Philly Highway Collapses Following Truck Accident

The collapse of a section of Interstate 95 due to a tanker fire resulted in a 12-day closure. While, thankfully, no deaths or injuries were reported, the aftermath raises questions of liability and potential legal recourse for those affected by Philadelphia truck accidents. This blog post aims to shed light on the matter and provide guidance for truck accident victims hoping to seek justice for the injuries they’ve sustained.

The Cause of the Accident

Evidently, the I-95 collapse was caused by a tanker truck that had caught fire after what appears to have been a preventable accident. According to various news reports, the incident started when the driver of a tanker truck carrying gasoline was attempting to exit I-95 when he lost control of the rig while navigating a curve. After the driver lost control, the truck fell over onto its side and caught on fire.

Understanding Liability in Philly Truck Accidents

Determining liability in an incident like the Interstate 95 collapse involves a thorough investigation to identify the parties responsible. Several potential entities could bear liability, including:

• Construction Companies: If the collapse resulted from negligent construction or maintenance practices, the company responsible for building or maintaining the roadway may be held liable.
• Government Entities: The government agency responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance, and safety of the roadway may be held accountable if negligence or inadequate inspections are found to contribute to the collapse.
• Truck Drivers: Truck drivers have a legal duty to ensure the safe operation of a vehicle at all times. If an accident is caused by truck driver negligence, the trucker may be held financially liable for victims’ injuries.
• Trucking Companies: If the tanker truck involved in the fire was carrying hazardous materials or if it was improperly maintained, the trucking company may be held responsible for any resulting damages. In addition, a trucking company may be liable for the actions of its employees. Therefore, if a truck driver was negligent in causing an accident, both the driver and the trucking company could be held financially liable.
• Product Manufacturers: If the fire and subsequent collapse were caused by a defect in the tanker truck or its components, the manufacturers of these products could face liability. Depending on the nature of the alleged defect, a victim may not need to prove that the company was negligent because many product liability cases proceed on a theory of strict liability.

Of course, every accident is different. However, given the large number of parties that could possibly be liable for a truck accident, it is essential to have an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer review your case before initiating any legal proceedings.

Have You Been Injured in a Philadelphia Trucking Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Philadelphia truck accident, reach out to the personal injury lawyers at MyPhillyLawyer to set up a free consultation. At MyPhillyLawyer, our dedicated team of truck accident attorneys has decades of hands-on experience helping our clients secure maximum compensation awards after serious—often life-changing—truck accidents. We also provide free consultations to all accident victims, during which we make sure to answer all your questions, provide you with an overview of the recovery process, and give you an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses. That way, you can make the best decision on how to proceed with your case. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call MyPhillyLawyer at 215-227-2727. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.