Experienced Bucks County Personal Injury Lawyers

Aggressively Advocating on Behalf of Accident Victims

Truck accidents are responsible for some of the most serious injuries out of all motor vehicle collisions. However, thankfully, many drivers do not spend a significant amount of time driving alongside semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, for most Bensalem residents, that isn’t the case. Located between I-95 and I-295, Bensalem is at the center of two major Philadelphia-area highways, which are heavily populated with trucks at almost all times of the day and night. 

At MyPhillyLawyer, our Bensalem truck accident attorneys have extensive experience investigating, negotiating, and litigating personal injury claims arising out of semi-truck collisions and other truck accidents. We understand what it takes to connect you and your family with the compensation you need to begin the process of moving on with your life after a serious accident. 

About Bensalem

With slightly over 60,000 residents, Bensalem, situated in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcases a seamless blend of rich history and modern development. Founded in 1692, Bensalem is a testament to longevity and the nurturing of deep-rooted community ties. Its geographical convenience, being only a few miles northeast of Philadelphia, offers residents and visitors a chance to experience both the serenity of suburban life and the vibrancy of city attractions that are only a short drive away.

Bensalem is renowned for its well-organized neighborhoods, diverse population, and excellent array of recreational facilities. The township holds a charm with its picturesque parks like Neshaminy State Park, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor leisure activities such as hiking, picnicking, and boating. Moreover, it is home to the popular Parx Casino, a hub for entertainment and gaming that attracts visitors from surrounding areas.

Bensalem also contains numerous historical landmarks, including the Growden Mansion, bearing witness to the region’s rich past. As a place where tradition meets contemporary living, Bensalem stands as a prime example of a community that values both its history and its forward momentum into the future.

Bucks County Accident Statistics

Bucks County is the fourth-most populated county in Pennsylvania and contains more miles of roads and highways than all but four other counties. Along these lines, truck accidents in Bucks County are fairly common. For example, nearly 5 percent of all Pennsylvania motor vehicle accidents occurred in Bucks County.  And 4.5 percent of all fatal accidents occurred in Bucks County. 

In terms of truck accidents, specifically, 2022 was a particularly hard year for Pennsylvania. That year marked the highest number of injury truck accidents and fatal truck accidents over the past five years. For example, in 2022, there were 7,522 truck accidents, resulting in more than 145 fatalities. About 80 percent of truck accidents and fatal truck accidents occurred on interstates and state roads. The most common causes of truck accidents in Pennsylvania during 2022 were:

• Tire-related problems
• Faulty brakes
• Improperly loaded cargo 
• Power train failure
• Steering system failure 

Causes of Bensalem Truck Accidents

Truck accidents have many causes, most of which are not unique to trucks or truck drivers but are common among all drivers. For example, some of the most common causes of Bensalem truck accidents include the following:

Distracted Driving: This includes activities such as texting, making phone calls, or using a navigation system while driving, which diverts the driver’s attention from the road. Truck drivers, on average, have more reason to engage in distracted driving due to the amount of time they spend on the open road. 

Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a common cause of truck accidents as it reduces the truck driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. This is especially the case with large vehicles, like semi-trucks, that require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop. 

Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs the driver’s ability to make sound judgments and react quickly, leading to accidents. Truck drivers are particularly prone to drinking alcohol and taking prescription, over-the-counter, and street drugs due to the long hours they spend on the road. In fact, some truckers ingest these substances to help keep them alert and awake; however, as the drugs or alcohol wears off, they find themselves even more fatigued. 

Reckless Driving: Driving a truck all day, every day, can be frustrating, even for the most seasoned drivers. Thus, behaviors such as tailgating, making abrupt lane changes without signaling, or not yielding the right of way are not uncommon and can lead to serious or even fatal collisions.

Weather Conditions: Bucks County experiences a variety of weather conditions, including snow, rain, and fog, which can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, contributing to accidents. Large trucks face an increased risk of an accident during these times due to their weight. 

Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, lack of proper signage, or inadequate lighting, can contribute to accidents. The changing seasons in Bucks County can also play a role, as roads can be slippery during the winter and rainy seasons.

However, in addition to these general causes, there are also certain facts about the trucking industry that increase the risk of an accident, such as: 

Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, accidents occur due to mechanical failures or defects in the truck, which can include brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems. As a general rule, it is up to the truck driver and the trucking company to ensure that a vehicle is road-worthy. 

Inadequate Training: Truck drivers who haven’t received proper training may lack the skills necessary to operate large vehicles safely, increasing the risk of accidents. Trucking companies are required to provide their drivers with the necessary training and must also ensure that drivers have the appropriate CDL license for the truck they are operating and the load they are carrying. 

Improper Loading: Overloading or improperly securing loads can cause trucks to become unstable, increasing the risk of an accident. 

Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours without many breaks, which can lead to fatigue and decreased alertness, making accidents more likely. And while federal regulations require truckers to take breaks every so often, truck drivers have been known to falsify their rest logs in hopes of making better time. 

