Transporting goods, raw materials and other supplies around Philadelphia and the United States in general means there are thousands of trucks and commercial motor vehicles on the roads at any given time. As the trucking industry grows, so does the number of these large vehicles and, unfortunately, the number of truck accidents occurring in Philadelphia. No matter how careful a driver is, truck accidents can have serious consequences, including severe injuries and, in the worst cases, loss of life.

Our Philadelphia truck accident attorney has successfully handled countless truck accidents, and are ready and willing to provide expert legal advice and representation when you need us.

Truck Accidents in Philadelphia – the Facts

Given the sheer size and weight of trucks, it should come as no surprise to read that the injuries sustained by motorists and pedestrians involved in truck accidents tend towards the severe end of the spectrum. Fatal truck accidents are more common than any of us would like and, even where the victim survives, injuries can be life-changing or life-limiting.

Although every truck accident is different, there are some common themes identifiable throughout the cases handle by Dan Doyle Law Group. These include:

  • Trucks being driven at speeds exceeding the legal limit
  • Failure to remain in lane, or to change lanes properly and carefully
  • Obstructed vision
  • Failure to yield at right-of-way or traffic signals
  • Driving when tired or fatigued
  • Inclement weather making driving conditions unfavorable
  • Blind spots

If you have been injured in a Philadelphia truck accident, regardless of the cause, a Dan Doyle Law Group Philadelphia truck accident attorney could secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today to learn more.

Driving Safely around Trucks

While accidents can happen no matter how careful everyone may be, there are some steps you can follow to ensure you are as safe as possible when driving around trucks:

  • Always remember that a fully-loaded truck, complete with trailer, will require twice the stopping distance of a smaller vehicle, and allow space accordingly
  • The bigger a truck is, the bigger the driver’s blind spot will be. Take care not to position yourself in this blind spot where it is at all avoidable
  • Allow extra space for long vehicles to turn
  • Never tailgate or cut up a truck. Although both constitute dangerous driving in any circumstances, they are particularly hazardous due to the lower maneuverability of a truck, and the fact that you may be in the driver’s blind spot, meaning they are unaware of your presence
  • Always pass a truck on their left, moving on as quickly as possible, while maintaining a safe speed
  • Pay particular care when a truck appears to be overloaded, as this will further reduce maneuverability and increase the risk of an accident

Speak to a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer collision, an experienced truck accident attorney in Philadelphia from Dan Doyle Law Group is on hand to provide the support and legal guidance you need.

To learn more about how a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer could assist with your case, call us today  to schedule your free consultation.

Did you know that nearly 80 percent of those injured and killed in truck accidents are the drivers and occupants of the smaller vehicles involved? Although the statistic is disturbing, it is not shocking at all considering the size of trucks.

Unfortunately, many trucking companies in our state choose to cut costs and maximize their profits by making deliveries faster at the expense of safety. Trucking companies put extreme pressure on their truck drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, while truckers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, get distracted, or even fall asleep behind the wheel.

It is not rare for victims of truck accidents in Philadelphia to be left not only traumatized but also confused as to what comes next. As a victim of a truck crash, you need to start looking for legal help to make sense of things.

The medical bills and lost wages will keep piling up for months or years to come, which is why you need a truck accident attorney in Philadelphia from Dan Doyle Law Group to collect compensation.

Should I Talk to Insurance Companies After My Truck Accident?

If you were injured in a road crash involving an 18-wheeler, semi-trailer truck, or any other commercial vehicle in Philadelphia, avoid talking to insurance companies unless you have discussed your case with a skilled lawyer.

Insurance adjusters are trained to communicate with victims in a way that allows them to minimize and deny personal injury claims, which is why many of the things you say to insurers can be used against you. Instead, let a truck accident lawyer handle all of the verbal and written communication in your legal case.

Should I Sign Any Forms After the Crash?

Not at all. As a victim of a traffic accident involving a commercial truck, you will most likely be contacted by insurance companies and the truck driver’s trucking company, which may even offer you a generous settlement offer.

Make sure you do not sign any forms because your signature in these forms may oblige you to give away your right to sue the at-fault party. You are not required to sign anything if you do not want to. However, it is a good decision to consult with a skilled truck accident attorney in Philadelphia to determine whether the settlement offer proposed by the trucking company is fair in your case.

Will I Have to Settle or Sue?

Unfortunately, there is no cut and dried answer to this question that would apply to all truck accident cases. Whether you will have to settle or sue the other party depends on many factors.

Generally, it is advised to negotiate with the other party in order to settle for the favorable amount of money, and then file a lawsuit if the negotiations are unsuccessful. The other party will still have a chance to settle your claim for the requested amount after your truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia files a lawsuit.

How Long Will My Truck Accident Take?

Again, it depends on the circumstances of your particular case. Generally, however, a typical truck accident lawsuit takes anywhere from 15 to 30 months. How long your trial will take depends on the complexity of the legal issues involved, the amount of money requested from the plaintiff, and the other party’s defense strategy.

Let our experienced truck accident lawyer evaluate your case, determine whether you will have to settle or sue and evaluate how long it will take to receive financial compensation in your case. Get a free case evaluation by calling Dan Doyle Law Group.