Truck Accident Lawyers in Lancaster

Liability in Truck Accident Claims

In a typical car accident claim, injured victims can seek compensation for their damages either by filing a claim with their own insurance provider (if they have personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage, also known as “limited tort” coverage) or with the other driver’s insurance company. Outside of the no-fault system, the other driver’s insurance provider is generally liable for the victim’s damages if their insured was to blame for the crash.

Truck accident claims tend to be a lot more complex. Part of the reason for this is the issue of liability. Because truck drivers are typically “on the clock” when these accidents occur, their employers—the trucking companies—may be liable for the resulting damages. But in some cases, trucking companies are not responsible. This might be the case if the truck driver was acting unlawfully, such as by driving while drunk or impaired by drugs. This might also be the case if other outside factors caused the accident, such as a defective truck part or the negligence of another motorist on the road.

In a given truck accident case, any of the following parties could be partially or wholly liable:

• The trucking company
• The truck driver
• A truck or truck parts manufacturer
• A hiring manager or supervisor
• The person/party responsible for truck maintenance or repairs
• A construction company that designed/built a defective roadway
• Another negligent motorist
• A negligent pedestrian or bicyclist

This represents only some of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident case. It’s incredibly important that you work with a knowledgeable Lancaster truck accident attorney who not only understands how the law works but also has access to critical investigative resources to determine how the accident happened and who is liable.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident?

Collisions with massive semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and big rigs tend to result in devastating, life-altering injuries. For victims, this means a number of new, unexpected challenges. You are likely facing mounting medical bills for ongoing treatment, not to mention lost wages from time taken off work to receive medical care and recover. Debilitating injuries and their consequences also often result in significant emotional distress and ongoing trauma for victims and their loved ones.

While all of these damages can add significant stress to your life, the good news is you could be entitled to compensation for both your financial and non-financial losses.

At Knafo Law Offices, we help truck accident victims and their families seek compensation for the following damages:

• All medical expenses associated with treating the accident victim’s injuries
• Future projected medical care costs
• Current and future lost income, wages, and other benefits
• Loss of earning ability/disability
• In-home care costs, hospice care, and related expenses
• Modifications to a home or vehicle
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.
• Counseling services and related costs associated with mental health care
• Funeral/burial expenses (in the event of wrongful death)
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of love, support, guidance, and companionship (in the event of wrongful death)

In rare circumstances, we may also be able to seek punitive damages on behalf of truck accident victims. Punitive damages are non-compensatory, meaning they are not meant to compensate the victim for a loss but, rather, to punish the defendant for egregious negligence or reckless disregard for the safety of others.

Request a Free Consultation with Our Team Today

The first step in your recovery is reaching out to a legal team with the experience and reputation to effectively advocate for you and take on the trucking company or other party’s insurance provider. From our Lancaster, PA office, we at Knafo Law Offices provide clients with personalized, compassionate legal counsel and dedicated representation. Our goal is to maximize your recovery—whether this means aggressively negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial—so that you can move forward with your life.

Throughout our nearly 40 years in practice, we have successfully helped numerous accident victims fight for the justice they deserved. We have been honored with the Avvo 2020 Clients’ Choice Award and have been peer-review rated for ethical standards and legal ability, among many other accolades. Most importantly, when you choose Knafo Law Offices, you can trust that we are dedicated to you and your recovery.

Contact us online or call (610) 756-1098 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an attorney at our firm.