Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are many possible causes of a truck accident. Sometimes these accidents are caused by driver error, but in other cases, they are caused by a problem with the trucking company, agencies responsible for roadway maintenance, and other parties. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to consult a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer to navigate the legal complexities and ensure your rights are protected.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Determining Liability in Truck Accidents

When seeking compensation in a truck accident case, one of the most important steps is determining who was liable for the accident. Surprisingly, many parties can be liable for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances of the accident. A truck accident attorney can effectively evaluate whose negligence resulted in your injuries.

To receive compensation for your injuries after a truck accident, your lawyer will need to prove liability.

The Driver

Some of the more common causes of car accidents are distracted driving and driving while fatigued. Truck drivers can be equally susceptible to these causes. A truck driver may drive more hours per day or week than the law allows, or try to do other tasks — like eating — while driving a truck.

The Trucking Company

While the trucking company is typically liable if the driver is responsible, it can also be held liable when the driver isn’t. For example, if the company forced the driver to adhere to an unreasonable schedule or didn’t properly inspect the truck, it could be liable for an accident.

The Truck Part Manufacturer

Sometimes, trucks get into accidents because they have a defective part. This is usually the fault of the manufacturer, but it can also be the fault of the mechanic who installed the part. Your Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can investigate to determine how fault should be attributed.

The Federal, State, or Local Government

Another common cause of truck accidents is defective roadways. The appropriate government authority has to maintain those roadways, and when they don’t, they can potentially be sued for injuries suffered in a truck accident.

Determining liability is only the first step in a truck accident claim. Contact Wapner Newman at 215-569-0900 to learn how we can help you with every step of the truck accident claim process.

Why Choose Us?

Experienced Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accident cases can be complicated. The insurance carriers representing trucking companies are skilled at deflecting the blame from their clients. But our attorneys are equally experienced at getting to the truth. And when the truth means their clients are responsible for your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation.

If you want honest and knowledgeable lawyers who give every case personal attention, Wapner Newman is the right law firm to represent your truck accident case in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

While most people know what to expect after a car accident, a truck accident is often much more complex. Some of the most common questions we receive about truck accidents include:

Can anyone drive a truck?

No. You need a specific type of license to drive a truck. Someone driving without this license is generally more likely to get into an accident.

Can I get money if I am partially responsible for an accident?

Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have similar comparative negligence rules. If you are partially responsible for an accident, your award will be reduced based on how responsible you were for the crash.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury cases.

Can I sue if a truck accident killed a family member?

Yes. If you are a close family member of someone who died in a truck accident, you may be eligible to sue for wrongful death.

If you have any other questions, our team will be glad to answer them during your free consultation.

Turn to a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia for Help

Our experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyers can do more for you than uncover the cause of your wreck. We handle every aspect of truck accident cases and can fight relentlessly to get you compensation if you were hurt in a truck crash.

Were you hurt in a truck accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Contact Wapner Newman at 215-569-0900 today to discuss your legal options.