Tractor Trailer Accidents

Tractor Trailer Accidents Attorney in Philadelphia, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ

The consequences of a collision between a tractor-trailer and a smaller vehicle can be disastrous and fatal. On many of the multi-lane, high-speed superhighways and other streets in and around Philadelphia and South Jersey, truck accidents frequently arise from the irresponsible and negligent driving of truck drivers.

At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we recognize that representing victims of tractor-trailer accidents involves specialized skills and understanding. We will fight to recover the various types of damages and compensation to which our clients are entitled.

Our qualified tractor-trailer accidents attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has significant experience in assisting injured people like you in pursuing compensation. Call us to book a no-cost consultation to explore how we may help you.

What Are the Common Tractor Trailer Accident Injuries?

Due to their enormous size and weight, tractor-trailer accidents typically result in severe injuries. Those fortunate enough to escape a truck collision face disabling and disfiguring chronic injuries. The following are some of the most frequent injuries resulting from tractor-trailer accidents:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Fractures or Broken Bones
• Internal Damage
• Amputations

If you were injured in a tractor-trailer collision, you deserve to have a law firm advocating on your behalf. Our skilled Philadelphia tractor-trailer accident attorney at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore can assist you in pursuing compensation. Call us now for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

What to Do Following a Tractor Trailer Accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

Call 911

The police must arrive at the site of a large truck collision to conduct a preliminary investigation and identify liability, if possible.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Anybody injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer must seek emergency medical attention. Even if the injuries appear minor, a physician must do an assessment.

Collect Evidence

Suppose it is safe to do so at the scene of the collision. In that case, an uninjured bystander should use their phone or another camera to take images of car damage, reasons for the crash, injuries, traffic and weather conditions, and other factors. In addition, the names and contact information of any crash witnesses must be collected.

Notify Your Insurer of the Accident

Any individual involved in the collision must immediately notify their insurance company. During the initial report, there is no need for extensive detail. The insurance provider only needs to know that an event occurred, that a huge truck was involved, and the names and contact information of those involved.

Continue Medical Treatment

It is imperative that all accident victims continue to get medical care until their doctor determines that they have attained their maximal medical progress. The parties concerned cannot negotiate a settlement until medical care has been completed.

Contact Our Tractor Trailer Accidents Attorney

Our professional tractor-trailer accidents attorney will assist accident victims in filing a claim, negotiating with all parties involved, and obtaining maximum compensation.

Who Can Be Considered Accountable for a Tractor Trailer Crash?

One of the most challenging parts of a collision with a massive truck is that several parties may be held accountable. Identifying culpability is typically far more involved than determining blame. 

The following are some of the most typical parties held accountable in the wake of a tractor-trailer accident:

The Tractor Trailer Driver

This is the party that most people believe would be found accountable after a tractor-trailer accident, especially if the truck driver’s carelessness is proven to cause the accident. If the driver is also the owner-operator of the vehicle, they may be held fully liable for the occurrence.

The Trucking Business

If a truck driver employed by a motor carrier firm causes an accident, the trucking company will likely be liable. In general, the principle of vicarious liability maintains that an employer can be held accountable for an employee’s acts if the employee acted within the scope of their obligations at the time of the occurrence.

The Manufacturer of Tractor Trailer

If a faulty tractor-trailer causes an accident, the manufacturer of that vehicle might be held accountable for any resulting injuries and other damages.

The Parts Manufacturer

It is not a defective truck as a whole that causes an accident but rather a faulty component. The producer of the component might be held liable.

Maintenance Personnel

A truck owner or operator must have their vehicle routinely examined and maintained. If a maintenance firm or team fails to maintain the automobile effectively, they may be held accountable if an accident happens due to inadequate inspection or maintenance.

What Are the Possible Compensations Can Be Awarded to You Following a Tractor Trailer Accident?

A person injured in a tractor-trailer accident has the right to seek compensation for their damages so that their life can be restored as closely as possible to its condition before the event. Victims of accidents can seek compensation for the following losses:

• Medical expenses
• Surgical and other medical procedures
• Rehabilitation costs and procedures
• Nursing facility care
• Lost earnings
• Future reduction in earning potential
• Distress and suffering
• Disfigurement and lasting scars
• Loss of life’s pleasure
• Loss of consortium
• Mental distress
• Wrongful death

In very extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the driver or corporation behaved with the intent to cause injury (“bad faith“) or if they should have reasonably understood that their actions would cause harm. The purpose of punitive damages is to financially penalize someone, comparable to a fine, to deter them from engaging in similar conduct in the future. It should be emphasized that courts frequently drastically reduce punitive damages and are rarely covered by insurance.

