Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer PA
Practice Areas
Easton, PA Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident can change your life in an instant. If you were injured in a truck crash in Easton or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, you need to call an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer. PA commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making any collision with a passenger vehicle potentially devastating. Victims of these accidents often suffer severe injuries, permanent disabilities, or worse.
At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we understand how overwhelming life can become after a serious semi-truck accident. You may be dealing with medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage, and ongoing pain, while also trying to figure out your legal options. These situations can leave you feeling uncertain and frustrated, especially when semi-trucking companies and insurers are working to protect their own interests.
With over 35 years of experience representing accident victims throughout Pennsylvania, our legal team knows how to hold negligent semi-truck drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and insurance companies accountable for their actions. Attorney Ed Shaughnessy understands how to handle these high-stakes cases and protect your rights from day one.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call an experienced truck accident lawyer in Easton, PA, today at (610) 258-9955 to schedule a free consultation.
What To Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Pennsylvania
What you do after a truck crash can affect your health, your recovery, and your ability to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If you’ve been in a semi-truck accident in Easton, PA, you need to:
- Call 911 – Always report the crash to law enforcement and request emergency medical services.
- Accept Medical Help – Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not be immediately noticeable.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, license plates, and any visible injuries.
- Collect Information – Get the truck driver’s name, company, and insurance information. Speak to any witnesses and ask for their contact information.
- Request the Police Report – This official document can provide details needed for your accident claim.
- Do Not Talk to the Trucking Company or Their Insurers – Anything you say may be used to reduce or deny your claim.
- Contact a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer – An experienced truck accident attorney can begin investigating right away to secure key evidence.
Preserving evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and inspection records is essential. Trucking companies move quickly to defend themselves. That’s why you need someone on your side who moves faster.
How Do Semi-Truck Accidents Happen?
Most semi-truck accidents in Pennsylvania can be traced back to preventable mistakes. Truck driver errors and cost-cutting measures by trucking companies, such as reducing training, maintenance, or scheduling, can lead to catastrophic crashes. On busy highways like I-78 and Route 22, one bad decision behind the wheel can trigger a semi-truck crash with lasting consequences.
Semi-Truck Driver Negligence
Semi-truck drivers operate some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, which is why the trucking industry is subject to strict safety regulations. Drivers are required to follow both Pennsylvania traffic laws and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Standards.
Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Some of the most frequent violations include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, operating while fatigued after exceeding hours-of-service limits, and engaging in unsafe behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or making reckless lane changes. Truck drivers may also drive aggressively to meet tight delivery schedules or fail to adjust to road and weather conditions, putting everyone around them at risk.
These reckless behaviors put passenger vehicles and others on the road at serious risk. If a semi-truck driver causes a crash, they may be held legally responsible, along with the trucking company that employed them. A Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can review driver logs, training records, and crash data to identify negligence and support your semi-truck accident claim.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving isn’t limited to passenger vehicles. Semi-truck drivers are just as likely to check a text, answer a call, or fumble with a GPS app behind the wheel. However, given the size and weight of a semi-truck, a distracted truck driver has a significantly higher chance of causing catastrophic damage.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver distraction is one of the top causes of commercial truck accidents. Even a few seconds of looking away can prevent a driver from noticing traffic slowing ahead or a red light at an intersection.
Distracted driving includes a range of behaviors that take a truck driver’s attention away from the road. This can involve texting or using a smartphone, reaching for food or drink, adjusting dashboard controls or music, using dispatch devices or maps, or simply daydreaming. Any of these distractions can lead to delayed reaction times and increase the risk of a serious semi-truck accident.
In a lawsuit, proving distraction may involve reviewing dashcam footage, phone records, or witness accounts. The trucking company’s insurance company will often push back hard on these claims. That’s why having experienced truck accident lawyers on your side is so important.
Poor Training
Operating a semi-truck takes more than just a commercial driver’s license. Drivers must be trained to understand how to manage blind spots, make wide turns, operate air brakes, and respond to emergencies. When a trucking company fails to properly train its drivers, it puts everyone else on the road at risk.
Inexperienced or poorly trained semi-truck drivers may misjudge braking distances, miss important vehicle maintenance issues, react poorly during sudden changes in traffic, or overcorrect when drifting off course. These errors increase the risk of a serious semi-truck crash, especially on busy highways or in high-speed conditions.
Unfortunately, some trucking companies in Pennsylvania overlook training to meet demand. Others rush new hires into service without proper supervision. When that lack of preparation leads to a semi-truck crash, they may be liable for damages.
