Under federal law, tractor-trailers traveling on interstate highways can weigh up to 80,000 pounds with their cab, trailer, and cargo combined, making them the biggest and heaviest vehicles on virtually every road. Unfortunately, this means that when semi-trucks are involved in traffic accidents with commuter cars, the occupants of those smaller vehicles tend to suffer especially devastating injuries with long-lasting and sometimes life-altering consequences.
When you are seriously hurt in a wreck caused by the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or anyone affiliated with a commercial trucking operation, you may have grounds for civil litigation. However, these cases can be complicated and may have high stakes, so seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney experienced with achieving positive results from claims of this nature should be your top priority. A Somerset truck accident lawyer from our firm is prepared to pursue the monetary damages you need to move forward with your life following this traumatic event.
Every driver on public roads in Pennsylvania has the same “duty of care” under state law to act reasonably and responsibly at all times while driving. Accordingly, a commercial truck driver who violates this duty by breaking a traffic law, driving in an overly aggressive way, or simply being careless or inattentive could be held legally liable for any accident he or she causes.
It is also often possible to name the trucker’s employer as a defendant in a truck accident lawsuit, since employers in Pennsylvania are usually “vicariously liable” for misconduct by one of their employees. In other situations, the trucking companies may be the party most at fault for wrecks involving tractor-trailers. For example, they might coerce their drivers into violating federal driving time laws, resulting in truckers driving while dangerously fatigued.
Other parties who could bear partial or primary fault for an 18-wheeler accident include:
A qualified Somerset truck accident attorney could help identify everyone who shares in the blame for a particular crash and take appropriate legal action against them.
A comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand over a semi-truck collision can account for both economic and non-economic losses stemming from the wreck, including:
Pursuant to 42 P.S. § 5524, injured individuals generally have only two years after initially being hurt in a truck crash to either file suit themselves or have a legal professional do so for them. Thus, injured parties should retain a seasoned attorney as soon as possible to begin the legal process after a tractor-trailer accident in Somerset.
Commercial trucks form a vital part of America’s commercial infrastructure, and most trucks are operated safely by skilled and responsible drivers. However, the exceptions to that trend can, and unfortunately do, cause serious injuries. Anyone who gets hurt this way deserves fair financial recovery for all their losses.
A Somerset truck accident lawyer at Marcus & Mack could be your loyal ally from the beginning to the end of your legal proceedings. Schedule a free consultation by calling today.
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