When Might an Employer of a Truck Driver Share Liability in a Tractor Trailer Accident Claim?

In addition to filing a claim or lawsuit against a truck driver, a motorist who has been injured may also have a claim against the driver’s employer, which is often a trucking business. In other words, if the truck driver was functioning within the scope of employment at the time of the accident, the trucking firm may share liability for the truck driver’s carelessness. If the trucking firm is also at fault for the accident, it can be held liable for any injuries and damages sustained by the victim.

Suppose the irresponsible truck driver has a history of causing accidents or obtaining penalties. In that case, the trucking firm may be liable for carelessly employing, retaining, or overseeing the at-fault driver. Sometimes, a trucking firm asserts that the irresponsible truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee. Employers are typically solely accountable for the negligent actions of their employees; therefore, a trucking firm that successfully classifies a truck driver as an independent contractor can avoid blame in the event of an accident.

However, it may be possible to demonstrate that despite being designated as an independent contractor, the driver was, in fact, an employee. Our seasoned Philadelphia tractor-trailer accident attorney will investigate the accident, collect crucial evidence, and construct the most compelling case possible on your side.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Accident Involving a Tractor Trailer?

There is no universal answer to how long a trucking business lawsuit may take to resolve. It might take as little as six months or several years. The variables include:

• The success of discussions with the corporation.
• The availability of proof regarding the accident’s cause and liability.
• The number of people involved.

We will not back down, however, if the other party refuses to negotiate honestly and insists on going to court in an attempt to frighten our staff.

We will see your matter to its conclusion. Settlements can occur at various times, even during a trial before a judgment is rendered. When the opposing party sees that we’re willing to hold them accountable, the subsequent settlements are sometimes more significant than the original offer.

Do Tractor Trailer Accident Lawsuits Go to Court Hearing?

A lawsuit involving a tractor-trailer accident may proceed to trial, but our skilled tractor-trailer accident attorney can handle trial preparation so that it does not disrupt your life. Although trials are often more time-consuming than settlement negotiations, cash judgments are frequently substantially bigger since a judge or jury has more power to order further damages. 

For instance, additional amounts in the form of “punitive damages” may be added to your total, money that can assist ensure your family’s financial security in the future.

How Long Do You Have Before You Can File a Lawsuit?

If you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer in Pennsylvania, you have two years from the accident date to bring a lawsuit. The sooner you contact our knowledgeable tractor-trailer accidents attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the better. Failure to file a truck accident lawsuit promptly will result in insurance adjusters delaying the process. You will not receive your lawsuit compensation if you miss the two-year limit.

How Can Our Dedicated Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys Help?

Our dedicated tractor-trailer accident attorneys in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill can assist in establishing liability for your collision, gathering evidence to bolster your claim, and ensuring that the relevant parties are compensated. Almost soon after a crash involving a tractor-trailer, the trucking business or its insurance carrier will initiate an investigation into the incident and the site. Their objective is to restrict the amount of compensation paid to accident victims.

At this point, state police may also initiate their investigation into the accident, which may be advantageous to your claim. We will collaborate with specialist professionals at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore to strengthen the official investigation. Our team can:

• Study the videos, if there are any
• Question witnesses
• Examine required police and accident reports
• Review and analysis of medical records
• Question medical personnel
• Consult with professionals to rebuild and replicate the accident scene

We have competence with complex tractor-trailer accident cases and will explore all facets of the collision to determine liability. To ensure you receive adequate compensation for your injuries, we may investigate the following:

• Who had primary control and ownership of the vehicle at the time of the collision
• Driving documents and logs, including weight checks
• Driver compliance with company policies and procedures and their enforcement
• The history of the truck and trailer’s usage
• Maintenance documents
• Possible breaches of federal and state driving regulatory legislation
• Violations of state and federal transportation laws in the past
• Previous felony convictions
• Potential manufacturing defects