Bethel Park Truck Accident Lawyer

Transporting everything from food and raw materials to consumer goods and hazardous chemicals, commercial trucks are an irreplaceable part of the nation’s economy. However, their large size and bulky shape also make them a hazard on the road.

Even at low speeds, a truck can cause severe or fatal injuries to occupants of passenger vehicles. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a collision.

The team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman knows how devastating a truck accident can be. We’re committed to helping victims like you get the compensation they deserve. Get help with your claim now by calling us at 412-253-2925.

How Common Are Pennsylvania Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are a fairly regular occurrence on Pennsylvania roads. Unfortunately, they are also much more dangerous than other accidents. While they comprise only 6.1% of all crashes in Pennsylvania, they make up over 10% of the state’s fatal crashes. Only 1.9% of fatalities were occupants of the trucks, indicating that people in passenger vehicles are at a much higher risk of injury or death.

In 2020, truck accident numbers were significantly lower than they were in prior years. The same is true for truck accident fatalities. Experts believe that this may be partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so future data will be necessary to see if this trend continues.

The majority of truck collisions in Pennsylvania took place on state highways like State Route 88 and State Route 19.

Causes of Truck Accidents

A wide range of issues, both human and mechanical, can lead to truck accidents. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation does maintain some data on collisions caused by truck defects. Defects that commonly led to truck accidents include tire defects, brake malfunctioning, overloaded trailers, power train failure, and steering system failure.

Remember, though, that most collisions are due to human error. Some human errors that frequently lead to collisions include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving while impaired
• Drifting into other lanes
• Switching lanes without checking blind spots
• Following too closely
• Driving while fatigued
• Speeding

Different Types of Truck Collisions

The unique structure of trucks means that they are prone to accidents that other vehicles are not. These accidents include:

• Underride: These are some of the most deadly truck accidents you’ll ever see. They occur when a truck backs up over a car or a car runs into the back of a truck. The front of the car gets stuck underneath the truck and usually has its entire top ripped off. Many newer trucks have undercarriage guards built-in to prevent these accidents, but there are some trucks that do not offer this protection.
• Sideswipe: If a driver changes lanes without checking their blind spot or if a car is in a truck’s blind spot, this type of collision may occur. Depending on the speed and location of both vehicles, this can also turn into an underride accident that rips off half of a car’s top.
• Rollover: By nature, commercial trucks are very top-heavy. This means that when it’s windy or the driver has to make quick turns or swerves, a truck is prone to tipping over. This is especially dangerous when the truck is carrying hazardous materials, as the materials may get strewn all over the highway and cause explosions or fires.
• Jackknife: Jackknife collisions are often seen with new or inexperienced truck drivers. When a driver swerves to avoid an obstacle, they may lose control. This causes the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle from the tractor, at which point the driver no longer has any control over the truck. The truck usually spins and continues to travel forward for some time, possibly causing multiple collisions.
• Wide turn: Truck drivers often swing to the left before making a right turn. If they go too far left or miss a vehicle on their right, they can cause an accident.

What Makes Truck Crashes Different from Other Vehicle Collisions?

Truck crashes are significantly more dangerous than typical car accidents. Due to the size, weight, and speed of commercial trucks, these collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can carry loads that dramatically increase their momentum, making the force of impact far more destructive than that of smaller vehicles. Even at low speeds, a collision with a truck can crush or severely damage a passenger vehicle, creating life-threatening situations.

The presence of hazardous materials is another factor that can make truck accidents particularly dangerous. Many trucks carry chemicals, flammable liquids, or other hazardous substances. When these materials are released during a crash, the risk of fire, explosion, or toxic exposure increases dramatically. This adds an extra layer of danger that is generally not present in standard passenger vehicle collisions.

Beyond the physical dangers, truck accidents differ legally and procedurally from other crashes. Several factors contribute to the complexity of these cases, from multiple parties being involved to specialized types of evidence that must be collected and analyzed.

Multiple Parties Involved

Unlike a typical car accident, which usually involves just two drivers and their insurance companies, truck accidents can involve numerous parties. These may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The trucking company’s insurance provider
• The cargo owner
• The company responsible for loading the cargo
• Legal representatives for each of the above parties

This multitude of stakeholders complicates the process of determining liability. For example, an accident may be caused by driver fatigue, improper cargo loading, vehicle maintenance issues, or even mechanical defects. Liability must be assessed for each potential contributing factor, which can prolong settlement negotiations or legal proceedings.

