Pittsburgh Truck Accidents Due To Company Negligence Lawyers
Experienced Accident Injury Lawyers Protect The Rights Of Victims Of Truck Accidents In Pittsburgh
When large commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the damage can be catastrophic, due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. When a truck company has behaved negligently, and that behavior causes or contributes to an accident, the company can be held liable for the injuries and other losses sustained by the accident victim. Skilled Pittsburgh truck accidents due to company negligence lawyers can help you hold a company liable.
While this may sound straightforward and logical, unfortunately, the process of recovering compensation for injuries sustained in a truck accident is far from simple. Trucking companies will argue that they are not at fault. Insurance companies will deny injury claims or offer a pittance of a settlement in the hopes that the injured truck accident victim walks away.
At Goodrich & Geist, P.C. we don’t let at-fault truck companies off the hook. Our experienced accident injury attorneys aggressively protect the rights of victims of truck accidents and we fight tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve for your truck accident injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident In Pennsylvania?
Several different entities may be held liable for a truck accident, depending upon the particular circumstances surrounding that accident. These liable parties may include — but not be limited to — any of the following:
- The driver of the truck
- The company that leased the truck to the driver
- The owner of the truck
- The trucking company
- Truck manufacturer
- The loading company
- The company performing truck inspection
- The company responsible for truck maintenance
How A Company’s Negligent Actions Can Contribute To A Trucking Accident In Pennsylvania
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, the truck driver or the company that hired the driver could be found negligent and liable for the injuries you sustained if it can be proven that their negligence caused the accident and your injuries.
A trucking company may be considered negligent in the following ways:
- Truck Maintenance: A failure to properly maintain the vehicle. This form of negligence may be exhibited by failing to inspect the truck, failing to make timely repairs, and failing to follow safety protocols for standard truck maintenance
- Faulty Truck Parts: A failure to replace faulty truck parts that were worn or recalled
- Negligent Hiring Practices: May be demonstrated by failing to check the driver has a valid commercial driver’s license and failing to properly inspect a commercial truck driver’s driving record
- Establishing Deadlines That Put Safety At Risk: requiring that drivers meet unreasonable deadlines causes drivers to stop less frequently, drive for longer periods of time without breaks, and contributes to driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents
Federal law provides that any company that owns a trucking permit can be held liable for accidents involving a truck that has the company’s placard or name displayed on the vehicle.
Common Causes Of Commercial Truck Accidents
While the circumstances surrounding each commercial truck accident is unique, there are several common causes of commercial truck accidents. These include the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperience
- Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
- Driving on unfamiliar roads
- Performing illegal maneuvers
If it can be proven that a truck driver or a trucking company’s negligence caused or contributed to an accident where someone was hurt, the at-fault party can be held accountable under personal injury law. Wondering if your truck accident was caused by company negligence? Contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. to arrange for a confidential case consultation.
Skilled Pittsburgh Truck Accident Attorneys Fight For Injured Accident Victims And Hold Negligent Companies Accountable
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries that require ongoing medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and other conditions that can have a life-long impact on the injured victim. Don’t be intimidated by trucking companies or large insurance companies; get the compensation you deserve.
With more than 50 years of experience, Goodrich & Geist, P.C. has a demonstrated track record of success in holding negligent companies accountable for the accidents they caused. Schedule a free confidential case evaluation with a member of our team today.
About Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Located in the western part of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is the county seat of Allegheny County. There are approximately 300,286 residents living in Pittsburgh’s city’s limits, ranking Pittsburgh the second largest city in Pennsylvania, and the 27th largest city in the United States. The population of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area ranks the region with the greatest number of people in both the Ohio Valley and Appalachia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents Due To Company Negligence In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Yes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes regulations for truck drivers, which varies depending upon whether the truck is carrying cargo or passengers. For example, federal law allows that — for truck drivers carrying property — there is an 11-hour driving limit. Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty. There is also a 14-hour limit: drivers may not drive more than 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty after following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
In most cases, the initial settlement offer put forth by an insurance company falls far below the amount of compensation you deserve for your truck accident injuries and other losses. Insurance companies reach out with these low offers soon after your accident in the hopes that you will accept whatever you can get to pay off your initial medical bills. But medical bills will likely continue to mount, medical treatment may be ongoing, and your initial settlement offer will fall short of covering your expenses. Before taking any action regarding a settlement offer, it is best to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney regarding your case.