Trucks are a vital part of the economy; they transport bulk goods across long distances within relatively short periods. Big rigs weigh 20x the regular vehicle, and a crash involving a truck can have traumatic outcomes.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks the number of truck crashes in the US. In 2019, it recorded 119,000  truck accidents that saw victims sustained injuries and led to 5,000+ fatalities.

Truckers adhere to regulations made to keep them and other road users safe. First off, drivers who feel sick or tired shouldn't get behind the wheel. Drivers are also prohibited from using alcohol or mental-impairing substances while on duty.

Since truckers may drive about the set speed limits to meet deadlines, federal regulations bar employers from scheduling trucking paths that'll propel drivers to speed to beat deadlines.

If a truck driver’s negligence led to an accident, victims can get legal aid truck accident attorneys in Lancaster, PA, to help them get compensation for their injuries.

Below, we'll examine the major causes of truck crashes in Lancaster, what to do if your vehicle is hit by a truck, and why you'd need an attorney in your corner.

Let's dive in!

Major Causes of Truck Accidents

The most common causes of truck accidents include:

●    Fatigue

Truckers travel long distances for several hours, often without adequate sleep. Federal and state regulations stipulate the timeline drivers can spend on the road at a stretch.

Unfortunately, these regulations aren't strictly enforced by trucking agencies. Thus, truck drivers tend to spend more time on the road and when fatigue creeps in, the big rig can prompt accidents.

●    Poor Truck Maintenance

Poor maintenance culture of trucking entities can also contribute to crashes. Often, these firms fail to inspect brakes, steering systems, mirrors, and horns according to stipulated regulations, making them unsafe on state and federal highways.

●    Adverse Weather Conditions

It isn't advisable to drive a vehicle in bad weather. The size and weight of big rigs put them at greater risk of accidents in inclement weather.

Adverse driving conditions like snow, ice, or winds can cause trucks to swerve out of the driver’s control.

Injuries That Could Stem From a Truck Accident

Notable mentions include:

  • Fractures
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis or permanent disability
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Internal organ damage
  • Soft tissue damage

What To Do After a Truck Accident

1.   Call for Help

Dial 911 for emergency medical help if you were in a serious truck accident. If you have no visible injuries, it is still vital to get checked for internal injuries that may not show symptoms immediately.

Furthermore, if you can, call the police to document the accident and gather facts for legal reasons.

2.   Collect Relevant Information From the Accident Scene

Get the full names, addresses, and contact information of the driver, witnesses, and other individuals involved in the accident. Take pictures and video footage of the scene and the resulting damage.

3.   Contact Your Insurer

Report the accident to your insurance entity and inform them of any medical treatment you are receiving.

4.   Call a Lawyer

After contacting your insurer, call a professional truck accident Lancaster, PA attorney to help you file a claim and negotiate a suitable compensation.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking agencies have skilled legal teams to ensure you get as little compensation as possible or nothing at all. To receive a fair settlement, you need to hire a top truck accident attorney who can effectively "slug it out" with the at-fault company.

Insurance companies also have adjusters who want to pay less than you deserve. In the case of an insurance company, your lawyer will also be in the best position to negotiate fair compensation.

Your attorney will also help you communicate with the defendants. After an accident, you might get calls from lawyers or insurance adjusters requesting details of the incident.

However, their intentions are sinister as they might ask trick questions to get you to divulge aspects most likely to see you shoulder liability. With a truck accident legal practitioner in your corner, you can navigate the stormy waters and get inundated with compensation that suits all your losses.

Damages You Can Expect From Your Case

Truck crash victims are typically eligible for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These damages cover:

  • Property loss or destruction
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Lost wages.

Non-economic Damages

These damages cover losses that can't be "financially quantified." They include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium.

A Positive Verdict Awaits When You Hire Truck Accident Lawyers From Georgelis Law

If you or your loved ones have been involved in a truck accident, contact the top Lancaster, PA, truck accident attorneys at Georgelis Law Firm to get compensation for your damages.

Our truck accident lawyers have the expertise required to weave through truck accident suits with aplomb.

To get you the settlement amount tallying your losses, we'll legally represent you against rogue trucking and insurance firms.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

FAQs

How Much Can You Recoup on Your Truck Accident Claim?

You could get anywhere from $300,000 to $5.5 million, depending on your claim's inner workings.

What Is the Timeline for Truck Accident Cases?

Due to the back and forths you and your attorney might encounter during the case, it may take you 8 to 12 long months to resolve your truck accident claim.