Easton Truck Accident Lawyer
Practice Areas
Easton truck accident lawyer, Edward Shaughnessy, has extensive experience with truck accident lawsuits in Lehigh Valley. As an experienced truck accident attorney in Easton, PA, he’s committed to providing compassionate and legal services to truck accident victims. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, truck accidents are not just statistics; they represent real-life tragedies that profoundly impact individuals and families.
Whether you are a victim or a family member, our Easton truck accident lawyers can help you recover the just compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys, call 610-258-9955 today.
Our truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so clients won’t owe any legal fees unless their truck accident claim is successful.
When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Easton, PA
It is advisable to consult a truck accident lawyer immediately after a truck accident in Easton, PA, especially if there are significant injuries sustained, significant property damage, or if you need help determining liability. An experienced Easton truck accident lawyer can help you navigate complex legal issues, negotiate with the insurance company, ensure your rights are protected, and that you recover compensation for your losses and injuries.
Early consultation can also help in the timely collection of evidence and witness statements, which are crucial for building a solid truck accident case.
The Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania: Statute of Limitations in Truck Accident Cases
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those arising from truck accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years of the truck accident to have your case heard by a court. Failing to file your truck accident lawsuits within this timeframe typically results in losing the right to sue for damages.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Easton, PA
The intricate regulations governing the trucking industry make every truck accident case a complex legal undertaking. Easton auto accident attorney, Edward P. Shaughnessy, will spare no effort in engaging experts to assist in your truck accident lawsuit.
Our team of experts in truck accident lawsuits includes:
- Retired police officers with experience at both city and state levels.
- Highway engineers with in-depth knowledge of road infrastructure.
- An accident forensics specialist formerly employed by PennDOT, possessing specialized expertise.
In the pursuit of establishing liability in your truck accident case, the Easton truck accident lawyers and experts meticulously review various factors, including driving records, criminal histories, and, most notably, data retrieved from the vehicle’s “black box.”
This data provides crucial insights into factors such as speed, braking patterns, and extreme maneuvers, aiding in thoroughly examining the case.
Our Easton Truck Accident Lawyer Forces Trucking Companies to Take Responsibility
Truck companies must ensure every truck driver is trained and capable of safely operating large commercial trucks or tractor-trailers. They are also responsible for maintaining a work environment that does not encourage unsafe practices, such as driving without adequate rest or exceeding speed limits to meet tight deadlines.
In a large commercial truck accident, the company’s role in potentially contributing to the incident or driver error becomes a critical aspect of the investigation. Their level of oversight and the measures taken to promote safety influence the likelihood of truck accidents and, consequently, their liability in such events.
As an experienced Easton speeding accident attorney and Easton distracted driving accident lawyer, Edward Shaughnessy understands what’s required to prove liability in truck accident litigation.
Our Easton Truck Accident Attorney Helps Prove the Trucking Company, Truck Driver, or Truck Manufacturer Were At Fault for the Truck Crash
Since truck drivers are controlling their commercial vehicles, they are often held liable in truck accidents. Distracted driving, fatigue, poor judgment, impaired driving, or failure to obey traffic laws can all contribute to driver error.
Understanding the role of a commercial truck driver in truck accidents is crucial, as it helps establish liability in a truck accident claim. A thorough investigation into the driver’s actions, driving history, and the circumstances leading up to the accident is key to building a strong truck accident case.
Our Easton Truck Accident Lawyers Will Take Your Truck Accident Claim to Trial
Every trucking company, its insurance company, and its dedicated team of defense lawyers will stop at nothing to avoid paying just compensation to injured parties after a truck crash. They certainly don’t provide the maximum compensation merited for serious injuries.
Following trucking accidents, it’s common for commercial companies to “lose” internal records, driving logs, or other evidence proving the company or truck driver violated laws or policies related to the accident. The insurance company hires professionals to persuade victims to accept low settlement offers.
Our Easton truck accident attorneys understand what it takes to secure maximum compensation for losses after a truck or car crash. We aren’t scared of major truck companies and have the resources to take your truck accident lawsuit to court if the insurance company refuses to offer you and your family just compensation to account for your losses.
This alone helps hold the trucking and insurance company accountable.
How are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Motor vehicle accident cases are generally less complicated than large commercial truck accidents. The complexity of a personal injury lawsuit involving a car accident often revolves around the severity of injuries, insurance policies, and determining negligence. However, regarding truck accidents, the level of complication tends to be significantly higher.
