Although we rely on truckers and trucks to move goods throughout the supply channel, they can create a very dangerous hazard on roads and highways. Large commercial vehicles cause a significant percentage of the nation’s highway fatalities every year. When trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the occupants of the other vehicles often suffer severe injury or death.
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, you have legal rights to compensation from all the negligent parties involved. An experienced Bethlehem truck accident lawyer can help you prepare a claim against all the responsible parties and get all the compensation you deserve.
Managing Partner Jon Ostroff and our team of skilled personal injury lawyers have successfully handled thousands of tractor-trailer accident lawsuits. In a previous case, Jon represented a client who broadsided a negligently operated truck on a rural PA highway in the Lehigh Valley region and suffered a brain injury and facial fractures. Even though our client had no memory of the accident, we recovered $5.7 million on her behalf. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a similar collision, Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers is here to help.
Steps to Take After a Truck Wreck in Bethlehem
Most trucking companies are large businesses that prioritize profits over everything else. Sometimes, these corporations cut corners on safety in order to keep profits high. Additionally, they will dedicate a significant amount of resources to minimize the company’s liability in the event of an accident.
After a collision, the trucking company and its insurer will often have investigators at the scene within hours. Their goal is to collect evidence that shifts responsibility away from the trucking company. Given the challenges associated with tractor-trailer crashes, it is important to consult a lawyer and gather evidence as soon as possible. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can file an emergency motion in court to prevent the defendant trucking company from modifying any critical evidence.
Tractor-Trailer Operators Have Increased Responsibility
All drivers must operate their vehicles in a cautious manner, obey the rules of the road, and maintain their vehicles. Any failure to follow these rules of the road usually support a finding of negligence. Because trucks are so large and potentially dangerous, truck operators have an increased responsibility to others on the road.
According to federal law, trucks are common carriers, meaning drivers must operate with extreme caution and concern for the safety of others.
Federal law regulates many aspects of the trucking industry, including:
How a trucker obtains a “CDL” license to be a professional driver
How trucks are maintained
How truckers are trained
The amount of cargo a truck can carry
The amount of time a trucker can drive per day and per week
The type of insurance truck companies must carry
A Bethlehem attorney from our firm can investigate a truck accident to determine whether the owner and driver complied with all applicable laws and regulations. We can also seek out other potentially negligent parties, such as the company that loaded the trailer, the truck’s manufacturer, the company that trained the driver, or a local government that failed to maintain a road.
Compensation Available to Those Injured in Truck Crashes
The compensation you can receive after a truck accident is referred to as “damages”. Damages include all the losses you experience because of your truck wreck injuries. Common types of economic and non-economic damages include:
Pain and suffering
Past and future medical expenses
Cost of rehabilitative care
Lost income, including lost professional opportunities
Loss of life’s pleasures
Loss of companionship
An accident attorney experienced with tractor-trailer cases in Bethlehem can help you gather evidence that proves your losses and can be presented in court or settlement negotiations.
Seek Legal Help from a Bethlehem Truck Accident Attorney
If you were in a wreck with a truck, chances are you are dealing with severe injuries. Seeking legal help immediately after the accident allows you to focus on recovering while your attorney deals with investigating the case and negotiating with insurance companies.
Retaining a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer from Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can make a big difference in the final result. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
