Determining Liability in Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents often leave victims with serious injuries. They can also result in fatalities. Both of these situations are devastating and leave families wondering what they can do to move forward from the truck accident.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our experienced personal injury lawyers work hard to see that the negligent parties are responsible for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering following a truck accident. We can review your case during a free consultation and help you understand how the cause of the truck accident determines who is liable and who we can file a lawsuit against.
Driver Negligence
Just as motorists can make mistakes and cause car accidents, truck drivers can also make mistakes, resulting in serious or fatal accidents. However, since their trucks are much larger and heavier than ordinary vehicles, the damages are often much more severe.
Our firm is committed to helping clients understand their rights when it is determined that driver negligence is the reason for the truck crash. Driver negligence can include:
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving more hours than allowed by federal laws
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Distracted driving
- Texting or talking while driving
Negligent Hiring
In some situations, a trucking company should never have hired the truck driver involved in your truck accident. If he or she had a background that included the loss of a driver’s license or the driver was not certified to drive that particular type of truck, the trucking company may be liable for the accident due to their negligent hiring.
Overloaded or Unbalanced Cargo
18-wheelers are often carrying tons of cargo in their trailers. However, if that cargo is not properly loaded or more is loaded than the truck can carry, it creates a dangerous situation for other drivers on the road. An overloaded truck or one with unbalanced cargo can be extremely difficult for the driver to control, often resulting in accidents and injuries to other drivers.
Other Reasons for Truck Accidents
There are other reasons for a truck accident to occur. We examine these possibilities, which can include:
- Failure to properly train a driver
- Defective truck equipment
- Failure to maintain or improperly maintain a truck
- The failure to keep proper records and log books
Experienced Attorneys Fighting for You
We have knowledge and experience with truck accident cases and can help you understand your rights. Contact a lawyer at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP in Harrisburg or Enola today to learn more about how we work to determine the causes of your truck accident.