Hazleton Truck Accident Lawyer
If you drive a vehicle every day, you are forced to share the road with larger vehicles, trucks with trailers, buses, etc. Commercial trucks are larger and heavier than standard automobiles. That means an accident with a truck weighing more than 10,000 pounds can be catastrophic. Not to mention that a truck’s reaction time is slower than a standard vehicle
When your vehicle is struck by a large truck, those in the passenger vehicle can end up seriously injured, or worse. This is the case even in low-speed collisions. The risk of death is even greater if the truck collides with a motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian. If you were injured in an accident involving a large truck, you need to call the experienced Hazleton truck accident lawyers at O’Donnell Law Offices for expert help.
Types of Injuries Caused by Commercial Trucks
Injuries in truck accidents will vary widely depending on the circumstances of the accident. Some of the more common injuries we see in cases involving commercial trucks include:
- Severe cuts and puncture wounds
- Back and neck injuries, including fractured vertebrae or disc herniations
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other head injuries
- Broken bones, including ankles, legs, wrists, and arms
- Pelvic and hip injuries
Pennsylvania Statistics on Truck Accidents
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 7,336 crashes involving heavy trucks in 2018. This was up from the year before, which saw 6,807 crashes. 118 of these involved fatalities, which was down from the prior year with 145 fatality crashes. While fatalities may be on the decline, over 100 deaths that could’ve been avoided is too much.
Causes of Pennsylvania Truck Accidents
Driver error is the main cause of most truck accidents in Pennsylvania. Some examples include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving in the wrong direction
- Failure to yield to others
- Failure to keep a safe distance from other vehicles
- Distracted driving — texting, eating, putting on makeup, and more
- Reckless driving or drag racing
- Driving over the speed limit or faster than safe for current conditions
- Driving while fatigued
- Not checking mirrors and in blind spots
- Not signaling when turning
Other issues like weather or road conditions can also contribute to an accident. In some cases, there may be an issue with the truck. This can be due to a defective part that fails, causing the accident. Or, the truck was not properly maintained or safety checks were not completed before getting on the road. Brake failure, powertrain failure, steering system failure, and tire blowouts are just a few of the issues that can contribute to a truck accident.
Employees versus Independent Contractors in Truck Accidents
One issue that needs to be addressed in many truck accidents is the issue of independent contractor versus employee. In numerous instances, a driver may be misclassified by the company that owns the truck. Companies don’t want to pay benefits, taxes, etc., so they label drivers as independent contractors. If someone is an employee, you may be dealing with the trucking company for the claim. Either way, accidents involving large trucks can be complex, which is why you need a skilled Hazleton truck accident Lawyer on your side.
Contact a Hazleton Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident involving a large truck, don’t try to present a claim on your own. Contact O’Donnell Law Offices today to schedule an initial consultation. Let our team of experienced personal injury lawyers help you get the compensation you deserve.
