Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents Lawyer
Truck accidents are some of the worst crashes on Pennsylvania’s roads. These wrecks are very different than other auto accidents. Trucks are much bigger and heavier than other vehicles. They also take much longer to slow down and come to a complete stop. As such, when they get into a crash with a passenger vehicle, it’s always those in the smaller vehicle that sustain the worst injuries. Often, these injuries remain with a victim for the rest of their life. In addition to the physical and emotional pain they feel, victims also face lifelong medical costs and other expenses.
Truck accidents are also more complicated than other crashes on the road. When two smaller vehicles are in an accident, it’s usually the fault of one of those drivers. However, when a truck is involved in an accident, there are many potential liable parties. It’s for this reason that anyone involved in a truck accident must speak to a Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer.
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are five main causes of truck accidents in Pennsylvania, and throughout the rest of the country. These include:
- Distracted driving
- Truck driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
Although all of these causes may seem as though they indicate truck driver negligence, that’s not always the case.
Liability in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents, like all other auto accidents on the road, will rest on negligence. Those injured must prove this negligence in order to claim compensation for their injuries. When a truck driver acts negligently, or carelessly, they could be held liable for providing compensation to accident victims. However, even in these situations, the trucking company could also be held liable.
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring they are hiring drivers that are experienced and have the skills necessary to safely drive a large 18-wheeler. When companies fail to do this, or they do not perform proper background checks, they can be held liable for any accident the truck driver causes.
Trucking companies also have a duty to ensure that all of their truck drivers are trained properly. When companies allow drivers to get behind the wheel of a truck without training them or ensuring that they are capable of driving a commercial truck, they can also be held liable in the case of a crash.
Truck drivers and trucking companies are not the only individuals or agencies that can be held liable in a crash. Accident victims can hold truck manufacturers liable if the accident was caused by a defective part of the truck. Anyone responsible for maintaining the truck can also be held liable if they didn’t properly inspect the truck or ensure it was safe to go on the road. Anyone that loaded the truck can also be found at fault if they loaded it improperly, causing the load to shift and throw off the balance of the truck.
Determining who was liable for a crash involving a truck is one of the most complicated aspects of any truck accident. An attorney can conduct a full investigation to determine who was at fault, and hold them accountable for paying accident victims the compensation they deserve.
Call Our Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you’re likely suffering from serious injuries. There is compensation available for those injuries, but it’s difficult to obtain when dealing with truck drivers, trucking companies, and multiple insurance companies. Our Wilkes-Barre truck accident attorneys can help. At O’Donnell Law Offices, we will review your case, conduct an investigation to determine who was at fault, and handle every part of your claim while you focus on your recovery. Call us today at (570) 821-5717 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
