Truck Accident Lawyer in Reading

How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Though they are rarer than other types of motor vehicle accidents, such as car and motorcycle crashes, truck accidents happen with alarming frequency. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and data collected by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), 4,136 people lost their lives in accidents with large trucks in 2018. The vast majority of those fatalities—67%—were the occupants of passenger vehicles. Annual data shows that this is not uncommon; every year since 1975, there have been about 3,000 to 5,000 truck accident-related fatalities in the United States, and countless more are injured.

Perhaps even more devastating, the vast majority of truck accidents are completely preventable. Many result from human error, as well as industry regulation violations, negligent trucking company practices, and the production and distribution of defective products.

Some of the leading causes of truck accidents in the U.S. include:

• Distracted driving, including texting/using a cell phone while driving
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding, including driving too fast for weather conditions
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Dangerous or unlawful passing
• Negligent hiring or supervision of truck drivers
• Hours-of-service violations, leading to fatigued driving
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Defective trucks or truck parts
• Defective or dangerous road construction or design

In some cases, third-party negligence can also contribute to or cause a truck accident. For example, if another motorist on the road is texting while driving and causes a collision with multiple vehicles, including a large commercial truck, that driver could be held legally liable for the other victims’ injuries and related damages.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, chances are by the time you are reading this, you or your loved one has already received medical attention. If not, however, go to the hospital or see your primary care physician right away. It is critical that you receive proper medical care after a truck accident, not only for the sake of your health but also to ensure the success of your claim. Without medical records proving that you sought treatment for your injuries, the insurance company will likely dispute the validity of your claim, meaning you could face serious challenges in recovering financial compensation.

It is also incredibly important that you do not speak to any adjusters from the trucking company’s insurance provider (or another insurance company) after the accident. You do not have to provide any adjusters with a written or verbal statement, and you should never sign anything without first speaking to an attorney. The reason for this is because insurance adjusters have one job—to deny your claim. Truck accident cases often involve catastrophic injuries and massive, high-value losses; insurance companies do not want to pay these claims. As such, their adjusters will often try to get you to accidentally admit fault or downplay the severity of your injuries.

We strongly recommend that you reach out to a reputable personal injury lawyer for help with your truck accident claim. At Knafo Law Offices, we have been representing injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed since 1982. The truck accident attorneys at our Reading office are ready to assist you from the moment you call until the moment your case is resolved.

There Are No Fees Unless We Win

We understand that, when faced with massive medical bills and lost wages, you likely have concerns about the cost of hiring a lawyer. However, personal injury law firms, like Knafo Law Offices, offer their services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, attorneys’ fees are paid via an agreed-upon percentage of your total recovery; if your attorney does not recover compensation in your case, you do not pay.

At Knafo Law Offices, we strive to go above and beyond for our clients, providing compassionate, personalized counsel and 24/7 availability. You will have consistent, reliable access to your attorney throughout the duration of your case and can rest assured that your recovery is in good hands.

Contact us online or call (610) 756-1098 now for a free consultation.