Altoona Truck Accident Attorneys

If you have suffered injuries or losses because of a truck driver’s negligence, you may be frightened or concerned about your future. Collisions with these massive vehicles can cause not only severe physical injuries but also threaten your financial future and emotional well-being.

Truck drivers have the same duty to drive safely as all other motorists. In fact, since they are professional drivers, they should be held to a higher standard. Additionally, federal trucking regulations control essential parts of the trucking industry, such as maximum vehicle weights and daily driving times. A trucker or trucking company that fails to follow these rules and causes an accident is likely liable for your losses.

An Altoona truck accident lawyer may pursue your claim for damages following a truck accident injury. A dedicated personal injury attorney from Marcus & Mack could work with you to help you understand the relevant laws, build your case, and demand fair compensation for your losses.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Us to Help With Your Altoona Truck Accident Claim?

For nearly 50 years, the attorneys at Marcus & Mack have helped injured clients throughout Pennsylvania with their complex truck accident claims and other personal injury claims.

With more than 100 years of collective legal experience, our attorneys possess the skills and resources to handle your claim effectively, and you can rest easy knowing a highly experienced and dedicated legal advocate is looking out for your best interests.

Committed to providing the highest level of representation possible, our personal injury lawyers deliver personalized attention to every case. You can count on us to be there with you throughout the claims process to answer your questions, address your concerns, and handle your case with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and respect.

To date, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including a $1.9 million and $1 million award for survivors of trucking accidents. Although these case results don’t guarantee an outcome in your case, we can promise to fight for you and your family to increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.

In recognition of our outstanding client service, our law firm has received numerous five-star reviews and powerful testimonials from our satisfied clients. Several of our attorneys have also earned recognition from prominent legal organizations, such as the National Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. We’ve also received recognition as among the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers in the country.

Along with offering free consultations, our lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you pay nothing upfront for us to represent you. We only accept attorney fees if we recover compensation on your behalf through an insurance settlement or court award.

Thus, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting Marcus & Mack and discussing your Altoona truck accident claim with one of our attorneys. Call (814) 942-9443 or complete our online contact form to get started.

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Altoona?

Truck accidents in Altoona can result from a variety of factors or a combination of factors.

Some common causes of truck accidents in Altoona include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, tight delivery schedules, and inadequate rest can lead to driver fatigue. Drowsy driving is a major factor in truck accidents.
• Speeding: Trucks that exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions can have difficulty stopping in time to avoid collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-cab electronic devices can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a truck driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
• Inadequate Training: Insufficient training for truck drivers may result in improper handling of the vehicle, failure to navigate challenging road conditions, or inability to respond to emergencies.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: Trucks that are overloaded or loaded improperly can affect stability and make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, leading to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Defective or poorly maintained brakes, tires, steering systems, and other mechanical components can contribute to truck accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and road rage can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
• Failure to Adhere to Traffic Laws: Violations of traffic laws, such as running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or failing to yield the right of way, can result in accidents.
• Blind Spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots where smaller vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver. Failure to check blind spots can lead to collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and lack of proper signage or road maintenance can contribute to truck accidents.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can make roads slippery and decrease visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

Both truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations to reduce the risk of accidents on the roads of Altoona and elsewhere. If they don’t and you suffer injuries in a trucking accident, you may hold them liable and pursue compensation with the help of an attorney.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in a range of injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and other vehicles. Catastrophic injuries often lead to significant medical expenses and long-term consequences for victims.

Common truck accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Head Injuries and Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
• Burn Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Amputations
• Crush Injuries
• Severe Nerve Damage
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
• Fatal Injuries

It’s important for individuals involved in truck accidents to seek prompt medical attention and follow up with appropriate treatment. Additionally, consulting a personal injury attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.

What Are the Rules for Safe Trucking?

Safe trucking involves adhering to various rules and regulations established to ensure the safety of truck drivers, other road users, and the general public. These rules are enforced by government agencies to maintain a high level of safety in the transportation industry.

Here are some key rules and practices for safe trucking:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Drivers must comply with HOS regulations, which specify the maximum number of hours a commercial driver can operate a vehicle within a specific timeframe. This helps prevent driver fatigue and enhances overall safety.
• Regular Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance: Trucks must undergo regular inspections to ensure they are in proper working condition. This includes checking brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components. Routine maintenance is essential to keep trucks in optimal condition, reducing the risk of mechanical failures that can lead to accidents.
• Weight Limits: Trucks must adhere to weight limits set by regulations to prevent overloading, which can compromise vehicle stability and increase the risk of accidents.
• Proper Cargo Securement: Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent shifting during transit, which can lead to accidents or loss of cargo on the road.
• Driver Qualifications: Commercial truck drivers must meet specific qualifications, including obtaining the appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and undergoing required training.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Regular drug and alcohol testing is mandatory for commercial drivers to ensure they operate vehicles under the influence.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs are used to record a driver’s hours of service electronically, replacing traditional paper logbooks. ELDs help ensure accurate and reliable records of driving hours.
• Speed Limits and Safe Driving Practices: Drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and practice safe driving behaviors, including maintaining a safe following distance, using turn signals, and obeying traffic signals.
• No Distracted Driving: Drivers should avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-cab electronic devices while operating a truck.
• Proper Lane Usage: Trucks should stay in designated lanes, especially on highways, and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Emergency Procedures: Drivers should be familiar with emergency procedures, including how to respond to adverse weather conditions, accidents, and other unexpected events on the road.
• Continuous Training: Trucking companies should provide ongoing training for drivers to stay informed about new regulations, safety practices, and advancements in the industry.