How Federal Regulations Impact Truck Accident Lawsuits
Unlike accidents with passenger cars, Easton truck accident lawyers must understand many federal regulations, many of which are outlined by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
These laws dictate:
- truck driver training
- specific truck maintenance before and after trips
- number of hours truck drivers can spend “on-duty”
As an experienced Easton truck accident lawyer, Edward Shaughnessy understands the importance of collecting evidence from the accident scene, securing the accident report promptly, determining liability, and holding at-fault parties accountable.
Insurance Policies for Truck Companies
Truck accidents are challenging, mainly because large insurance policies with higher limits than other vehicles cover commercial trucks. This proves the trucking industry understands the dangers that large trucks pose.
As a result, many truck drivers and large truck corporations are well prepared to defend against other motorists in motor vehicle accident cases. The insurance company may try to minimize liability, shift blame, offer minimal settlement amounts, or even deny the validity of your truck accident case.
Multiple Liable Parties in Semi Truck Accidents
An accident involving semi-trucks can involve multiple parties like truck drivers, large trucking companies, truck owners, truck driver employers, truck manufacturer or truck parts manufacturers, and freight owners are all potentially involved. If a victim decides to pursue a truck accident claim against a truck driver, they may also need to take legal steps against additional parties.
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Truck accidents often involve a complex web of potential responsibility, making each truck accident case more challenging than typical car accidents. A standard truck accident case in Easton may implicate several parties. These can include the truck driver at fault, the trucking company, the truck maintenance company, and the tractor-trailer rental company.
Economic and non-economic damages compensate victims for injuries sustained due to negligence. You can potentially recover compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages from these responsible parties:
- truck driver
- commercial trucking company
- truck manufacturer
Common Causes of Truck Accidents and 18-Wheeler Accidents in Pennsylvania
Truck accidents can be attributed to various factors, which are detailed below.
- Truck driver fatigue
- Hiring inexperienced or unqualified truck drivers
- Failure to provide adequate training
- Overworking truck drivers
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Drug use or intoxication
- Violations of FMCSA Regulations or Pennsylvania law
- Defective equipment, such as malfunctioning brakes, faulty steering components, etc.
- Tire blowouts caused by overuse
- Improperly loaded cargo
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Sadly, many truck accidents result in life-altering consequences. Common injuries seen in a truck accident case, which an Easton truck accident attorney might encounter, include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. An Easton traumatic brain injury attorney can help these victims recover fair compensation.
- Neck and back injuries can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues. If you have suffered these injuries from an accident involving negligence, contact an Easton spinal cord injury attorney today.
- Internal organ damage can be life-threatening and require emergency medical care. An Easton organ damage attorney can help secure compensation for medical bills and other expenses.
- Whiplash is a common but serious neck injury that can have lasting effects. An Easton whiplash lawyer can ensure that victims obtain justice.
- Broken bones and amputations can lead to long-term mobility issues. An Easton amputation attorney can help these victims receive compensation for medical bills and ongoing treatment.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Truck Accident in Easton, PA
A wrongful death claim following a truck crash in Easton allows the family members or the estate of the deceased to seek compensation for their loss. Given the complexity of trucking regulations and the potential for significant damages, these lawsuits require careful legal handling.
Schedule a free consultation with our Easton wrongful death lawyer to learn more.
Compensation for Truck Accident Claims
The Easton truck accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy have helped countless clients recover damages from the responsible party following truck accidents. Those damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Pennsylvania Semi Truck Accident FAQs
What is the Average Settlement for a Semi Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
The average settlement for a semi-truck accident in Pennsylvania can vary widely due to factors surrounding the accident. Higher settlements are often awarded in cases involving serious injuries, where the victim’s ability to work is affected, or there is significant pain and suffering.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Semi-Truck Accident Settlement in Pennsylvania?
Truck accident litigation can take more time to settle compared to other types of car accidents. The insurance company will often submit an insufficient settlement. Experienced truck accident attorneys can help victims secure the maximum compensation deserved in truck accident cases.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most truck accident lawyers in Pennsylvania operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount awarded to their client. There are usually no upfront costs for the client, as the lawyer’s fees are paid out of the compensation received from the case.
What is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The settlement amount for truck accidents is influenced by several factors, including the nature of injuries sustained, property damage incurred, lost wages, and other variables. When you meet with an Easton truck accident attorney, we will outline the damages pursued on your behalf, ensuring transparency and fair legal representation rather than providing a fixed settlement amount.
Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer in Easton, PA
With a commitment to thorough investigations, expert insights, and dedicated legal representation, the Easton truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Edward Shaughnessy ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t navigate the complexities of a truck accident claim alone. Reach out to an Easton truck accident lawyer today, and let our law firm champion your cause, providing you with the peace of mind and justice you seek.
To schedule a free consultation with an Easton truck accident lawyer, call 610-258-9955 today.
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