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Crashes involving commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, or semi-trucks often cause devastating injuries due to the large size of the vehicles involved. If you or a loved one suffered this type of collision, you may be facing significant medical bills, property damage, and time off from work while you heal.
When this kind of crash occurs, trucking companies and their insurance providers may attempt to limit your damages and prevent you from obtaining much-needed compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help make sure you are justly compensated. An Erie truck accident lawyer understands the severity of these collisions and could help pursue the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many potential causes of trucking accidents, including various types of driving errors or negligence behind the wheel. Due to their size and weight, trucks are more difficult to operate than other types of motor vehicles, requiring truckers to remain vigilant in avoiding collisions. Some of the common causes of truck accidents include:
- Fatigued or distracted drivers
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inadequate training
- Defective equipment on the truck
- Improper maintenance of the truck
- Improperly weighted cargo or unsecured loads
- Improper maintenance of the roadway
Comparative Fault
It is important to note that the actions of an injured party can also contribute to a truck crash. State law follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which permits the recovery of damages even if an injured individual is partially at fault in causing an accident. However, this percentage of fault cannot be greater than 50 percent, according to 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7102. A seasoned Erie lawyer could help determine the cause of a truck accident and fight for an injured individual’s legal rights.
Recoverable Damages in a Truck Crash Case
Tractor-trailer accidents can lead to significant damages for victims. For instance, there may be mounting medical bills for the treatment of their injuries as well as lost income from missed time at work. Under state law, an injured party may have legal recourse to recover damages such as:
- Costs of medical care, rehabilitation expenses, and pharmaceutical costs
- Future costs of medical treatment
- Any lost wages or income from missed time at work due to the injuries
- Reduction of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities or loss of limbs
- Loss of enjoyment of life’s activities
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
The types of damages and amounts available to an injured claimant depend on the circumstances of the semi-truck accident case. Some forms of harm may be more difficult to calculate than others. A knowledgeable attorney in Erie could fight to hold the at-fault parties liable for their negligence and seek the compensation owed to an injured individual following a serious truck accident.
Contact an Erie County Truck Accident Attorney
If you sustain life-changing injuries in a truck collision, you should act quickly to protect your right to recover compensation. Proving negligence by a truck driver or other party may require an extensive investigation, which an experienced lawyer could help conduct. Legal counsel may also be essential in dealing with insurance companies and defense attorneys.
An Erie truck accident lawyer could aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve and help you move forward with your life. Schedule a consultation today to get a legal evaluation after your commercial vehicle wreck.
