Even modern cars with safety systems are not built to withstand the forceful impact of a vehicle colliding with the side paneling or doors. When these crashes involve large vehicles like semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, the consequences are often catastrophic. Holding a truck driver and their employer accountable for a T-bone collision can be challenging, even if it seems like all the evidence supports your side of the story.
Lawsuits for side impact truck accidents in Allentown require the legal experience and knowledge of a seasoned lawyer. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, our dedicated attorneys have helped over 30,000 injured people across Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve after traumatic incidents. In one case, we obtained a $3.075 settlement for the victim of a multi-truck crash on I-80 during a “white-out” blizzard. We are prepared to fight for and win your case.
Common Causes of T-Bone Truck Wrecks
Truck drivers can cause side-impact crashes in various ways. The most common causes include:
- Violating right-of-way laws or making a left turn without a stop light arrow
- Driving over the speed limit when approaching an intersection
- Not adjusting for poor driving conditions caused by weather like rain, snow, or fog
- Braking incorrectly or failing to ensure the brakes are properly maintained
- Not looking for oncoming traffic before entering an intersection without lights or stop signs
- Not checking the truck’s blind spots when changing lanes or merging on a highway
Regardless of the specific cause of a side-impact truck collision, your Allentown attorney must prove that the trucker was legally “negligent” to recover compensation on your behalf. Put simply, a driver is negligent when they cause a crash due to their reckless, careless, or illegal actions. Acting irresponsibly behind the wheel violates the “duty of care” that all drivers owe each other.
How “Comparative Fault” Can Affect Your Case
Importantly, you can be found partially at fault for your own injuries if the court believes you were “negligent” leading up to the collision. For example, suppose a trucker runs a red light and T-bones someone who was speeding when they entered the intersection. The driver who got hit might be assigned a share of “comparative fault” because they were speeding.
Under 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §7102, courts can reduce your total compensation in a successful lawsuit based on your percentage of fault for the accident. Anyone found more than 50 percent to blame for their own injuries is prohibited from getting any money at all. Help from an Allentown lawyer who handles side-impact truck accidents is vital to contesting allegations of partial fault and getting the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from an Allentown Attorney After a Side-Impact Truck Accident
Getting hit by a tractor-trailer or big rig is a traumatic experience, even if you’re fortunate enough to walk away without serious injuries. If you were severely hurt in this type of crash, understanding your legal right to demand financial recovery may be crucial to protecting your well-being and long-term interests.
Assistance from a winning lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers has significant experience handling side impact truck accidents in Allentown. Call our firm today to discuss your legal options for seeking justice.
