Thousands of people are killed or injured each year in the United States because of truck accidents. Over 70 percent of the time, its the occupants of the other vehicle who are injured. It should come as no surprise that the reason for this is because commercial vehicles, such as big rigs, box trucks and cargo vans, are larger and offer greater protection in a collision than smaller vehicles, motorcycles or pedestrians.
While every wreck is unique, there are many common factors that lead to accidents and affect the severity of the crash. Statistics show common behaviors of truck drivers lead to many truck accidents and also affect severity of the accident and resulting injuries. These include the use of cell phones and texting, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and operating a truck while tired. The majority of collisions, injuries, and deaths could have been avoided if the driver used reasonable care when operating a vehicle.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help if you were injured by a negligent or reckless truck driver by preserving evidence, negotiating with insurance companies and filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
Brent Wieand has handled hundreds of Pennsylvania motor vehicle accidents and is highly qualified to tackle even the most complicated type of trucking accident case. He will carefully investigate the details of the accident and work to preserve key evidence needed to prove your case. Brent is extremely knowledgeable of trucking rules and regulations and will work diligently to uncover violations and negligence on the part of the truck driver and/or trucking company. He works with top notch trucking, accident reconstruction and medical experts to prove your case and the latest courtroom technologies to present it in court.
Proving a trucking case is no easy task. These are not “run of the mill” personal injury cases. Commercial trucks and trucking companies are subject to strict regulations. In addition, the insurance companies for trucking companies usually send investigators out to the scene immediately after an accident to gather evidence in defense of the truck driver. You’ll need an truck accident attorney that fights just as hard. Brent Wieand is a trial lawyer that won’t back down from tough trucking cases. His law office is located in Philadelphia and he represents clients throughout Pennsylvania. For a free truck accident injury consultation call attorney Wieand today at 1 (215) 666-7777.
Its a trap! Never give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance carrier or on the insurer’s on-scene investigator. It is better to handle these types of communications through legal counsel who are wise to their tricks and can protect your interests.
Never sign anything at the scene of an accident or before retaining legal counsel. Trucking company’s investigators are notorious for trying to trick and confuse the drivers of other vehicles. They may ask you to sign a waiver indicating that the wreck was not the truck driver’s fault. Don’t do it!
Never negotiation with an insurance company alone. One of the oldest tricks in the book is for a trucking company to make a “low ball” offer you money in exchange for you signing a release. This is a ploy to make you settle for less than your claim is worth. Even if it seems like a “hefty sum” at the time, you may later realize it was not enough to compensate you for future medical bills or permanent injuries. The thing you can do is consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible following a collision. If you are unable to call for a trucking accident lawyer in Pennsylvania due to your injuries, a friend or family member can make a call for you to get things started.
In Pennsylvania, persons who are bound by Limited Tort due to their insurance selection (or a relatives insurance selection) are barred from bringing a claim for “pain and suffering” unless they incur a “serious injury” or meet one of the six exceptions to limited tort.
One of the exceptions to limited tort is when the driver who caused the accident was operating a commercial vehicle. The definition of a commercial vehicle can be found in § 231.8 of the Pa. Code and generally includes vehicles such as 18 wheelers, box trucks, big rigs, school buses and trucks used for construction. Accordingly, victims of commercial trucking accidents are not limited to non-economic damages. They can bring a claim for “pain and suffering” damages. Read more about what it means to be limited tort here.
Attorney Wieand recommends that all Pennsylvania residents purchase full tort automobile insurance coverage. Although you may pay a little more in premiums, in the event you are a victim of a serious car accident you will not be limited from making a needed recovery.
For a free truck accident case evaluation call Brent Wieand today at (215) 666-7777.
