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South Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer

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Large trucks are vital for carrying tons of goods nationwide every year. However, the massive size and weight of the vehicles can make crashes especially severe and often lead to fatalities. Therefore, truckers and the companies they work for must follow federal and state regulations to keep the roadways safe for themselves and everyone traveling around them.

Civil laws could entitle you to a settlement to cover the losses after a crash caused by a negligent trucker or transportation business. Call a hard-working South Philadelphia truck accident lawyer to schedule a consultation for questions and to review your case. A personal injury attorney is ready to fight for you.

What Can Cause a Truck Wreck?

Truck crashes can occur anywhere, and their large size makes them a challenge to stop abruptly. Some of the most common truck crash causes include the following:

  • Lack of training and driver error, including failing to check blind spots and abrupt maneuvers
  • Fatigue from long road trips without enough rest
  • Distracted driving, such as playing with the radio, talking on the phone, and texting
  • Improper passing practices
  • Aggressive driving and tailgating
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • The failure to secure loads properly
  • Vehicle part malfunctions, including breaks and tires

An experienced truck crash lawyer in South Philadelphia could thoroughly investigate the cause and find evidence to establish liability.

Damages in Truck Crash Civil Claims

There is no standard amount of damages the plaintiff will collect for a truck collision civil claim. However, the crashes are often severe, leaving other motorists with life-altering injuries and substantial losses.

The court may award economic damages to cover medical care, lost salary and benefits, and the cost of ongoing healthcare. They may also grant non-economic losses to cover pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement and scarring, and loss of the enjoyment of life. An attorney in South Philadelphia could calculate a person’s losses after a truck wreck and secure the compensation an injured person deserves.

The Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Regulations hold truckers and truck companies to a higher duty of care than regular passenger car drivers because they are professional drivers and the accidents are particularly hazardous. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to remove unsafe truckers from the roads and improve overall highway safety.

The statute provides the minimum safety standards for individuals with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). CDL holders and the companies employing them must adhere to these rules or risk penalties, including losing driving privileges. The regulations provide guidance and the minimum standard for issues involving the following:

  • Minimum testing and CDL truck operation standards
  • Trucker employer requirements and guidelines
  • Drug and alcohol testing requirements
  • Truck driver ongoing training and recertification regulations
  • Trucker medical checkup directives
  • Accident reporting requirements

A truck wreck lawyer in South Philadelphia could answer questions about the regulations and find evidence when the driver or company were out of compliance.

Schedule a Consultation With a Knowledgeable South Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney

The trucking industry plays a massive role in keeping the economy healthy by transporting goods nationwide. However, the high rate of commercial trucks traveling on highways and their enormous size significantly increases the chance of crashes with life-threatening and fatal injuries.

You could be eligible to collect compensation from the at-fault party when a negligent trucker or trucking company caused you to sustain damages. A settlement could cover the cost of healthcare, lost pay, and pain and suffering. Call a seasoned South Philadelphia truck accident lawyer today to begin working on your case immediately.