What Are the Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Allentown?
Trucking accidents in Allentown, like elsewhere, can stem from a variety of factors. These can include:
Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times. Regulations are generally in place to limit driving hours, but violations often occur.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a truck's ability to stop quickly and increases the severity of accidents. Pressure to meet tight schedules can lead to speeding.
Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, phone use, eating, or adjusting controls can divert a driver's attention from the road.
Impaired Driving: Truck drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can pose serious risks to themselves and others.
Inadequate Training: Insufficient training can result in drivers who are unprepared to handle the complexities of operating large commercial vehicles.
Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can affect a truck's stability and handling, leading to accidents.
Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues, like brake failures or tire blowouts, can result from poor maintenance practices or equipment defects.
Weather and Road Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can reduce visibility and road traction, contributing to accidents. Poor road signage, construction zones, or road defects can also contribute to a hazardous situation for a truck driver.
Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, accidents involving them can result in serious damage and severe injuries. Addressing these factors requires a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the accident, which is crucial for seeking appropriate compensation.
What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Trucking Accident?
After being involved in a trucking accident, it is crucial to take specific steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights. Often your injuries will be so severe that many of these steps will be taken care of or will be impossible for you to do. However, as with any vehicular accident, if you can you should consider the following:
Safety First: Ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If you can do so safely, move away from the accident scene to avoid further harm, especially if there is a risk of fire or additional collisions.
Seek Medical Attention: Trucking accidents often result in severe injuries to the victims. It is always essential to seek immediate and continued medical care for your injuries.
Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police. They will document the scene, gather information, and create an accident report. Get the police incident number when you can, and request a copy of this report for your records.
Exchange Information: If you are able, collect information from the truck driver, including their name, contact information, insurance details, and the trucking company's information. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant signage. This documentation can be valuable later. Often, if you are too injured or unable to do so, we can get this information from the investigating police department.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with accurate and complete information about the incident.
Consult a Trucking Accident Attorney: It is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in handling trucking accident cases. They can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action if necessary. These cases involve federal and state laws and regulations that often apply specifically to commercial trucks, and often require the hiring of experts including engineers and highway/vehicle specialists to address how the accident happened and who is at fault. Our attorneys at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo have decades of experience in investigating, pursuing, litigating, and obtaining a recovery for our clients injured in trucking accidents.
Preserve Evidence: Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and related documents. Your attorney will want this information to build a case.
Be Cautious with Settlement Offers: If the insurance company offers a settlement before you hire an attorney, proceed with extreme caution. If you settle the case, you generally cannot reopen the case or recover more money from the defendant in the future, even if your injuries are worse than you expected. Additionally, depending on the language of the release, you may give up your rights to obtain coverage under your own insurance policies. We always recommend that you consult with an attorney in these situations.
Remember that trucking accidents can be complex, often involving multiple parties and insurance companies, as well as complicated issues as to how the accident happened and who is at fault. Seeking legal guidance early in the process can help you navigate the complexities of your case and work toward a favorable outcome.
Why Should I Consult With a Trucking Accident Attorney?
Consulting a trucking accident attorney is essential because truck accident cases can be particularly complex, and the injuries they cause are often severe and permanent. The liable defendants often include not only the truck driver but also his employer, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers in case of mechanical failure. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate the specific legal intricacies involved in such cases, gather evidence, assess your damages, and negotiate with insurance companies or defense attorneys to ensure you receive fair compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and lost future income, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, permanent injury, and more.
How Can Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo Help With Trucking Accident Cases?
At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we specialize in handling complex trucking accident cases. Our extensive legal experience equips us to thoroughly investigate trucking accidents, identify liable parties, and build strong cases. We work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the accident has taken on your life. With our compassionate and skilled legal team, you can trust that we'll fight tirelessly for your rights.
Why Should I Choose Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for My Trucking Accident Case?
Choosing Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for your trucking accident case means enlisting a team of dedicated professionals with a proven track record in personal injury law:
Over Half a Billion Dollars in Settlements Recovered for Our Clients
$95 Million: Highest Verdict Obtained
190+ Combined Years of Experience Serving the Lehigh Valley Area
Our commitment to justice, extensive litigation experience, and understanding of the courts make us a formidable advocate for your case. We prioritize transparent communication, providing you with updates and guidance every step of the way, ensuring that you are informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
How Can I Get Started With Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for My Trucking Accident Case?
Getting started with Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo is simple. Give us a call, or fill out our
online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, we'll assess the viability of your claim, discuss potential strategies, and outline the next steps. If you choose to work with us, we'll immediately begin building a strong case on your behalf, collecting evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and fighting for your rights.
How Do Truck Accidents and Auto Accidents Differ?
Truck accidents and auto accidents differ significantly due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries and damage due to their immense size. Additionally, trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict regulations imposed by federal and state agencies. These regulations cover aspects such as driver rest periods, maintenance schedules, and load securement. Because of these complexities, truck accidents demand a higher level of legal experience to ensure that all relevant regulations are upheld and all liable parties are held accountable.
Who Can Be Sued in a Truck Accident Case?
In a truck accident case, several parties can potentially be sued, including the truck driver, his employer, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers of faulty parts. The liability depends on the cause of the accident. Determining the responsible parties requires a thorough investigation to establish who acted negligently or failed to adhere to safety regulations, leading to the accident.
What Compensation Am I Eligible For?
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, you may be eligible for compensation for a variety of damages. These include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of income, loss of work life expectancy, past and future pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the strength of your legal case.
Do I Need to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
Hiring a truck accident attorney is highly recommended due to the complexity of truck accident cases. The involvement of multiple parties, strict regulations, and the potential for severe injuries make these cases intricate. An experienced attorney, like the ones at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, can ensure that your rights are protected, guide you through the legal process, handle communication with insurance companies, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Legal Fees Involved in Filing a Lawsuit?
At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees. We only collect our attorneys’ fees out of the recovery we obtain for you by settlement or verdict. This arrangement ensures that access to high-quality legal representation is available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.