Accidents involving large commercial vehicles such as FedEx trucks and UPS trucks, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailer trucka are alarmingly common and pose significant dangers on our roadways. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make them particularly hazardous to pedestrians, other drivers, and passengers. For instance, a fully loaded tractor-trailer truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, drastically increasing the severity of collisions.

Some of the most common injuries sustained during a truck accident involve:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury

Additionally, these heavy vehicles require longer stopping distances, especially on icy, wet, or slippery surfaces, making it challenging to maneuver safely in adverse conditions. Furthermore, commercial drivers, such as drivers of Amazon trucks, often face demanding schedules leading to fatigue, distraction, and insufficient sleep, all of which contribute to the heightened risk of accidents.

Philadelphia Truck Accident Statistics: A Closer Look

In Pennsylvania, heavy truck accidents account for a substantial portion of traffic incidents. According to the NHTSA, in 2022 alone, there were approximately 7,522 tractor-trailer collisions in the state, marking the highest level of fatal crashes involving big rigs in the last five years. Nationally, truck accidents remain a significant concern, with thousands of fatalities and injuries reported annually. These statistics highlight the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety regulations to protect all road users.

Regulations Governing Truck Drivers in Pennsylvania

To mitigate the risks associated with large commercial vehicles, Pennsylvania enforces strict regulations for truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to prevent driver fatigue. These rules stipulate that drivers can operate their vehicles for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, drivers must take a 30-minute break when operating a commercial vehicle for eight consecutive hours. Compliance with these regulations is crucial in reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Common Causes of Philadelphia Truck Accidents 

Several factors frequently contribute to truck accidents in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. These include driver errors such as speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue. Additionally, violations of traffic laws, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and improper loading practices can lead to serious accidents. Understanding these common causes is essential for developing strategies to prevent future incidents and enhance road safety. Although, if you already have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a preventable Philadelphia truck accident, please delve into the next paragraph about the accidents’ victims’ and the deceased’s’ survivors’ rights and legal options. 

Legal Rights of Philadelphia Truck Accident Victims

For Injured Survivors: Individuals who sustain injuries in big rig accidents have the right to file Philadelphia personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases where victims are incapacitated, in a coma, minors, or otherwise unable to represent themselves, legal guardians or family members can file lawsuits on their behalf to ensure their rights are protected.

For Families of Deceased Victims: Families who have lost loved ones in Philadelphia fatal truck accidents may pursue wrongful death claims. These claims aim to provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided. It’s important for families to consult with experienced personal injury attorneys to navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims effectively.

The Allentown truck accident lawyers of the Trapani Law Firm will conduct a diligent investigation to determine semi truck liability. Our truck accident law firm will begin our investigation with a “preservation of evidence” letter to all parties who may be liable for the truck accident. We will examine all physical evidence, such as the damaged vehicles, with our team of accident reconstructionists and engineers. Our Allentown truck accident attorneys will have a private investigator interview every witness. During discoverLiability in Philadelphia truck accident cases can extend beyond the individual driver. Multiple parties may be held accountable, including trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and maintenance providers. For example, if a truck’s brakes fail due to poor maintenance, both the maintenance provider and the trucking company could share responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to ensure that victims receive full and fair compensation for their losses.y our truck accident lawyers will inspect all commercial driving work-hour logs to be sure there are no Pennsylvania regulatory violations.

Whether Time Limits for Filing Truck Accident Lawsuits in Philadelphia – Can You Still File a Lawsuit?
Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawsuits: In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, under the discovery rule, if an injury is not immediately apparent, the two-year period may begin when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Similarly, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s death. The discovery rule can also apply in these cases if the cause of death was not immediately known. Engaging an experienced Philadelphia or Allentown truck accident attorney (Trapani Wrongful Death Law Firm helps victims of accidents involving a semi-truck across the entire state of Pennsylvania) promptly is essential to ensure compliance with these deadlines and to preserve the right to seek justice.

The value of a truck accident lawsuit depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. Experienced attorneys assess these elements meticulously to determine appropriate compensation. By hiring seasoned lawyers, victims and their families can significantly increase their chances of receiving fair compensation in both personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is complex and challenging. Our dedicated Philadelphia truck accident attorneys are committed to guiding you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected, and striving for the compensation you deserve.

Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer understands the profound impact that truck collisions have on victims and their families. Whether you have suffered devastating injuries or are mourning the premature and preventable loss of a loved one in a Philadelphia truck fatal accident, we are here to provide comprehensive legal support. Our team works diligently to investigate every detail of your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue the maximum compensation available. For nonfatal truck accidents, we help clients secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For families dealing with a wrongful death, our Philadelphia truck accidents attorney fights to recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other critical financial relief. We manage the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

What Steps Do We Recommend to Take After a Fatal or Nonfatal Truck Accident?

If you or a loved one is involved in a Philly truck accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your legal rights and strengthen your case. First, seek medical attention to document your injuries, even if they seem minor. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. Collect evidence at the scene, including photos and videos of the Philadelphia truck collision, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and all parties involved. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies without legal guidance to prevent statements from being used against you. Finally, contact our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a strong legal case and securing the compensation you deserve.

We believe that everyone harmed, injured, or in mourning after a Philadelphia truck accident deserves quality legal representation without financial strain. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. This approach allows all victims of Philadelphia truck accidents to access our experienced legal team regardless of their financial circumstances. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your case, answer your questions, and outline your legal options. Our goal is to provide affordable, accessible legal assistance to all who need it. 

If you’d like to schedule your free consultation, you can call us 24/7 at (610) 351-2330 or fill out the contact information form on our Contact Page.

We firmly believe that injured clients and families facing profound loss deserve the highest quality legal guidance and compassionate representation. Our Philadelphia truck accidents attorney handles every aspect of your case to alleviate your stress and achieve better outcomes than you could on your own. We gather critical evidence such as police reports, expert testimony, eyewitness statements, and photos and videos from the scene to prove that the Philadelphia truck collision was avoidable and caused by negligence, such as speeding or failure to follow road laws. 

Prioritizing your comfort, we offer free initial consultations and can meet you at your home, the hospital, the accident scene, or any location that suits your needs. For those who prefer remote communication due to injuries or medical conditions, we offer consultations via phone at (610) 351-2330, Zoom, Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp, and other platforms of your choosing. 

We also take attorney-client privilege seriously—your case details remain entirely confidential, and we will never share any information with the media, other lawyers, or insurance companies without your express consent. We recommend keeping your case details private until the lawsuit is resolved to protect your rights and privacy.

Call (610) 351-2330 As Soon As Possible After Philadelphia Truck Accident to Preserve Your Best Chances for a Fair Compensation. 

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or the profound loss of life due to a Philadelphia truck accident, don’t wait to seek the legal help you deserve. Call us today and give yourself the best chance to succeed in your lawsuit, recover damages, and hold negligent parties accountable. Our compassionate and experienced Philadelphia truck accidents attorney is ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your future. Contact us now for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice You can reach our attorneys 24/7 at (610) 351-2330 or online by visiting our Contact Page.