Montgomery County Truck Accident Lawyer

Tractor-trailers are one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. Accidents involving tractor-trailers are frequently deadly, and those who survive suffer catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Montgomery County truck accident lawyer Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esq. understands the emotional and financial devastation caused by commercial truck accidents. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer crash, you need the experience and dedication of Anthony to fight for the justice you deserve.

What Are Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents pose a much greater risk of severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between the truck and passenger cars. The most common truck accidents include:

• Blind-Spot Accidents: Commercial trucks have blind spots at the truck’s rear and sides, making other vehicles difficult to see.
• Blown Tires: Weight causes tire tread to wear quickly, and tires can pop and shred while moving, causing the driver to lose control of the truck.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are severe and occur when vehicles strike one another at the hood.
• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck swings outward at a 90-degree angle in a “V” shape and strikes cars in multiple lanes or flips the whole truck onto other vehicles
• Rear-End Collisions: These are the most common accidents, usually caused by tailgating and causing severe or fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: The driver loses control of the truck, which then flips over and can crush nearby vehicles.
• Side-Impact Crashes: T-bone collisions occur when a truck and other vehicle collide into one another perpendicularly, most commonly at intersections.
• Underride Accidents: The deadliest, underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slips under the trailer on impact.

Injuries sustained in truck crashes are typically severe and include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed and broken bones
• Burns
• Organ damage
• Neck and back injuries
• Nerve damage

Many truck accident injuries result in permanent and debilitating conditions, such as paralysis or disfigurement.

Do Tractor-Trailers Have Different Rules and Regulations?

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has strict requirements to maintain safety and reduce the number of accidents, such as:

• Commercial truck drivers must meet specific age, licensing, medical, and training requirements.
• Mandatory random drug and alcohol testing for drivers and lower legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that track driver’s break and driving hours.
• Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving within 14 hours, with a mandatory 10 or more-hour rest period.
• Trucking companies must perform regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Federal lighting, braking system, and tire safety standards are required.
• Mandatory inspections at federal and state weigh stations.
• Weight limit of 80,000 pounds, with additional restrictions on axle loads.

Who Is Responsible for Truck Crashes?

Determining liability for tractor-trailer accidents is often challenging as they are much more likely to involve multiple responsible parties than most standard passenger vehicle accidents, including:

• Driver: The truck driver may be liable if their negligent actions, such as drunk driving or speeding, led to the crash.
• Trucking Company: The driver’s employer is usually responsible if the company owns the truck.
• Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a party other than the driver or employer, the owner may be responsible if the truck was not properly maintained and contributed to the crash.
• Manufacturer: The truck manufacturer may be responsible if the crash is due to a faulty part or defective system, and the company fails to warn truck operators or continues to manufacture the defective product.

How Can I Establish Liability for a Truck Accident?

The FMCSA’s extensive regulations and required technology make gathering evidence significantly easier than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Evidence can be obtained through the truck’s black box information, such as braking, speed, and driving maneuvers.

Other types of evidence can be obtained through cargo loading manifests, cell phone use, driver breaks, regulation violations, dispatch instructions, maintenance reports, service records, and dashcam images. This wealth of detailed information significantly aids in determining liability and understanding the circumstances surrounding a truck accident.

What Compensation Can I Seek After a Truck Accident?

Due to the severity of injuries and damage, compensation in truck accidents is significantly higher. Compensation includes both economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or home modifications, and non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, pain and suffering, or wrongful death.

Depending on the circumstances, punitive damages can be awarded if the driver intentionally caused the accident, such as running others off the road or driving under the influence.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Montgomery County?

If you can, gathering evidence after a truck accident is beneficial for supporting your accident claim. You should take the following steps:

• Call 911 and report the accident and any injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver.
• Minimize conversation to avoid incriminating statements.
• Photo everything at the scene.
• Gather witness statements.
• Seek medical attention immediately for potentially life-threatening injuries and obtain a medical report.
• Keep all records related to the accident.
• Hire an experienced Montgomery truck accident lawyer skilled at negotiating with insurance companies.

How Can Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Help Me After a Truck Accident?

Hiring a Montgomery County truck accident lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery and provides the support and peace of mind that your case will be handled properly. Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. can work on your behalf to:

• Investigate the accident scene.
• Review accident reports.
• Gather evidence and truck data records.
• Interview witnesses.
• Establish third-party liability.
• Calculate your full damages.
• Hire industry experts.
• Negotiate a settlement with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

Montgomery County Truck Accident Lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Helps Injured Clients Fight for Justice After a Truck Crash

Truck accidents can have devastating outcomes that can alter the course of your life and affect your whole family. Medical expenses alone are often staggering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need a steadfast and experienced attorney, such as Anthony, in your corner to protect your rights. Call 267-861-7100 or complete an online form to schedule a free consultation at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Norristown.