Truck Accidents Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We understand that being involved in a trucking accident can be a life-altering event. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens that result from such accidents can be overwhelming, to say the least. It's not just about the immediate impact; it's about how this event changes your life trajectory, affecting your ability to work, enjoy life, and maintain relationships.

At H. Rosen Law, P.C., we stand beside you in these challenging times. Our auto accident attorney, Howard "Howie" A. Rosen, is committed to serving clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Scranton. We're not just about legal representation; we're about fighting for your rights, helping you navigate through this difficult journey, and helping you get the compensation you rightly deserve.

Understanding Trucking Accidents in Pennsylvania

Trucking accidents are unfortunately common in Pennsylvania, and understanding their causes and implications is crucial. These accidents can happen due to a variety of reasons - driver fatigue, substance abuse, equipment malfunction, and more. They can lead to severe injuries or even loss of life, making it essential for victims to know their legal rights. 

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Several factors contribute to trucking accidents. Driver fatigue and drug use are significant culprits, impairing judgment, and reaction times, leading to unsafe driving decisions. Equipment problems, like defective brakes or improper cargo loading, are also frequent causes. 

Federal and State Trucking Laws

Navigating the legal landscape of trucking accidents can be quite complex, given that it involves both federal and state laws.  

Federal laws play a crucial role in setting standards for carriers, owners, and drivers. These regulations, enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), aims to ensure safety on our roads. They cover various aspects, including: 

• Hours of Service: Federal laws limit the number of hours drivers can work, with specific regulations on consecutive hours of work, driving hours, and mandatory rest periods. These rules aim to prevent driver fatigue, a leading cause of trucking accidents. 

• Logbooks: Truck drivers are required to record their driving information in logbooks. This includes details such as hours driven, rest periods taken, and miles covered. These logs can provide vital evidence in a trucking accident case. 

• Safety Regulations: The USDOT and FMCSA set safety standards for the trucking industry. These encompass vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, driver qualifications, and more. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe penalties and liability in case of an accident. 

On the other hand, state laws supplement federal regulations with their own set of rules. In Pennsylvania, for instance, the state's Department of Transportation controls various aspects of trucking, including driver licensing and vehicle inspections. There are also state-specific rules on speed limits for commercial truckers and sleep requirements for drivers. 

Understanding these laws and how they apply to your case is crucial in determining liability and seeking compensation. It's not just about knowing the law; it's about understanding how it applies to your unique situation. That's where we come in. 

Liability in Trucking Accidents

Determining who's liable in a trucking accident is often a complex task. It's not always as straightforward as it seems. Trucking accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons like driver fatigue, drug use, equipment failure, or even improper loading of cargo. In such incidents, the following parties might be held liable: 

• Truck Driver: If the driver was fatigued, under the influence of drugs, or made an error, they could be held responsible. Factors like control over the driver, working hours and routes set by the trucking company, load refusal, payment arrangements, and independent contractor status can affect the liability decision. 

• Trucking Company: The company may be held liable if it exercises control over the driver and is responsible for the driver's actions. For instance, if the company sets unreasonable schedules that encourage speeding or skipping mandatory rest periods, it could be held accountable. 

• Cargo Shipper and Loader: Improper loading or securing of cargo can result in accidents. If this is the case, the shipper or loader may be held liable for the accident. 

• Truck and Parts Manufacturer: Equipment or mechanical failure can lead to accidents. If an investigation reveals that faulty parts or poor maintenance was a contributing factor, the manufacturer or parts manufacturer could be held responsible. 

• Local Government or Contractor: If faulty road design or poor maintenance contributes to a trucking accident, the local government or contractor responsible for highway upkeep may be held liable. 

Gathering Evidence for Your Trucking Accident Case

Building a strong case requires gathering substantial evidence. This might involve reviewing devices in the truck, preserving driving logs, and obtaining information from government agencies. Our team has the resources and knowledge to gather and analyze the necessary evidence. We're committed to building a robust case that supports your claim. 

Damages in a Trucking Accident Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you've been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages. These damages are meant to compensate you for the losses you've suffered as a result of the accident. The types of damages you might be entitled to can include: 

Economic Damages: These are tangible costs that you have incurred or will incur because of the accident. They can include: 

• Medical care and rehabilitation costs 

• Loss of earnings 

• Loss of future earning capacity 

• Property damages, such as damage to your vehicle and items inside the vehicle at the time of the accident 

Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible costs related to the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. They can include: 

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional distress 

• Disfigurement 

• Loss of enjoyment of life 

Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases where the trucking company or another party acted recklessly or in bad faith. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are designed to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. 

Navigating through this complicated process can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. We're here to guide you every step of the way.