Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Milford, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Semi-Truck & Trucking Accident Attorney: Accident Liability
Many truck accident cases involve negligent or careless acts perpetrated by the truck driver. Often, these acts result directly from the use of illegal drugs, prescription medication, or alcohol. More recently, however, distractions such as cell phones and the operation of compact disc players have led to an increasing number of accidents. Many accidents are caused by drivers who work long shifts beyond legal limits and suffer from lack of sleep. Others are caused by speeding, tailgating, the failure to reduce speed appropriately around turns and on downhill slopes, and other reckless driving. If any of these factors contribute to a trucking accident, the truck driver can be held liable for damages.
Our truck accident lawyers in northeastern Pennsylvania are also often able to file claims against trucking companies, contractors, employers, and insurance companies. At the Foley Law Firm, a Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Milford, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania-area semi-truck and trucking accident attorney will identify as many potential defendants as possible to help ensure that you are justly compensated. To schedule a free consultation, contact our personal injury lawyers today.
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Potential Truck Accident Defendants
To help ensure that our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries and damage to their vehicle, your trucking accident attorney will identify as many potential defendants as possible. Possible parties obligated to compensate you for your injuries may include:
- The truck driver
- The owner, lessor, or lessee of the truck
- The trucking company
- Contractors
- Employers
- Insurance companies
If a truck driver is employed by a trucking or shipping company, the company can be held responsible for the driver's negligence. Establishing the liability of third parties can be difficult if, as is often the case, the driver is an independent contractor of a larger company. In that situation, it is important to have an experienced trucking accident attorney on your side. Contact the Foley Law Firm in Pennsylvania to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney about your claim.
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Establishing Liability
A person or organization can be held liable for a victim’s personal injury if negligence is a factor. Generally, negligence occurs when a party acts recklessly and causes injury to another person. Our semi-truck accident attorneys establish negligence by showing that the at-fault party:
- had a legal responsibility to ensure the plaintiff’s safety;
- failed — through conduct, action, or inaction — to fulfill that legal duty; and
- the plaintiff was harmed or injured as a result.
Trucking companies can be held liable for injuries and damage that occur due to a number of factors, including insufficient driver training, unreasonable driver schedules, attempts to transport more weight than is allowable, failure to provide proper maintenance of the truck and its equipment, and the failure to equip trucks with necessary safety devices such as blind spot mirrors. In an effort to protect their own best interests, many trucking companies will discourage victims and their families from retaining legal representation, often offering ridiculously small settlements in lieu of "expensive court battles." It is vital, however, that you do not discuss the particulars of your case with anyone from the trucking company or its insurance representatives until you first consult with an experienced trucking accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
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Trucking Accident Damages
Victims of trucking accidents may be entitled to compensation for any resulting medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. Because it is always difficult to put a dollar value on the impact of catastrophic injuries and the emotional distress caused by a trucking accident, it is important for victims to retain experienced legal representation. At Foley Law Firm, a Scranton, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, Milford, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania-area trucking and semi-truck accident attorney can fight for fair compensation. Victims are entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
In assessing and presenting your accident claim, our skilled attorneys will consider all aspects of your resulting harm and loss. We will fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of the hardships you have been forced to suffer because of a truck driver's or trucking company's negligence. For a comprehensive case evaluation, contact a trucking accident attorney today.
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Contact a Pennsylvania Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is the victim of a commercial truck accident, contact a Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Milford, Hazleton, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania trucking and semi-truck accident attorney. Insurance companies representing the negligent party have a team of adjustors, investigators, and attorneys working to minimize the return on your claim. Our semi-truck accident lawyers know the complexities of the legal system and have achieved substantial awards for many of our clients. To arrange a case consultation, contact the Foley Law Firm. This initial consultation is always free. Our trucking accident lawyers will carefully evaluate your claim to determine if you require the assistance of an attorney and whether you can seek damages.
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