Allentown Truck Accident Lawyer

Additionally, truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals. These days off are determined by the hours of the company a trucker works for. If a trucking company is open 7 days a week, a driver is only allowed to work 70 hours in an 8-day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. If a trucking company is open less than 7 days a week, a driver is only allowed to work 60 hours in a 7-day period before taking 34 hours off. This rule is also called the 60/70 rule.

Understanding Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that there are usually several parties that could be held liable for the accident depending on the circumstances of the case.

While there can be many others, the top three parties usually liable for a truck accident are:

• The truck driver
• The truck manufacturer
• The trucking company

A truck driver is usually held responsible if they are engaging in illegal activities at the time of the accident, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect, the truck manufacturer can be held liable.

However, the party most often held accountable for a truck accident is the trucking company. While there are many reasons for this, the main one is the fact that trucking companies are often caught encouraging their drivers to break FMCSA regulations in order to help save their company money. Because of this, their drivers are often overworked and fatigued and, therefore, more prone to accidents.

Understanding who holds liability in a truck accident is critical for legal proceedings. Often, multiple investigations are required to untangle the web of potentially responsible parties. This complexity requires thorough analysis to ensure all liable parties are identified and held accountable. Victims should not have to shoulder the burden of proof alone, as this is where the legal guidance of a seasoned attorney becomes indispensable, particularly in navigating the intricacies of liability in the trucking industry.

Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident

If you were involved in an accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle, you are likely facing more significant damages than you would have had you been injured in a typical car crash. These experiences can be traumatic and overwhelming. It's important to understand the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious injury after a trucking accident in Allentown.

Follow these important steps after you are involved in a trucking accident:

• Call the police and an ambulance, if needed.
• Don't refuse medical care. Some injuries that you have sustained may be life-threatening.
• Get the information of the trucker who was involved in the accident, including their name, address, driver's license, and contact information.
• Document the scene. Take pictures of any damage to vehicles or property.
• Contact a trucking accident lawyer in Allentown if you believe you have been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, the compensation you may be eligible to receive can cover various categories of losses. These typically include medical expenses for hospital visits, surgeries, and ongoing treatment for injuries sustained in the accident. Additionally, compensation often accounts for lost wages if the injuries have impaired your ability to work, whether temporarily or permanently. In cases of extreme negligence, you might also be entitled to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, aimed at compensating for the psychological impact of the accident.

Importantly, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning the compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident, provided it does not exceed 50%. Engaging with an experienced Allentown truck accident lawyer can help evaluate these factors effectively, ensuring that your claim accurately reflects your losses. This legal guidance is crucial not just in maximizing recovery but also in understanding the full scope and nature of your entitlements under Pennsylvania law. Our team at Knafo Law Offices is dedicated to thoroughly investigating your case to pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several critical ways, most notably in terms of severity and legal complexity. Given their larger size and weight, trucks tend to cause more significant damage and injuries during collisions. This often translates to greater medical costs and longer recovery times. Legally, truck accidents are more complicated due to the potential involvement of multiple parties such as the driver, the trucking company, and manufacturers, all of whom could share responsibility for the accident.

Regulations also differ as truck drivers must adhere to stringent federal and state guidelines, including those regarding driving hours and vehicle maintenance—a factor not present in typical car accidents. Consequently, truck accident claims require thorough investigation and deep legal knowledge in navigating both state and federal laws. Knafo Law Offices leverages extensive experience to handle these complex cases, providing strategic insights to safeguard our clients' rights while actively pursuing compensation.

What Role Do Insurance Companies Play in Truck Accident Claims?

Insurance companies are integral to the resolution of truck accident claims, as they typically handle the financial settlement on behalf of the responsible party. In truck accident cases, various insurance policies may be involved due to commercial coverage requirements. This includes policies covering the truck driver, the trucking company, and sometimes the vehicle itself. While these insurance holders are obligated to compensate for damages, they often seek to minimize payouts by disputing claims or downplaying injuries.

This is why having an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial—they can effectively negotiate with insurers to represent your best interests. A knowledgeable attorney from Knafo Law Offices scrutinizes policy details, challenges any lowball offers, and ensures that the compensation aligns with the true extent of your losses. Additionally, our legal team is prepared to take the claim to court if necessary, advocating assertively to secure fair settlements that fully address our clients’ needs.

Why Choose Knafo Law Offices?

Truck accident claims are incredibly complex. You need someone who not only understands the extent of your injuries and damages, but you also need a legal team that has the experience and skill to go up against large trucking companies and their insurance providers.

At Knafo Law Offices, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of injured truck accident victims since 1982. We never represent large trucking corporations or insurance companies. We understand how to get the evidence needed to build an effective claim and are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

With over 100 years of combined experience and 6 convenient office locations, our dedicated legal team is ready to assist you with every aspect of your case. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get in touch with us today at (610) 756-1098 or contact us online to learn more during a free and confidential consultation.