Many of the risks that affect truck drivers are the same as those that affect the motorists of passenger vehicles. A driver who is distracted while behind the wheel, does not follow speed limits, or fails to yield when required may cause a collision.
However, due to their substantial size and weight, a collision between a commercial vehicle and a car, pedestrian, or biker could have devastating results. If you were involved in a collision with a negligent truck driver, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. A Blair County truck accident lawyer could help you hold those drivers and their employers responsible for their poor decisions.
Truckers have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and reasonable manner relative to all other people that they encounter while behind the wheel. This applies to other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Truck drivers must follow traffic safety laws and refrain from driving while distracted. For instance, 75 P.S. § 1621 prohibits any texting while driving a commercial vehicle. 75 P.S. § 1612 also prohibits the operation of a commercial vehicle while there is any amount of alcohol in one’s system. If a dedicated Blair County attorney could prove a truck driver violated a traffic rule at the time of the collision, he or she could hold the negligent motorist accountable.
In addition, a truck driver must also follow the federal laws that govern the trucking industry. These especially apply to long-haul tractor-trailer operators who deliver cargo around the county. Specific laws determine how heavy these vehicles may be based on how many axles they contain. Laws also limit how many hours a truck driver may travel on any given day or week. A truck driver or his or her employer that violates these laws may face prosecution and may be held liable for a collision.
The purpose of a personal injury claim is to put the injured party in the same position that he or she would have been in had the truck crash never occurred. The primary element in these cases is the physical harm inflicted in an accident. Common examples of physical injuries include:
However, many injured plaintiffs suffer losses far beyond the need for physical medical care. Traumatic collisions with a commercial vehicle can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health. An individual may require mental health counseling or suffer from a permanent disability.
A diligent Blair County attorney could also evaluate how the 18-wheeler collision has affected a claimant’s finances. This can include seeking compensation for property damage, lost wages, and medical bills.
A claimant has a limited time to file a civil claim in Pennsylvania. Under 42 P.S. § 5524, plaintiffs have only two years from the day of injury to file a claim.
Being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle can result in devastating physical, mental, and financial losses. Fortunately, the responsible party could be held liable to compensate you for all these damages.
However, you are only able to collect these payments if you can prove that a trucker was negligent and that this directly caused your injuries. A Blair County truck accident lawyer could help you develop an effective claim. An accomplished attorney could handle every portion of the case to protect your legal rights while demanding appropriate payments from truck drivers, their employers, and insurance companies. Contact our legal team at Marcus & Mack today to let us get started helping you.
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