Tractor-trailers form an irreplaceable part of the nation’s commercial infrastructure, but they still have to be operated by humans who—unfortunately—are prone to mistakes and reckless behavior that can put everyone on the road at risk. However, even if you know a trucker is responsible for causing a crash that left you severely injured, holding that driver and his or her employer financially responsible for your losses can be an immensely complex task.
Guidance from a seasoned Bedford County truck accident lawyer could make a huge difference in your ability to get the compensation you need to recover. Whether you were involved in a fender-bender at a local intersection or a high-speed collision on the interstate, a capable personal injury attorney could help you pursue the best result possible from a settlement demand or lawsuit.
There are numerous ways negligence can lead to a semi-truck crash, not all of which lie solely with the person driving the truck in question. For example, far too many trucking companies force employees to stay on the road longer than federal driving time laws allow, which means those drivers may be dangerously fatigued and much more likely to cause a wreck.
In situations where a truck accident stems primarily from a mechanical failure inside the truck rather than misconduct by the person driving it, primary fault for ensuing damages may lie with a mechanic who provided subpar service to the truck, a manufacturer that produced faulty components, or a supplier that did not ensure a truck’s cargo was secure before transit. Even another driver on the road—possibly including the person filing suit for damages—may bear liability for acting recklessly or carelessly in a way that forced an otherwise responsible trucker into an unavoidable accident.
If all of the fault for this kind of incident lies with an individual truck driver for violating traffic laws or otherwise acting irresponsibly behind the wheel, it still may be possible to hold that driver’s employer vicariously liable for the employee’s misconduct. This means that the employer stands in the shoes of its employees for purposes of liability. A Bedford County 18-wheeler collision lawyer could play a crucial role in identifying liable parties and taking legal action against them.
A comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand based on an accident involving a heavy commercial vehicle can include economic and non-economic damages like:
Even if a truck wreck causes someone to sustain a lifelong disability, he or she generally only has two years at most under 42 P.S. §5524 to file suit. Anyone who fails to retain a truck accident attorney in Bedford County and start civil proceedings before this deadline passes will likely be time-barred from ever pursuing compensation for that specific incident.
Few other types of accidents in Pennsylvania are more dangerous or often deadly than those involving massive commercial trucks. Because of how severe the losses associated with wrecks like this often are, understanding and enforcing your right to civil recovery could be essential to protecting your long-term prospects.
A well-practiced Bedford County truck accident lawyer could provide the guidance and support you might need to secure a favorable case outcome. Learn more by calling the team of attorneys at Marcus & Mack today.
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