promptly. The responding officers will write an accident report that serves as an important form of evidence in truck accident cases. 
2. Pennsylvania has a No-Fault Law: Pennsylvania has a no-fault system for motor vehicle insurance. Truck drivers who opt into the no-fault system will have their initial truck accident damages covered by their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy regardless of who was responsible for the damages. However, you can also file a fault-based claim against a negligent trucking company if you were seriously injured in an accident. 
3. Comparative Negligence Governs Liability: Under Pennsylvania law (42 P.S. § 7102), truck accident claims—and other motor vehicle accident claims—are governed by a standard of comparative negligence. Each party to a semi-truck accident is legally responsible for their proportionate share of the fault. What happens if you are assigned 40 percent blame for your crash? You can still hold the truck company liable—but they will only be responsible for 60 percent of your damages. Every bit of fault matters. Make sure you have a skilled Philadelphia truck accident attorney on your side. 
4. Pennsylvania Has a Two-Year Statute of Limitations: You do not have an indefinite amount of time to file a truck accident injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. As a general rule, these claims are governed by a two-year statute of limitations. If your claim is not filed within two years of the date of the crash, you may not be able to pursue compensation at all. Do not wait to initiate the claims process: Consult with a truck accident lawyer right away. 

Note: While there are important federal safety regulations in place for the trucking industry, truck accident liability varies by jurisdiction. If you are injured in a trucking accident in New Jersey, your claim will be handled based on New Jersey laws. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Quinn Injury Lawyers have experience handling commercial vehicle accident claims. We will protect your rights. 

Recovering Financial Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

After a major commercial truck accident in Philadelphia, you need to know what to do so that you can secure full and fair financial compensation for your injuries. In Pennsylvania, truck accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for economic and intangible damages—but you cannot rely on a truck company or an insurance company to look out for your best interests. Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer has the skills, tenacity, and legal knowledge to help you maximize your recovery.

Financial compensation may be available for: 

• Vehicle repairs or vehicle replacement due to a truck driver’s negligence.
• Emergency medical bills and other medical costs from a trucking company.
• Physical therapy and other rehabilitative services. 
• Lost wages and loss of earning power. 
• Pain and suffering & mental distress.
• Long-term disability or permanent disfigurement.
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

How Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney Sean E. Quinn Can Help

When an injury occurs because of another party’s negligent actions, injury parties can hold trucking companies liable through civil litigation to recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage resulting from the accident. The claims process is notoriously complex. Our founder and lead attorney Sean E. Quinn is a nationally-recognized litigator with a proven track record of successful results. Among other things, our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer is ready to: 

• Hear your story, answer questions, and explain your options during a free consultation. 
• Investigate the commercial truck accident, gathering the key evidence. 
• Build a well-supported case that proves liability and damages. 
• Represent you in settlement negotiations with truck companies and insurance carriers.
• Take action to help you get justice and the maximum financial compensation. 

We are proactive. If you sustained an injury due to a truck accident, contact Quinn Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation and to discuss your legal rights against trucking companies. Our attorneys will fight for full compensation on your behalf by holding liable trucking companies financially accountable for their actions under both state and federal laws.

When it comes to truck accidents, you can rely on our Philadelphia truck accident attorney for personalized legal guidance, maximum compensation, and support from truck driver negligence.  

We Handle Truck Accident Injury On a Contingency Fee Basis 

With a law office in Philadelphia, our law firm handles truck accident injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Regardless of your financial position, you can always afford to hire a top-rated personal injury lawyer to help with your case. You never have to pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket costs for our legal services.

Instead, we only get paid if we are successful in recovering compensation for our clients. It is our mission to put money into your pocket, not take it out. This aligns our interests with those of our clients. Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer only gets paid when you get paid. 

Truck Accident Injury Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Can I Bring a Truck Accident Injury Claim If I Have Not Seen a Doctor?

No—at least not a successful one. To bring a personal injury claim for a truck accident, you will need to prove both the existence and severity of your injuries. A medical professional must assess and document your injuries for a claim to be successful.

Make sure you get proper care—not just for your ability to bring a claim, but also to protect your health and well-being.  

Will a Pre-Existing Condition Stop Me from Recovering Truck Accident Compensation?

You can still bring a truck accident injury claim even if you have a pre-existing condition. The negligent party—trucker, truck company, etc.—is still responsible for any new injuries or any aggravation of your pre-existing condition. That being said, pre-existing conditions can sometimes make the claims process more challenging.

Defendants or insurers may try to blame your pre-existing condition to reduce their liability. An attorney will protect your rights. 

Will My Truck Accident Injury Case Go to Trial?

Although litigation is a possibility in any personal injury claim, the vast majority of truck accident injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. In other words, the parties involved come to an agreement on the terms of the settlement without the need for a trial. Still, our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer is trial-tested.

We are always ready to take your case as far as needed.

Contact Our Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Our law firm at the Quinn Injury Lawyers has Philadelphia truck accident attorneys standing by, ready to take action to help you get justice and maximum compensation. If you or your loved one was seriously injured in a big rig accident, we are more than ready to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free consultation.

With a law office in Philadelphia, we handle truck accident claims throughout all of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey to get you fair compensation.

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