Commercial trucks and tractor-trailers can be seen all over Philadelphia – whether delivering cargo to businesses in the Delaware Valley or barreling down I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway. Unfortunately, these massive pieces of machinery are dangerous to nearby cars and people if they aren’t operated responsibly.
If you were injured in a trucking collision, work with a seasoned attorney at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers to get paid fairly for your losses. With one of our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers on your side, you’ll have the best chance of building a strong case and holding the negligent party accountable.
Damages in Trucking Collision Claims
Like people driving commuter cars, professional truck drivers have a duty under Pennsylvania law to follow traffic rules, watch out for obstacles and other vehicles, and act reasonably behind the wheel. Any trucker who causes a wreck by violating this duty—whether it involves a traffic violation, distracted driving, or being reckless or aggressive—could be considered “negligent.” Proving “negligence” is generally the best way to hold someone liable for damages after an accident.
Specific losses that often come up during cases like this include:
Physical and psychological pain and suffering
Loss of life’s pleasures
Past and future medical bills
Car repair/replacement costs, plus other out-of-pocket expenses like rental car fees
Lost work wages and/or ability to work
A seasoned Philadelphia attorney can assess what damages you can recover after a Philadelphia truck crash and ensure your claim reflects the full value of your case.
Proving Truck Driver Negligence after a Crash
Knowing a truck driver caused a wreck and being able to prove them at fault in court are two very different things, as any experienced Philadelphia attorney can tell you. You and your lawyer must provide medical documents showing the extent of your injuries and losses from the truck crash. You will also need to show how the truck driver was reckless or careless, draw a direct link between their actions and the crash, and prove that every loss you want the trucker to pay for came directly from that accident.
Depending on the situation, you might need to include evidence like:
Police reports
Surveillance or dashboard camera footage
Testimony from witnesses
Photos and videos from the crash site
Input from experts in the field of accident reconstruction
You might also need to collect and present evidence showing that you weren’t at fault for causing your wreck through your own misconduct, since partial responsibility can cause you to miss out on much-needed compensation.
Speak to a Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney About Your Case
Getting into a crash with a commercial truck can be a traumatic experience, even if you’re lucky enough to leave the scene without any serious injuries. If you suffer severe injuries, understanding and taking full advantage of your legal rights will be crucial to protecting your long-term best interests.
Help from a winning Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With over 30 years of experience, Founding Partner Jon Ostroff knows how to fight and win on behalf of clients. In one recent case, Jon recovered $10 million for a client who suffered catastrophic injuries in an explosive truck crash. Our client’s vehicle was disabled in the right lane of a busy highway when it was rammed at full speed by the driver of a tractor-trailer. Jon and the Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers team worked quickly, using an emergency court motion to stop the trucking company from destroying or modifying evidence, and obtaining key witness statements to win the case for the client.
Let us put our experience to work for you. Call today to set up a free consultation about your case.
