Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Providing Legal Help for Injured Commerical Vehicle Victims
It is not uncommon to see commercial vehicles on Philadelphia’s congested roads and highways. Their size and weight mean they also present a significant risk to other drivers on the road. Accidents of this nature almost always result in life-threatening injuries and considerable property damage. And when that happens, legal assistance from Philadelphia commercial vehicle accident lawyers is necessary.
Commercial vehicle accidents involve more parties and legal issues than the average auto accident. Determining who is at fault can be difficult because they are owned by businesses and operated by skilled professionals. A commercial vehicle accident can quickly become a nightmare when you factor in insurance companies and corporate attorneys attempting to avoid legal liability whenever possible.
Our Philadelphia commercial vehicle accident attorneys at The Villari Firm are well-versed in all aspects of commercial vehicle accident cases. They are prepared to provide you with exceptional legal representation. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you!
Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in Philadelphia today at 215-372-8889 to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to listen to your concerns and offer our guidance.
Why do I need a Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney?
While it may appear simple, the commercial vehicle industry is highly complex. Liable parties in commercial vehicle accident cases will frequently respond to an accident by attempting to limit their financial exposure to accident liability. You need commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Philadelphia to ensure that you are not left footing the bill for someone else’s wrongdoing.
The Villari Firm, an experienced commercial vehicle accident law office in Philadelphia, will assist you in smoothly maneuvering your case. While you concentrate on getting medical attention and repairing any damage caused by the accident, we will work on holding the wrongdoer accountable and obtaining the financial relief you require to move forward.
Here are just a few things we can do to help you navigate the aftermath of the truck crash:
- Investigate the accident to find and preserve critical evidence
- Determine who is at fault and liable for your injuries, property damage, and other losses
- Review insurance documents and determine policy limits applicable to you
- Contact experts to consult on your case
- Document your current and anticipated future expenses and losses to ensure we recover the full amount you require
- File claims on your behalf within the time limit
- Negotiates aggressively with insurance adjusters and company representatives to secure a fair and complete settlement
- Prepare you for court appearances and proceedings
- Represent you in court litigation to obtain the best possible outcome
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident, one way to get back on your feet is to seek financial compensation for your losses. Our Philadelphia commercial trucks accident lawyers at The Villari Firm can assist you in determining your legal rights and obtaining damages.
What are Commercial Vehicles Accidents ?
Commercial vehicle accidents are those collisions that involve commercial transport. Commercial vehicles can cover a wide range. In addition to usual tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large trucks, some of the most common commercial vehicles include
- Delivery trucks, such as UPS and FedEx
- Cargo vans
- Pickup trucks with a camper
- Buses
- Garbage trucks
- Food and beverage trucks
- Multipurpose vehicles
- Business station wagons
- Ambulances
- Vehicles transporting persons for hire, including taxis and limos
Commercial vehicle classifications, including company cars or other business vehicles, can become complicated. It is crucial to contact Philadelphia commercial truck accident lawyers familiar with the classifications and laws governing commercial vehicles.
What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Being involved in a Philadelphia commercial vehicle accident should not be taken lightly. Victims of commercial vehicle wrecks are likely to suffer serious injuries or even die due to the collision. Below are common injuries sustained in a commercial motor vehicle accident:
- Bone Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Trauma
- Sprains
- Strains
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Burn Injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
Compensation may be available if you or someone you care about has suffered any of these or similar injuries. Reach out to a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Philadelphia immediately to know your claims.
What Are The Common Causes of Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles occur for many of the same reasons as auto collisions. Our commercial vehicle accident attorneys in Philadelphia can investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and recommend the most appropriate legal action.
