You have enough to worry about when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle each day. The last thing you need is for the negligence of a truck driver or truck company to cause you or a loved one harm. However, we know that crashes involving large trucks happen all the time.
When you need a Philadelphia truck accident attorney, Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. is ready to step in on your behalf. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will investigate your case so we can secure compensation for all of your crash-related expenses.
Potentially Dangerous Situations
Eighteen-wheelers can reach weights of 80,000 pounds. A dump truck can weigh nearly 60,000 pounds. When we say that large commercial trucks can cause major damages and injuries, we mean it. Think about how many large trucks you see on the roadways. They are everywhere and they provide valuable services to our society and economy. However, when a driver makes a mistake or part of the vehicle fails, people get hurt.
- During the latest full reporting year for Pennsylvania, there were 6,807 total heavy truck crashes.
It is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries in the aftermath of a truck crash:
- Traumatic brain injuries/head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Internal organ damage/internal bleeding
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
Each of these injuries requires immediate emergency medical care. Often, a truck crash victim needs multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation in order to make a full recovery. This can mean that they are unable to work and provide an income to support themselves and their families.
How Do These Crashes Happen?
Unfortunately, many of these crashes are preventable and revolve around vehicle maintenance problems or driver error.
Truck companies must ensure that all of their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. Some of the main causes of truck crashes in Pennsylvania revolved around the failure of the:
- Tires of wheels
- Brakes
- Powertrain
- Steering
- Suspension
- Lighting
- Hitch/connections
All drivers should be properly licensed to operate these trucks and should follow all laws and regulations regarding safe operation. This includes not overloading the truck as well as driving only the allowable amount of hours each day. Under NO circumstances should a driver operate while impaired or distracted.
In The Aftermath
When you are riding down the road, you should not have to wonder if the truck driver next to you is going to make a mistake or if the truck has been well-maintained. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we are here to help if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck crash.
Our qualified team will investigate your crash and work to secure compensation for all of your expenses, including:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the driver or company
If you need a Philadelphia truck accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 215-929-7216.
The fact that you survived a truck accident is already a miracle, but there are probably many questions on your mind right now. Being in a truck crash is different from being in a car crash not only because it’s more challenging to survive a truck accident but also because there are many laws and regulations that come into play when recovering damages from the at-fault truck driver and trucking company in Pennsylvania.
Luckily, we invited our Philadelphia truck accident attorney from Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., to make things less confusing and help you seek fair compensation.
What Makes a Truck Accident Case Different from a Car Accident Case?
The size of the vehicle involved is not the only difference between a truck accident case and car accident case. These are other differences that make truck accident cases unique:
- Truckers and trucking companies are required to carry more insurance coverage than drivers of passenger vehicles.
- Truck drivers owe other motorists a higher duty of care when sharing the road with other motorists.
- Many federal regulations govern the operation of trucks.
- Trucking companies are required to perform background checks when hiring vehicle operators.
- There are strict hours of service regulations that govern how many hours a trucker is allowed to drive in a day or week.
- Overloading, maintenance, and equipment failure play a much more significant role in truck accidents compared to regular car crashes.
How Many Hours Can Truckers Drive Without Taking a Break?
As we have mentioned earlier, there are hours of service regulations that place a limit on how long truck drivers are allowed to drive without taking a break. Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer explains that these regulations are intended to reduce the likelihood of driver fatigue, falling asleep behind the wheel, and drowsy driving, all common causes of truck crashes across Pennsylvania.
The following hours of service requirements apply to truck drivers operating vehicles with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds:
- Driving for a maximum of 11 hours after being off duty for ten consecutive hours.
- Driving for a maximum of 70 hours in eight consecutive days, or 60 hours in seven consecutive days.
Generally, trucking companies have a duty to ensure that their truckers abide by the rules mentioned above through proper supervision and careful review of driver logs. Our Philadelphia truck accident attorney also reminds us that there are strict rules regarding the maintenance of trucks and their equipment. Violating any of the rules makes a truck driver and/or trucking company liable in the event of a crash.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you hire one of our skilled lawyers here at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., you do not have to pay attorney’s fees unless our attorney successfully obtains compensation for you. Our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we are paid nothing if you do not get compensated in your truck accident case.
Attorney’s fees in truck accident cases in Pennsylvania range from 25 to 33 percent of the total amount of the settlement or court award. Unlike other law firms in Pennsylvania, our attorneys investigate cases at no charge up front.