Norristown Truck Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Norristown, Pennsylvania, you likely have countless questions running through your mind. Who will pay for the medical bills? How long will recovery take? What about lost wages? At MyPhillyLawyer, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a truck accident can be. Our team of experienced Norristown truck accident attorneys is here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Norristown Truck Accidents

In 2023, Pennsylvania had 755 accidents in which a heavy truck struck a passenger car. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, heavy trucks were involved in 2,039 two-vehicle collisions that year.

Truck accidents tend to be more devastating than regular car accidents, mainly because of the massive size and heavy weight of commercial trucks. Collisions between a truck and a car can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Common causes of Norristown truck accidents include driver fatigue, mechanical failure, poor road conditions and human error. Understanding these factors is essential, as they are crucial in determining liability.

For example, consider a situation where a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel and crashes into multiple vehicles. If the investigation reveals that the driver had been on the road for an extended period, surpassing the legal driving hours, both the driver and the trucking company could be held liable.

Speeding has been a persistent problem in Norristown. In early 2024, officials encouraged drivers to observe the speed limit and stay alert to their surroundings after multiple accidents. They urged people to slow down along a hazardous intersection on DeKalb Street, known for frequent crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities. The stretch from the Schuylkill River to Johnson Highway is notorious for reckless speeding despite having a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit.

In heavy truck accidents that involved vehicle defects or failure in 2023, the most common factors identified included unsecured or overloaded trailers, brake problems or tire issues. Tire or wheel issues were found in 140 crashes, while 79 truck accidents involved brake-related problems. Unsecured or overloaded trailers were identified in 37 collisions. Other vehicle defects included total steering system failure, power train failure, improper towing and exhaust system failure.

Establishing Liability in Truck Accidents

Determining liability in truck accidents is often more complex than in standard car accidents due to the multiple parties involved. Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and even the cargo loading company. Each party’s role in the accident must be investigated.

If a truck’s cargo exceeds legal weight limits and causes the truck to become unstable, the loading company could be held responsible for a truck accident resulting from overloaded cargo. Our Norristown truck accident lawyers meticulously gather evidence, consult with experts and build a robust case to ensure all liable parties are held accountable.

Some truck accident victims believe they are automatically not eligible to recover compensation if they were partially at fault for the collision. However, Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to receive damages even if you shared some fault for the accident. 

Suppose an accident involves a delivery truck and a passenger car at an intersection. The truck driver was speeding 10 miles over the speed limit while the car driver ran a red light. When the collision occurs, both drivers are injured, and both vehicles are damaged. In this scenario, the comparative negligence law comes into play because both parties are partially at fault.

Your compensation will decrease by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that same percentage. If you are more than 50 percent responsible for causing the truck accident, you may not be eligible for any compensation.

Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can be devastating, often leading to severe injuries because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. Understanding common truck accident injuries is crucial for victims seeking medical care and legal recourse.

• Head and brain injuries: Head injuries are particularly concerning because symptoms may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. The force of a truck accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. 
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries may lead to varying degrees of paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, limited mobility and a significant reduction in quality of life. Recovery from spinal injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Whiplash is common in truck accidents, especially in rear-end crashes. The sudden jerking motion of the neck can strain muscles, ligaments and tendons, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause lasting pain and require ongoing treatment.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are severe risks in truck accidents. When internal organs rupture or bleed, the victim should receive prompt medical attention to avoid life-threatening consequences. Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and intensive care.
• Broken bones: Truck accident victims may suffer broken ribs, arms, legs or complex fractures involving multiple bones. Some fractures may require surgery to correct. Recovery can be lengthy, involving physical therapy and a significant amount of time off work.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Of the 6,685 heavy truck accidents in 2023 in Pennsylvania, 138 crashes resulted in fatal injuries, among the highest number during a five-year period. Even when truck accidents are not deadly, they can cause debilitating injuries that require extensive medical treatment.

Those who are injured in truck accidents often face substantial medical expenses, lost wages and long-term rehabilitation costs. At MyPhillyLawyer, our Norristown truck accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to cover these and other crash-related costs. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

In a scenario where a truck accident victim suffers a traumatic brain injury, the medical bills can be astronomical, given the treatment and rehabilitation required. At MyPhillyLawyer, our attorneys work with medical experts to calculate the full extent of your future medical needs and fight to ensure these costs are covered in your settlement or court award.

Time Limit for Filing a Norristown Truck Accident Claim

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the accident date. However, some exceptions could affect this timeframe, so consult with an experienced Norristown truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines.

Essential Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident

• After a Norristown truck accident, you should seek medical attention for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Next, contact law enforcement to report the truck accident. A copy of the police report will be vital evidence if you decide to pursue a truck accident claim in the future.
• Collect as much information as possible, including the truck driver’s details, witness contacts and photos of the accident scene.
• Finally, reach out to a Norristown truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to recover compensation for your injuries.

How a Norristown Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You

Navigating the legal complexities following a Norristown truck accident requires skill and determination to obtain the best possible results for a client. At MyPhillyLawyer, we bring a wealth of experience to the table. Our Norristown truck accident attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry, which is essential for identifying violations that could strengthen your case.

Take, for instance, a scenario where a trucking company fails to conduct regular maintenance checks, leading to brake failure and a subsequent accident. Our legal team would investigate maintenance logs, driver logs and other records to establish negligence. Having an experienced legal team on your side ensures that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Contact the Norristown Truck Accident Attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer

Choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. MyPhillyLawyer has a proven track record of successfully representing truck accident victims in Norristown and the surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate and aggressive legal representation to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our client-centered approach means we take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our legal strategies to meet your specific needs. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our Norristown truck accident attorneys are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. It costs nothing to learn about your legal options.