An injury can take a serious toll, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. As a result, many people attempt to take legal action after an accident. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be wondering who was responsible for your accident. When it comes to a truck accident, there are a few potential parties who may be at fault. Read on to learn more about truck accidents in Pennsylvania:
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?
When it comes to trucks, there are a lot of different parties involved. The parties that may be responsible for an accident include:
- Negligent truck drivers: When truck drivers speed, drive while fatigued, drive while intoxicated, or otherwise disobey the rules and regulations of the road, they can cause a serious accident.
- Negligent truck company employers: If a truck company employer does not ensure that his or her drivers are certified and properly trained, they may be held partially accountable in an accident. Additionally, truck drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours within a 14-hour workday, allotting them no more than 70 hours of driving a week. If a company knows a driver is exceeding these hours, they may be held responsible for an accident.
- Negligent truck company employees: Employees are responsible for maintaining the trucks and ensuring they are in optimal condition. If a truck is not properly maintained, these employees may be held responsible. They are also responsible for loading the trucks. and if a truck is improperly loaded, causing materials to come loose and harm others on the road.
- Faulty truck parts: At times, truck accidents are due to faulty truck parts created by negligent product designers or manufacturers. In this case, you would file a product liability lawsuit.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If you are injured due to another party’s negligence and you wish to take legal action, you will have to prove that this negligence occurred. In order to do this, there are some important steps to take after an accident:
- Call 911: The police can file a report, conduct chemical tests and obtain witness statements.
- Document the scene: Make sure to take photos and videos of any damage done to the truck, your car, and any property involved.
- Obtain witness contacts. If anyone saw the accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events. This can be extremely helpful during a personal injury case.
- Seek medical attention. It is imperative that you go to the hospital, your doctor, or an urgent care facility immediately after an accident occurs. Before leaving, make sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, contact our firm today to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney.
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Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