Faulty, Uninspected, or Poorly Maintained Equipment
Large commercial trucks are complex machines with numerous parts that require regular inspection and maintenance. When a company ignores maintenance schedules or uses substandard parts, it creates a ticking time bomb on the road.
PA semi-truck accident attorneys sometimes uncover serious maintenance issues following serious trucking accidents. These include worn-out brakes, underinflated or bald tires, faulty steering components, and malfunctioning turn signals or brake lights.
The FMCSA requires regular inspections and maintenance; however, some companies attempt to cut costs by disregarding these regulations. When equipment failure causes a crash, both the trucking company and maintenance providers may be held liable in court.
Who is Responsible for a Semi-Truck Crash in PA?
Semi-truck accidents are legally complex because they can involve multiple parties. Determining fault in a truck accident lawsuit is rarely as simple as blaming the driver.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The semi-truck driver, if the accident was caused by negligence, distracted driving, or driver fatigue
- The semi-trucking company, for hiring unqualified drivers or failing to maintain vehicles
- The cargo loader, if an overloaded or uneven load caused the crash
- The semi-truck manufacturer, for selling defective brakes, tires, or steering parts
- Maintenance contractors, if service records are missing or incomplete
Proving fault may involve reviewing black box data, examining the truck’s maintenance logs, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene. A strong legal team will leave no stone unturned.
Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Rule for Motor Vehicle Accidents
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases, including those involving motor vehicle and semi-truck accidents. Under Pennsylvania Statute §7102, which outlines the state’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the crash, as long as your share of fault is less than 51 percent. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20 percent at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. Additionally, if you’re found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering anything.
Fault is rarely straightforward in motor vehicle accidents, and it can play a major role in Pennsylvania truck accident claims. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, including the semi-truck driver, the trucking company, the maintenance provider, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
Insurance companies often seek reasons to blame the victim to avoid paying full damages. That’s why you need a semi-truck accident lawyer who knows how to uncover the facts, build a solid case, and challenge attempts by insurers to unfairly shift blame.
Comparative negligence laws emphasize the importance of collecting strong evidence after a semi-truck accident. This includes documenting the accident scene, reviewing truck inspection and maintenance records, and bringing in qualified experts to explain the circumstances of the crash.
Skilled Easton semi-truck accident attorneys can help identify what information matters most and how to present it in a way that supports your version of events. They can push back against unfair claims of fault and build a case that highlights the trucking company’s responsibility.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Easton, PA
Collisions involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers can result in life-altering injuries. The massive size and weight of a commercial truck mean that even a low-speed crash can cause devastating harm to those in passenger vehicles. Semi-truck accident injuries tend to be more severe than those seen in typical car accidents and may require months or years of treatment.
Whiplash and Spinal Cord Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks. It occurs when the neck and head are forcefully thrown back and forth. While sometimes dismissed as a minor issue, whiplash can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term complications. An Easton whiplash lawyer can help you understand your options, coordinate proper documentation, and connect you with the medical evaluations needed to support your recovery.
Spinal cord injuries are more severe injuries to the neck and spine, which may lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries not only affect mobility, but can require lifelong medical care, home modifications, and assistive equipment. Spinal injury victims often face permanent changes to their daily lives and work capacity. A spinal cord injury attorney in Easton, PA, can help you understand your legal options and can fight to seek justice on your behalf.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur during a semi-truck crash when the head hits the dashboard, window, steering wheel, or is struck by loose objects. Even a mild concussion can result in headaches, dizziness, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or sound. More severe TBIs may cause confusion, slurred speech, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, or even permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
These symptoms don’t always appear right away. Some injuries can take hours or days to develop, which is why it’s essential to seek medical attention after any truck crash, even if you feel fine initially. A brain injury can impact your ability to work, drive, or care for your family, and early treatment may prevent long-term damage. An Easton TBI lawyer can help answer your questions, explain your next steps, and provide guidance as you focus on recovery.
Catastrophic Injuries
Some injuries from semi-truck crashes are considered catastrophic due to their long-term impact. These include amputations, multiple fractures, nerve damage, internal organ damage, and permanent disability.
Catastrophic injuries often require multiple surgeries, extended hospital stays, and years of rehabilitation. Victims may lose the ability to work in their previous career or participate in activities they once enjoyed. An Easton catastrophic injury attorney can help you understand what support and resources may be available as you adjust to life after a serious injury.