Extensive Evidence Collection

Truck accidents require a thorough collection and analysis of evidence. Beyond the standard accident scene photos, police reports, and witness statements, these cases often involve more specialized forms of evidence, such as:

• Trucking logs, which record hours of service and can indicate driver fatigue or violations of rest regulations
• Black box data from the truck, providing speed, braking, and other vehicle operations
• GPS tracking records to show route and driving patterns
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cargo loading and weight documentation
• Driver history and background checks
• Company policies and operating procedures

Collecting this evidence is essential to understanding how the accident occurred and identifying the responsible party or parties. It also helps establish a clear link between the negligence of a specific party and the injuries sustained.

Investigating Negligence

In truck accidents, proving negligence often requires connecting multiple dots. Your attorney must show that one or more parties failed to meet safety standards, which directly led to the crash and your injuries. This might involve demonstrating that the trucking company ignored safety regulations, the driver violated rest requirements, the cargo was improperly secured, or the vehicle had mechanical issues.

An effective investigation can include interviews with witnesses, consultations with accident reconstruction experts, and examination of the truck’s mechanical and operational condition. The goal is to build a strong, factual case that establishes responsibility and supports your claim for compensation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies for trucking companies often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. They may attempt to downplay injuries, shift blame to the other driver, or even use recorded statements against the injured party. Navigating these negotiations without professional guidance can put victims at a severe disadvantage. A lawyer can protect you from such tactics, ensuring that the insurance process does not further harm your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Compensation Considerations

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including:

• Medical expenses, both immediate and ongoing
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Long-term rehabilitation or care costs

Because truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents, these claims can be substantial. Establishing the full scope of damages requires careful documentation and analysis of medical records, work history, and expert assessments of future care needs.

Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh 

Commercial trucks are a crucial part of our economy, but their immense size and bulk can make them very dangerous on the road. A fully loaded truck can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and even at low speeds, the impact of a collision can be devastating for anyone in a smaller passenger vehicle. 

These accidents often result in severe or even fatal injuries because of the huge difference in weight and momentum between the vehicles. Tragically, people in passenger cars are at a much greater risk of harm. The presence of hazardous materials also adds another layer of danger, as a crash could lead to a fire, explosion, or chemical release.

The Complexity of Legal Cases

A truck crash case is often more complicated than a standard car accident claim. Instead of just two drivers, there can be many different parties involved. This can include the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, and the company that loaded the cargo. Each of these parties, and their legal representatives, may be a part of the claim. 

This can make it difficult to determine who is at fault. The process also requires a very thorough collection of evidence. Your lawyer may need to obtain trucking logs that show a driver’s hours, data from the truck’s “black box,” GPS records, maintenance and inspection records, and cargo documents. This information is key to building a strong case.

Pursuing Financial Recovery

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for a range of losses with the help of a truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh. Because these collisions often lead to more serious harm, the financial claims can be substantial. This might include payment for medical treatment, both for immediate care and for any long-term rehabilitation. 

You may also be able to recover lost wages from time missed at work. The financial recovery may also include compensation for pain and suffering and any emotional distress you have endured. A successful claim can also cover property damage to your vehicle and any other long-term care costs.

How a Legal Team Can Help

A truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh can help you navigate the complicated process of a truck accident case. They will coordinate with all the parties involved and investigate the accident thoroughly to build a compelling case. 

A truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh will gather and analyze all relevant evidence to show how negligence led to your injuries. They will then advocate for fair compensation on your behalf, either through negotiations or, if necessary, in court. Having legal representation provides a strong advocate who can protect you from tactics used by insurance companies to reduce what they have to pay out. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that you pursue the full financial recovery you need.

The Importance of Prompt Action

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence can be lost or altered, memories fade, and legal deadlines known as statutes of limitation can limit the ability to file a claim. Immediate steps after an accident include seeking medical attention, documenting injuries and property damage, gathering witness information, and notifying the appropriate authorities. Acting quickly helps preserve crucial evidence and strengthens the overall case.

How Our Team Can Support You

Truck accidents are highly complex, and navigating the legal landscape requires attention to detail, persistence, and a clear strategy. Your attorney will coordinate with all involved parties, investigate the accident thoroughly, and develop a compelling case to establish liability. This includes:

• Gathering and analyzing all relevant evidence
• Identifying all parties responsible for the crash
• Demonstrating how negligence led to injuries and damages
• Advocating for fair compensation through negotiations or litigation

Having professional guidance ensures that your case is presented clearly and effectively, increasing the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.

Protecting Your Rights

Insurance companies may employ a variety of tactics to reduce settlements. They might challenge the severity of injuries, dispute liability, or try to use minor statements against you. With legal representation, you have a strong advocate who can counter these tactics, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, acting promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman is prepared to assist you, investigate the accident thoroughly, and work to secure the compensation you need. Call 412-253-2925 or reach out online to schedule a consultation and begin taking steps toward recovery and justice.