[suffusion-widgets id=’3′]

Truck accidents often occur at high speeds and usually result in very serious, catastrophic injuries not only to the truck driver, but also other, innocent drivers on the road. In addition, truck accidents which occur on major highways or expressways almost always result in fatalities.

Recovering Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Those injured due to the negligence of a truck driver may file legal claims to recover for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage. However, Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident laws are very complex and so it is important to have the case reviewed immediately.

Claims of Negligence in Truck Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

The following acts of negligence are often alleged in truck accident lawsuits:

1. falling asleep
2. swerving/improper lane change,
3. speeding,
4. operating a truck while intoxicated,
5. negligent maintenance, and
6. negligent training.

The vast majority of truck driver errors which result in accidents involve falling asleep or being drowsy. This is because drowsiness results in slower reaction times and inability to recognize symptoms of exhaustion. In addition, sleepiness and exhaustion may cause a driver to swerve, or a sleepy driver may fail to stay in a lane or fail to navigate a lane change. In fact, a common scenario involves a truck driver who fails to execute a proper lane change and then comes into contact with another car on the road.

Speeding is another common claim made in truck accident cases. Employers often require that transported items be delivered within a certain time frame. This kind of requirement puts truck drivers in a position where they feel they have no choice but to speed, in order to make their deliveries on time.

Employers are often guilty of failing to have trucks properly serviced prior to use. For instance, many trucks operate with bald or practically bald tires. In wet or icy weather conditions, driving with bald tires is extremely dangerous and absolutely increases the chances of an accident. In addition, employers may be guilty of failing to train their truck drivers appropriately, especially training drivers on the complex truck safety regulations.

Related Legal Articles:

If you’d like your case evaluated for free by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey trucking accident lawyers, call Click To Call. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.

Our attorneys serve accident victims in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; Kent County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.

**This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

Published: July 3, 2012