Wrongful Death
In the most devastating cases, semi-truck accidents can lead to the loss of life. When a loved one is killed due to a trucking company’s or truck driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This type of truck accident lawsuit enables families to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses resulting from their loved one’s passing.
Wrongful death compensation may include funeral and burial costs, which can place an unexpected financial burden on grieving families. It can also cover the loss of future income the deceased would have provided, helping support dependents who relied on that income.
Medical expenses incurred before death may also be recovered, especially in cases where the victim received emergency care after the truck crash. Families may also seek compensation for emotional loss and suffering, including the loss of companionship, guidance, and support.
Pennsylvania law sets a strict statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving semi-truck accidents. Consulting with a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible can make a big difference in whether or not the negligent parties are held accountable.
Potential Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Pennsylvania
After a semi-truck crash, the financial and emotional toll can feel overwhelming. Medical expenses add up quickly, especially when treatment includes surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. On top of that, you may be dealing with lost wages, property damage, and pain that impacts every part of your life.
A successful semi-truck accident claim can help you recover compensation for the full extent of your losses. The amount you may be entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, how the crash has affected your daily activities, and whether your injuries impact your ability to earn a living.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial costs associated with the accident. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Home and vehicle modifications for mobility support
These damages are calculated based on past costs and future projections. They are often supported by receipts, bills, and documentation, or calculated by qualified professionals. An experienced truck accident lawyer will work with medical experts and economists to determine a fair value.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the human impact of a semi-truck accident. These losses are harder to quantify but just as real, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Semi-truck accident victims living with chronic pain or psychological trauma may need ongoing therapy or counseling. These losses are significant, and the law allows you to seek compensation for them.
Together, these damages help paint a full picture of what the accident has truly cost you, both financially and personally. An Easton personal injury lawyer can potentially help you understand what damages you may be eligible to recover, as well as estimate your semi-truck accident case worth.
How Can a PA Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
Semi-truck accident litigation is far more demanding than a typical car accident claim. These cases often involve federal safety regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies working to reduce payouts. An Eaton personal injury lawyer who understands the trucking industry and the legal process behind commercial truck accidents can make a significant difference in your recovery.
PA semi-truck crash lawyers have the experience necessary to investigate these claims and find crucial evidence to support your claim. This includes launching a comprehensive investigation into the truck crash, collecting data from the black box, police reports, inspection records, and maintenance logs. They interview witnesses, review driver qualifications, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault and causation.
Semi-truck accident attorneys also manage communication with insurance companies and push back against low settlement offers and attempts to shift blame onto the victim. If negotiations fail to result in a fair offer, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. Throughout the process, they work to identify the true value of the truck accident case and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the long-term effects of semi-truck accident injuries.
An experienced Easton personal injury attorney can present a compelling case built on facts, not assumptions, while providing the clarity and support you need.
Why Choose Ed Shaughnessy for Your Pennsylvania Truck Accident Case?
Choosing the proper legal representation after a semi-truck crash can make all the difference in your case. It could be the difference between walking away with little to no financial help, and securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Attorney Ed Shaughnessy has earned a strong reputation in Easton and throughout the Lehigh Valley for providing focused, results-oriented representation to personal injury victims. Our firm offers a personal approach. Every semi-truck accident case we take on receives direct attention from an experienced attorney who understands what’s at stake.
With over 35 years of experience handling personal injury litigation in Pennsylvania, Ed Shaughnessy has developed a deep understanding of the legal issues that impact commercial truck accident claims. Based in Easton, our firm serves clients across Northampton County and the surrounding areas. We personally handle every part of the case, from collecting critical evidence and securing inspection records to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing for trial.
Our legal team is fully prepared to take on trucking companies, insurers, and defense counsel who aim to minimize your compensation. We understand how commercial vehicles are operated, maintained, and regulated, and we know how to challenge claims that seek to shift blame onto the victim. From the moment you contact our office, we focus on building a strong claim that reflects the full value of your injuries and losses.
Our commitment is simple: to provide the support, guidance, and legal skills needed to help truck accident victims recover and move forward.
Contact Lehigh Valley Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Ed Shaughnessy Today
If you were involved in a semi-truck accident anywhere in Pennsylvania, now is the time to take legal action. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania gives you only two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to recover compensation.
Call the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy at (610) 258-9955 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation with a Pennsylvania semi-truck accident attorney today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and begin gathering the evidence needed to build a strong claim.
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