Adhering to these rules and best practices is crucial for promoting safety in the trucking industry. Truck drivers, trucking companies, and regulatory authorities all play essential roles in ensuring that the rules are followed to prevent accidents and enhance road safety.

Demanding Fair Compensation Following an Accident

After a trucking accident, you can take steps to demand fair compensation:

• Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and well-being. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, even if they seem minor initially. This creates a record of your injuries.
• Document the Accident Scene: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as valuable evidence in support of your claim.
• Collect Information: Gather information from the other parties involved in the accident, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
• Report the Accident: Report the accident to the relevant authorities, such as the police. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it can be crucial in establishing the facts of the accident.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep any evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, repair estimates, receipts for expenses, and correspondence with insurance companies.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide accurate and detailed information about the incident. Failure to report the accident promptly may affect your ability to file a claim.

Consult an Attorney

One of the most important steps you can take following a trucking accident that injured you or killed a close family member is to contact a truck accident attorney near you as soon as possible. A lawyer can evaluate your case and determine your best course of action for seeking compensation.

What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do for Me?

Having an attorney handle your truck accident claim in Altoona is vitally important.

An attorney can help by:

• Investigating the accident by collecting evidence, obtaining witness statements, and reviewing police reports. A lawyer can also request access to the truck’s black box data, which could be instrumental in determining the cause of the crash.
• Identifying liability for the accident, whether it be the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, or another party.
• Evaluating damages by assessing your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses related to the accident. A lawyer can also consider the long-term effects of your injuries and calculate future medical costs and ongoing care, ensuring that your compensation accounts for both current and future needs.
• Handling communication and dealing with insurance companies on your behalf. Trucking companies and their insurers may try to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
• Navigating the complex laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. Truck accidents often involve federal and state regulations, and an attorney with experience in this area can help you understand and apply these laws to your case.
• Filing a lawsuit on your behalf if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement through negotiations.
• Representing you in court if your case goes to trial. A truck accident attorney can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case in front of a judge and jury.

Your lawyer may consult with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other experts to strengthen your case and provide authoritative testimony if necessary. They will also ensure that all necessary legal procedures and deadlines are followed, preventing any potential issues that could jeopardize your case.

Hiring a truck accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation and navigating the complexities of a truck accident claim. Their knowledge and experience allow them to build a strong case on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Who Are the Potential Defendants in an 18-Wheeler Lawsuit?

It is easy to blame the operator responsible for a truck wreck. In most cases, the negligence of the truck driver is the primary cause of this type of collision.

That said, there could be multiple parties with some degree of civil liability for a truck crash. For instance, as long as the truck operator was within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash, a plaintiff could pursue compensation from both the driver and employer.

Truck accidents often result from manufacturing defects. When these defects cause a crash, an injured motorist may have the right to pursue an injury claim against the maker of the vehicle or part in question. Additionally, you may seek compensation from cargo loaders and others involved with the truck’s maintenance if either of these factors caused the truck accident that injured you.

What’s the Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Altoona?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations dictates the amount of time a plaintiff in a truck accident case has to file a lawsuit in civil court in Altoona. Under the statute, the deadline to file suit generally expires two years from the date the accident happens.

The failure to comply with this statute carries serious consequences, often resulting in the court dismissing a claim entirely. While there are some exceptions to the statute that can extend the time to file, their application is rare.

An Altoona Truck Accident Attorney Can Stand Up for You

Robert S. Marcus Personal Injury Attorney in Altoona

The prospect of taking on a large trucking company following an accident can be intimidating. It may seem like an impossible task to gather evidence, file a case in court, and fight back against a trucking company and its powerful insurance companies.

An Altoona truck accident lawyer can stand by your side and tilt the scale in your favor. An attorney from Marcus & Mack could work for you to gather essential information that demonstrates the truck driver’s negligence. A lawyer could also help to accurately measure your losses and represent your interests in settlement talks and court.

Contact us today at (814) 942-9443 to request a free consultation and discover how we can help you and your family obtain justice and fair compensation for the injuries and losses you incurred due to a preventable truck accident in Altoona.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!