Truck Accident Attorneys in Pottsville, Pa

Protecting Your Rights After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident

Truck accidents involving 18-wheelers are often catastrophic, leading to serious injuries, costly medical bills, and long-term emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Pottsville, PA, The Law Offices of Anthony Urban is here to help. Our experienced truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Types of Truck Accidents and Injuries Sustained

Accidents involving 18-wheelers often result in more severe consequences than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Some common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks require a much longer stopping distance, and when they cannot stop in time, they may collide with smaller vehicles, often causing serious injuries.
• Jackknife Accidents: These occur when the truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, potentially causing multi-vehicle pileups.
• Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can become wedged under the back or side of a truck, often resulting in life-threatening or fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks can tip over due to sharp turns, speed, or improper loading, which may crush vehicles in their path.
• T-Bone Collisions: These occur when a truck runs a red light or fails to yield at an intersection, leading to dangerous side-impact collisions.

The injuries sustained in these accidents are often devastating, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries caused by the impact of the crash can result in long-term cognitive impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or full paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: The force of a truck collision can cause severe fractures, often requiring surgery and prolonged recovery.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys, can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, truck accidents often result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the emotional and financial aftermath.

What You Should Do Immediately After an Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident, it is important to take specific steps to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive proper medical care:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel severely injured, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police: Report the accident to law enforcement, and make sure a police report is filed. This document can be valuable evidence in your claim.
3. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
4. Collect Information: Obtain contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers from the truck driver and any witnesses.
5. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Focus on the facts and let the investigation determine liability.
6. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: Truck accident cases are complex, involving multiple parties. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, often involving negligence on the part of the driver, the trucking company, or other parties. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and are prone to fatigue, which can impair their ability to make safe driving decisions.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by phones, GPS devices, or other technology are more likely to cause accidents.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: In an effort to meet tight delivery schedules, truck drivers may speed or engage in unsafe driving behaviors.
• Improper Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance, such as brake or tire failure, can lead to accidents.
• Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: Trucks that are overloaded or have improperly secured cargo are more prone to rollovers or losing their load, which can cause accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Truck drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a significant danger to others on the road.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Claim?

One of the complexities of truck accident cases is determining who is at fault. In many cases, multiple parties may be held liable, including:

• The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence or violating traffic laws, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, properly train them, and ensure their vehicles are well-maintained. If they fail to meet these obligations, they may be liable.
• The Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be held accountable.
• The Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can make a truck unstable, increasing the likelihood of an accident. In these cases, the company responsible for loading the truck may share liability.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some instances, third-party contractors responsible for truck maintenance or fleet management may be partially liable if poor maintenance contributed to the accident.

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for your injuries.

Why You Should Reach Out to The Law Offices of Anthony Urban

At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, we understand that truck accidents are complex, and the stakes are high for those who have been seriously injured. When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Experienced Representation: With decades of experience handling truck accident cases, we have the legal knowledge and resources to take on even the most complex claims.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We fight tirelessly on behalf of our clients to ensure they receive the maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
• Thorough Investigation: We will gather all available evidence, from driver logs and maintenance records to black box data, to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Compassionate Support: We understand how overwhelming this process can be and provide compassionate, personalized attention to every client.
• No Upfront Costs: Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Urban for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Law Offices of Anthony Urban in Pottsville, PA, is ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Let us handle the legal complexities of your truck accident case so you can focus on your recovery and moving forward.