Trucks rumbling through the city streets are more than just a nuisance. Commercial vehicles pose real hazards to pedestrians and the occupants of smaller vehicles. They are just as dangerous when speeding along interstate highways.
When people suffer injuries in truck crashes, the trucking company and other negligent parties could be liable to pay damages. The compensation could include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, and additional costs. Reimbursement could also provide payments to acknowledge an injured person’s pain and suffering.
Contact a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer immediately if you suffered harm in a commercial vehicle crash. Trucking companies have a lot of power, and bringing a claim against one could be complicated. You might not get the compensation you deserve without a dedicated personal injury attorney fighting for your rights.
Proving Negligence in a Truck Crash
The state follows the traditional rule that an at-fault driver pays the damages of anyone who suffered losses in an accident. In most cases, the law will find a negligent driver at fault. Negligence is not using the degree of caution a reasonable person would have used in similar circumstances.
However, trucks are common carriers under the law because they carry goods for a fee. Common carriers must meet a higher standard and operate with the utmost care. A crash lawyer in Philadelphia could investigate whether the trucker and trucking company met that high standard. If not, they could be responsible for paying an injured person’s damages.
Other parties are also sometimes liable for truck collisions. Depending on the circumstances, other motorists, a manufacturer, a truck maintenance company, or the company that loaded the vehicle could bear some responsibility. If road maintenance or poor traffic control had a role in the crash, the city or another local government might be responsible. If an injured claimant was negligent, Pennsylvania Statute §7102 allows them to collect reduced damages.
Compiling Evidence of Carelessness in a Truck Wreck
Trucking companies and their insurance companies often begin investigating a truck crash immediately. They will look for evidence of their negligence but also seek to limit their liability with evidence of other parties’ recklessness.
An injured person should also have a representative investigating the crash. An attorney in Philadelphia could review the truck wreck police report and witness statements and speak with the victim to get a sense of what happened. They could also subpoena information that might shed light on the cause, including the following:
- Trucker’s logs
- In-cab camera footage
- Surveillance video
- Data recording device
- Trucker’s cell phone records
- Truck’s maintenance schedule
- Trucker’s driving record
- Trucker’s employment file
This information could point a legal professional toward incidents of carelessness. The trucking company might be liable for negligent hiring if the driver has a poor record. The in-cab camera or cell phone records might reveal the driver was distracted when the collision occurred. Maintenance records might point toward a mechanical problem, and the manufacturer might have responsibility. Bringing multiple potentially responsible parties in the suit enhances an injured person’s chances of securing a reasonable settlement.
Process for Seeking Compensation After a Commercial Vehicle Collision
After submitting a claim to their PIP insurer, an injured person could bring a lawsuit against the trucking company and any other potentially responsible parties. They could seek their out-of-pocket costs, future injury-related expenses and losses, and in most cases, pain and suffering damages.
Trucking companies have commercial insurance with high coverage limits. They often offer an accident victim a settlement soon after the incident to avoid a lawsuit, but these offers rarely reflect a person’s true losses. Consulting a knowledgeable truck crash lawyer in Philadelphia before agreeing to a settlement is critical.
Seek Help from a Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney
A truck collision is a terrifying ordeal that could lead to months of recovery and rehabilitation. In some cases, commercial vehicle wreck injuries could permanently impact your life and activities.
A Philadelphia truck accident lawyer could help you hold the trucking company responsible for the harm it did by pursuing a claim for damages. Reach out today to speak with a capable legal team.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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