Truck Accident Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

You may be entitled to compensation if you were involved in a truck collision in Pennsylvania. Before you decide to file a lawsuit you must know the procedure. There are several things you should know such as the most common causes of truck accidents, the legal process and the deadline for filing an action.

Common causes of truck accidents

In Pennsylvania many of fatalities and accidents occur on highways that are used for trucking. The trucking industry is the fourth largest employer in the state. It transports 1.2 million tonnes of freight every day. However these trucks can be extremely risky and could cause serious injuries and property damage.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety there were 166 deaths in large truck accidents in 2012. Fortunately, the number of heavy truck crashes has decreased over the last few years.

Big trucks are especially susceptible to accidents because they weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are difficult to maneuver because of their weight. They also have larger blind spots which can lead to deadly accidents.

Trucks need to be kept in good working order by their owners and operators. A lack of maintenance can result in serious accidents. There are other causes like defective equipment or roads in poor condition, that can contribute to a fatal truck accident.

truck accident lawyer New Castle (http://auragarage.com/auragarage/shop/bbs/Board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=105161) drivers are also at risk of accidents because of fatigued drivers. Commercial drivers often drive too fast. These drivers are also distracted which increases the chance of an accident.

In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported 6,573 major truck traffic crashes. Of those, 28 passengers were killed.

Fatigue is one of the main causes of truck accident lawyers Bethlehem accidents in Pennsylvania. Some drivers drive when they are exhausted, despite the dangers.

Shared-fault rules

The rules on sharing fault in Pennsylvania aren't always simple and straightforward. Although the state doesn't adhere to a strict contributory liability standard, the law allows you to claim damages even if partially responsible for the incident.

In Pennsylvania there are three basic ways to share the blame. One way is through the no-fault insurance system. You can also get limited tort coverage. In the end, you can take advantage of a third party's no-fault coverage to cover your losses. If you are not covered by the no-fault system you must adhere to the statute of limitations.

Choosing the best no-fault system can make a big difference in how much you can recover. For instance, truck accident lawyer New Castle a no-fault insurance policy for cars could save you lots of money if you're involved in an accident. This is especially true if the incident is not your fault. It's important to remember that if there is an accident where a truck driver is responsible you may claim the driver for any financial loss.

It is important to understand the legal requirements of your situation before you can determine the right no-fault policy. Not only will you be better off during settlement, but you will be less likely to sign an inadequate deal.

Before making a decision it is advisable to consult an experienced Pennsylvania lawyer for auto accidents. Having an experienced advocate to your side will assist you navigate the the legal system and will ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Rules of comparative negligence

Comparative negligence is a challenging concept to master however it can help you win your case. A knowledgeable lawyer for truck crashes is aware of the doctrine of comparative negligence.

There are a variety of types of comparative negligence. It is a notion that determines who is more responsible for a traffic accident. This is accomplished by looking at each party's contributions to the incident. Speeding, not noticing pedestrians, and not using headlights in extreme weather are some examples of contributing actions.

The evidence of comparative negligence is provided by proving how the defendant's actions contributed to. For example, if you ran a red light and cause a car accident and you are found to be at fault, you could be held liable for damages. You will not be entitled to compensation if the fault is greater than 50%.

You can still sue in the event that you were a part of the blame for the crash. You can sue the other driver if you are distracted while driving.

As you can imagine the jury will be weighing your respective contribution to the incident. If it comes down to the jury's decision, you won't get a million bucks, however, you'll be compensated for the injuries that you sustained.

One of the most interesting aspects of the process is determining who was the most responsible. Certain states have rules that permit juries to assign percentages of blame to parties in an accident. Pennsylvania is one such state.

Non-disclosure clauses

You could be asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement when you are involved in an Pennsylvania truck accident lawsuit. Most often, it is part of a release document you submit to your insurance company.

It is essential to know the legal implications of signing an NDA. Before signing an NDA, it is advised to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.

There are a number of reasons that a defendant might prefer to keep an issue private. One reason is to protect the company's reputation from possible lawsuits. Another reason could be to protect the public from finding out details about the defendant's negligent behavior.

Many states including Pennsylvania have adopted legislation to improve transparency. Non-disclosure clauses are a part of many settlement agreements. However it is crucial to remember that you are not able to force a non-disclosure agreement to be included in the settlement.

In addition to preventing you from divulging details of the settlement to the press, an NDA is also likely to cost the defendant. The violation of an NDA is typically punished with severe penalties

Some NDAs, for example, will require you to pay the entirety of your settlement. This is known as liquidated damages. In addition, certain NDAs will only need you to pay back the costs of medical treatment.

It doesn't matter if you are a plaintiffor a defendant or both, it is a good idea find out whether you must sign a non-disclosure agreement. This kind of agreement has been accepted by many courts as an ideal solution in certain circumstances. It can speed up the resolution process and reduce the liability of defendants in certain cases.

Punitive damages

You could be entitled to punitive damages when you suffer injuries in a car accident. Pennsylvania law permits you to recover money from the accident in exchange for damages. You can generally get compensation for the damages to your car as well as medical expenses and other out of pocket expenses.

You can also seek punitive damages against either the truck driver or the trucking accident lawyer Germantown company. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney who handles personal injury cases in your region to determine if you have a case.

Punitive damages are not awarded in all cases, but they are often awarded when the defendant's conduct is egregious. These damages are meant to discourage the defendant from repeating similar actions in the future. In order to collect these damages you must establish that the defendant was purposely uninformed about the rights of others.

While punitive damages are an excellent method of retribution for the defendant they can also be difficult to get. For example, you will need to provide evidence that the driver was reckless or negligent. This requires an exhaustive investigation. Most defendants settle before the trial because they are concerned that punitive damages will be awarded. This means that you'll not be able to collect more money after the settlement.

When you calculate damages, you can calculate the economic and non-economic losses you have suffered. Economic damages can include past and future medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages include mental and physical pain, scarring, and a decrease in your quality life.

Timeline to begin a lawsuit

If you've been involved in a truck collision in Pennsylvania you're probably thinking about what to do next. The first thing you need to be thinking about is when you should make a claim. Although it may be tempting to wait for your insurance company's settlement but it is best to get a skilled truck accident attorney to handle your case.

There are a variety of factors that play into the length of time required to file a lawsuit. For instance, if you wish to pursue a claim against an agency of the government you'll need to submit an six-month notice of intention to pursue a lawsuit.

You must file a car accident lawsuit within two year of the incident. The earlier you file it, the more evidence you'll have. This increases your chances of securing a settlement.

You'll also have to decide if you want to file your lawsuit in the arbitration chamber or the general docket. Each county has its own rules.

It's also wise to capture photos of the scene of the accident. These can be very helpful to your truck accident lawyer when you are ready to submit your claim.

A personal injury lawsuit could aid you in paying for expenses for medical treatment and lost wages. However, it could take several years to collect the money you require. Even if you're unable to bring your case to court, a knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in making the most of the insurance benefits.