Tractor Trailer Accidents FAQ's

Tractor-trailer accidents happen due to a variety of reasons. A few examples of negligence that cause tractor-trailer accidents are:

• Speeding and ignoring posted traffic signs
• Driver fatigue
• Driving too fast for weather conditions
• Improper maintenance
• Driving over a significant number of hours
• Not being able to see properly at night
• Aggressive drivers
• Tailgating
• Driving in the wrong lane

Due to size disparity, and the basic laws of physics, any collision between a commercial truck and another vehicle is likely to result in serious and often fatal injuries. When a truck and a car collide the extent of damages and injuries can be staggering.

Trucking companies must abide by:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) regulations regarding equipment and hours of service.
• The Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.
• Federal regulations regarding levels of insurance coverage needed to protect accident victims.
• State and/or federal law depending on the location of the accident.

You need to call our experienced tractor trailer accident attorneys. Truck companies have their own investigators and attorneys working hard to dismiss liability. Do not negotiate directly with trucking companies, insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.

In Pennsylvania, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years of the date when the injury occurred. However, there is a "discovery" rule which applies in filing a personal injury action. Under this rule, the statute of limitations will begin to run at the time you know, or should have known, that you were injured due to someone else's negligence.

Who can I sue when I am involved in a tractor-trailer accident? You can sue the driver and/or the trucking company responsible and at fault for causing the accident. This includes the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the shipper. Also included are any other driver, person or entity who in any way contributed to the accident, such as the manufacturer of one of the vehicles involved in the accident.

Yes. A thorough investigation must be performed as soon as possible. An investigation will include the examination of the scene and vehicles involved. Photographs should be taken as soon as possible. If there are any witnesses, statements must be taken. Trucking companies will perform their own investigation immediately after the accident. It is important to determine and establish who was at fault by preserving evidence.

If you or someone you love has been injury in a tractor-trailer accident in Pennsylvania, e-mail or call our experienced Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation. You may be entitled to recover for injuries.