Montgomery County Truck Accident Lawyer

Get fair compensation with a Montgomery County truck accident lawyer

According to official data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, more than 7,500 heavy trucks are involved in crashes each year. Montgomery County is one of the top 10 countries with the most reported traffic crashes and traffic-related fatalities in the state. Due to trucks’ large size and weight, these accidents tend to be more severe than other motor vehicle accidents. The number of such accidents has significantly increased in the past few years. 

A truck injury claim is likely to be more complicated than those relating to other types of motor vehicle accidents. It often becomes difficult to determine who is liable for the accident. It is important to understand that different parties can be held responsible for the accident. The U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration even has specific laws to ensure that truck drivers operate their vehicles safely. Here are some of the crucial things to know about truck accidents and other types of commercial vehicle accidents.

Truck Accident Attorney Montgomery County

Montgomery County’s truck accident lawyer determines liability

Accidents often occur when truck drivers do not follow the appropriate traffic laws. Driver negligence and failure to follow the laws may lead to serious accidents and injuries. Here are some of the common situations that can lead to truck accidents:

  • Driving when feeling fatigued
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Violating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations regarding driving hours
  • Driving without the proper license or training 
  • Not paying attention to the vehicle’s blind spots
  • Aggressive driving 
  • Distracted driving
  • Excessive speeding

Determining the negligence or who is at fault for the truck accident can often be complicated. The following parties may be held responsible for injuries in these types of accidents:

  • The truck driver
  • The truck manufacturer
  • The owner of the truck 
  • The person or company that leased the truck
  • The shipper or the loader

Depending on the case, truck accident victims can file claims for compensation against the negligent party. It is not always the driver of the truck who is responsible for the accident. At times, it is the manufacturer or the shipper, whose negligence leads to serious accidents. Therefore, it is essential to understand all the accident aspects and analyze the situation appropriately. Hiring an injury lawyer in Montgomery County can be beneficial, as they understand how to rigorously evaluate an accident and determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek.

Can trucking companies avoid liability for truck accidents?

In the past, there have been specific incidents in which trucking companies have tried to avoid liability. They argued that they don’t own the equipment or that the driver was not associated with them. These are some of the instances that have affected victims’ injury claims. However, the federal government has put an end to such defenses, and a trucking company can be held responsible. The truck owner is often legally responsible for any injuries caused to another person in an accident. 

What if multiple parties are liable?

In a situation in which multiple parties are liable for the accident, the different parties will share the responsibility for the damages. All of the parties will be equally responsible for paying the victim’s damages. You won’t have to worry about the party who will be responsible for paying you. The truck accident lawyer Montgomery County trusts can assist you in filing the case against multiple parties. 

What factors may affect the value of a truck accident claim? 

Various factors may affect the amount of compensation to which a victim will be entitled. It is important to understand that each case is different. Some cases get a settlement in millions, whereas some cases may result in much smaller settlements. The final amount will vary from state to state and from situation to situation. One factor that may affect the settlement value is the insurance policy coverage. Here are some of the other factors that may affect the size of the settlement:

  • The number of injuries you experienced
  • The severity of your injuries. 
  • The negligence of the victim (For example, if the victim shares the responsibility for the accident, their compensation will be decreased by the percentage of their individual fault.)
  • Whether the accident resulted in any fatalities 
  • The limits of the insurance coverage
  • The reason behind the accident 

Neck and head injuries, as well as back and spinal cord damage, are common severe injuries that truck accident victims often suffer. Such injuries require hefty treatment costs and recovering compensation for those outstanding expenses can be helpful for victims.

How long will it take to receive a settlement?

As mentioned above, each trucking accident case is different, and the time it takes to settle may vary. There are cases that get settled quickly. On the other hand, some cases are pending for months and years. Your evidence plays a crucial role in determining the time it will take to finalize the case. You are more likely to settle quickly if you have satisfactory evidence that proves the negligent party’s fault. However, if your case reaches the trial stage, it is likely to take longer than you would like. It is important to make sure that you file the accident claim within the appropriate statute of limitations. If you miss that deadline, there is the chance that the insurance company or court will refuse to even consider your claim.

Contact an attorney to discuss your legal concerns.

The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman is an experienced law firm with an excellent legal team that can handle truck accident cases. We develop a strong legal strategy for each case, depending on its unique circumstances. Schedule an initial free consultation with our skilled lawyers today.



Practice Areas

    Free Consultation

    What is 6 + 5

    Free Consultation