Common causes of commercial vehicle crashes include:
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Over-speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Traffic violations (disregarding stop signs/red lights and other
- traffic signals)
- Texting while driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unsafe turns and lane changes
- Lack of proper training/licensing
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor road conditions/visibility
- Lack of vehicle maintenance
Who is Liable in a Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Commercial truck accidents can be difficult and time-consuming since it can be challenging to determine who is financially responsible for the accident. Any of the following may be held accountable for a commercial vehicle accident:
- The vehicle driver
- The employer
- The company that owns or leases the commercial vehicle
- The company that maintains the vehicle
- The manufacturer for the product liability for the vehicle and its parts
No-Fault Car Insurance
The no-fault system is enforced in Pennsylvania, so you cannot hold the other truck driver liable for an accident unless your case meets the “serious injury” threshold. In most minor accidents, it does not matter who was at fault because the injured party’s auto insurance company will cover damages.
If you can demonstrate that you sustained severe injuries, you may be able to get around the no-fault regulations. An experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorney can assist you in determining your likelihood of being able to deviate from the no-fault rules.
How to Establish Negligence in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
If you are convinced that someone else’s negligence caused your accident, the following elements of negligence must be established to determine liability. Your truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia can assist you in satisfying these conditions.
- The defendant had a duty of care.
- That duty of care was breached.
- The breach of duty of care caused injuries.
- The breach committed by the defendant was the cause of the injury.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence. If you were even slightly responsible for the commercial vehicle accident that resulted in your injuries, the amount of compensation that you are eligible to receive would be reduced in proportion to the degree to which you were at fault.
What Evidence Do I Need For Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
You will need specific types of evidence if you or a loved one is hurt in a collision with a commercial truck to maximize your financial recovery. It is highly recommended you seek legal assistance from a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer in this process.
- Forensic Evidence. Forensic evidence from the Pennsylvania truck accident scene is the first piece of evidence required to establish liability in a commercial truck accident case. Examples of forensic evidence may include
- Driver Records. This includes the driver’s cellphone records, logbooks, and employment records relevant to the matter.
- Maintenance Records. The truck’s maintenance history can help boost your truck accident case. You can strengthen your claim if it can be proven that the truck driver did not properly maintain the vehicle if they owned it or by the trucking company.
- Medical Records and Medical Bills. Providing evidence that your medical requirements have changed due to the truck accident will be essential for your truck accident claim to calculate your total damages accurately.
- Employment Records. To recover lost and future wages, you’ll need to show your personal injury lawyer your employment records so they can calculate how much you’ll need to be compensated for the length of your recovery.
- Testimony. Depending on where the car accident happened, there may be witnesses. Other drivers, experts who recreated the truck crash, etc., may testify. As your case progresses, trucking companies will likely want expert medical testimony.
Compensation Claims for Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Accident victims of commercial vehicles may be eligible for compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. There is no limit placed on the compensation you can receive for a personal injury claim in the state of Pennsylvania.
Your commercial trucking accident attorney serving Pennsylvania can assist you in obtaining compensation for
- Property damage (either repair or reimbursement)
- Past and future medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Long-term medical and personal care
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
If a commercial vehicle accident claimed the life of your loved one, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim and receive compensation for damages such as burial and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost income.
Punitive damages are also allowed under Pennsylvania personal injury law but cannot be awarded unless the defendant’s actions meet a specific legal requirement. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions were either malicious and willful, or careless to the point of wanton disregard for the safety of others.
Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accidents Statute of Limitations
According to Pennsylvania General Assembly, commercial vehicle accident victims in Philadelphia have two years from the date of their injuries until they can file a claim.
If you were not injured, but your vehicle has been damaged, Pennsylvania’s property damage statute of limitations is two years after the accident.
On the other hand, if you bring a claim against a local, county, or state government agency, you have only six months from the alleged offense date to file a notice of intent to sue.
Call our Seasoned Philadelphia Commercial Vehicle Accident Now!
Commercial vehicles may be common on the roads, but that does not exempt them from the law. There is no justification for reckless and careless driving behavior. Negligent commercial vehicle drivers should be held accountable for their actions.
The experienced Philadelphia commercial vehicle accident attorneys at The Villari Firm have the resources and team to help you fight for justice and obtain compensation rights.
Contact our Philadelphia commercial vehicle accident attorneys immediately to protect your best interests!
To find out how The Villari Firm, PLLC can help you, call 215-372-8889.