Types of Injuries That Can Occur from Bensalem Trucking Accidents

Semi-trucks can be up to 72 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. This is about 20 times heavier than the average large car or SUV. Not surprisingly, when a truck gets into an accident, it’s common for victims to experience severe injuries, including:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are prevalent in truck accidents due to the severe impact of these accidents. Victims might suffer from concussions, hemorrhages, or even more severe forms of TBI. These injuries can lead to long-lasting effects, such as cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and difficulties in speech and coordination.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force generated during a truck collision can lead to spinal cord injuries, ranging from whiplash to a severed spinal cord. These injuries may result in temporary or permanent paralysis, limited mobility, or chronic pain, drastically altering the victims’ quality of life.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The sheer force of a truck accident can cause occupants in a smaller vehicle to sustain broken bones and fractures. These injuries might involve simple breaks or more complex fractures that require surgery and extended periods of rehabilitation to heal fully. The most commonly broken bones in truck accidents include ribs, collarbone (clavicle), humerus, radius/ulna, femur, pelvis, tibia/fibula, skull, facial bones (zygomatic, nasal, maxilla, etc.), vertebrae (spinal bones).

Internal Injuries

A truck accident can cause severe internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, and ruptured spleens. These injuries are particularly dangerous as they might not be immediately evident, requiring prompt medical attention to diagnose and treat effectively.

Burns and Lacerations

Given that truck accidents often involve fires or hazardous materials, victims can sustain severe burns and lacerations. Burns might necessitate extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and physical therapy. Lacerations can vary in severity, possibly leading to significant blood loss or nerve damage.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, individuals involved in truck accidents often experience substantial psychological trauma. This can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. These psychological injuries sometimes take longer to heal than physical ones, requiring ongoing therapy and support.

Truck accident injuries are generally severe and often life-changing. The physical and psychological ramifications can be extensive, requiring you or your loved one to undergo long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. It’s crucial for victims to seek immediate medical attention following a truck accident to address potential injuries, even if they appear minor initially. It is also imperative to discuss the accident with a seasoned Bensalem truck accident lawyer to learn more about obtaining compensation from the at-fault driver or the trucking company. 

What You Need To Know About Bensalem Truck Accident Lawsuits

After a truck accident, victims can pursue a personal injury claim against one or more parties in hopes of obtaining financial compensation for everything they’ve been through. Read on to learn more about Bensalem truck accident claims.

What Is a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

A truck accident lawsuit is a civil claim brought by an accident victim or their family involved in an accident with a commercial truck. These lawsuits seek to hold the responsible party, which could be the truck driver, trucking company, or another entity, accountable for the damages and injuries sustained in the accident. 

Why Bring a Truck Accident Lawsuit After an Accident?

Bringing a truck accident lawsuit after an incident is one of the only ways that you can seek justice after an accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver or a trucking company. Often, accidents with commercial trucks result in severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. A Bensalem truck accident lawsuit can help you cover expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other unforeseen costs. Moreover, these cases serve as an effective way to hold the responsible parties accountable, potentially preventing similar incidents in the future. Pursuing a truck accident claim can also bring you and your family a sense of closure and justice.

What Must Victims Prove to Win a Truck Accident Claim?

To win a truck accident claim, you must prove each element of a negligence claim. In this context, “negligence” is a legal term, and proving another party was negligent requires you to establish four things. First, you need to demonstrate the truck driver or trucking company owed you a duty of care. Second, you must establish that this duty was breached, either through negligence or violation of traffic laws. Third, you have to prove that this breach directly caused the accident. Finally, you must show that you incurred tangible damages as a result of the accident, such as physical injuries, emotional trauma, or property damage. Working with an experienced Bucks County truck accident lawyer and gathering substantial evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness testimonies, can significantly increase your chances of success.

What Damages Are Available for Truck Accident Victims?

If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to various damages, which are classified into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages account for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the truck driver or trucking company for gross negligence and to deter similar conduct in the future. Along these lines, it’s imperative that you meticulously document all your losses to maximize the compensation you can receive in a successful lawsuit. 

Are Trucking Companies Liable for a Truck Driver’s Negligence?

Yes, trucking companies can be held liable for a truck driver’s negligence through the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” which translates to “let the master answer.” This doctrine provides that employers can be held responsible for the negligent actions of their employees committed during the course of employment. However, this may not be the case if the truck driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee. Additionally, a trucking company might be directly liable if it negligently hired or retained an unfit driver, failed to maintain the truck in a safe condition, or did not comply with safety regulations and industry standards. 

Have You Been Injured in a Bensalem Truck Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently injured in an accident with a truck driver, pursuing a personal injury claim may provide you with meaningful compensation. The Bensalem truck accident attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer have decades of experience aggressively seeking maximum compensation on behalf of truck accident victims throughout Bucks County. We understand what it takes to engage in successful negotiations with trucking companies and insurance companies, and many of our trucking accident cases are settled without the need for a lengthy and stressful trial. However, as seasoned litigators, we are always ready to take your case in front of the jury when the pursuit of justice demands it. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give MyPhillyLawyer a call at 215-227-2727. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.