With our proximity to I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the New Jersey Turnpike, the Philadelphia area is rife with trucking activity. And many times, this trucking activity turns into accidents.
According to recent research, accidents involving a big rig account for a rising number of injuries every year. In fact, fatal crashes involving trucks rose 18% from 2009 to 2012. For comparison’s sake, accidents involving just passenger cars fell 1.74% over the same time period.
In this article, I will detail a few of the issues involved in a truck accident case and discuss how an experienced accident attorney can help people who have been a victim in a truck accident.
Truck Drivers Are Often in a Tough Spot
Trucking is a tough job. The hours are long. The pay is oftentimes not very high. And the drivers often go weeks without seeing friends or family. Add these factors to the tremendous responsibility of shipping tons of cargo from one spot to another while maneuvering a gigantic machine and it is easy to see how mistakes can happen.
Facts back up the tremendous strain put on truck drivers. According to the National Sleep Foundation, at least 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue. Only one in 10 trucks on the road have active safety technology. And many trucking companies do not screen applicants well enough before hiring or do not provide adequate driver training.
Truck Drivers Will Have Strong Legal Defense
A common phrase goes: Trucking is the backbone of the U.S. economy. This means the trucking industry has major resources in terms of money and legal power.
Any accident involving a commercial big rig will draw the attention of the trucking company. Their lawyers and insurance representatives will do their best to minimize the company’s payout.
Legal Considerations in a Truck Accident Case
In my time as a Philadelphia accident attorney, I’ve won many cases against trucking companies by proving truck driver negligence. The negligence has taken many forms, including:
- The driver did not have the required license.
- The driver was not adequately screened before being hired.
- The driver was not fit emotionally, physically, or mentally.
- The driver was in violation of federal and/or state laws for interstate shipping.
- The truck violated safety standards.
My Promise to Truck Accident Victims
As your truck accident attorney, I fight the trucking company insurance and its team of trained professionals to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on getting your life back on track. I will give personal attention to your case. This means I will:
- Coordinate medical payments
- Ensure that you receive the medical treatment you deserve
- Collect and organize documentation
- Manage communications with insurance adjusters
- Support you through the difficult accident claims process
If you have been the victim of a trucking accident through no fault of your own, contact me now at (267) 627-4JOE (267-627-4563) for a free consultation and we can begin the path to recovery together.
Our promise is to deliver outstanding customer service and our motto is: More Service than You Would Expect.
