Why You Need a Lawyer After a Semi-Truck Accident

If you or someone you love was injured in a semi-truck accident in Montgomery County, you might be entitled to significant financial recovery. However, legal matters that arise in semi-truck accidents are often much more elaborate than other types of accidents. The same applies to the extra dangerous nature of the accident, which typically results in extensive property damage and catastrophic injuries. Consequently, pursuing compensation without a lawyer is a considerable undertaking, especially when you’re suffering after a traumatic event.

The good news is there are lawyers who specialize in representing semi-truck accident victims. You may be wondering whether you should hire a lawyer or if you’re even eligible for an award after your accident. Regardless of what stage you’re at, here are three valid reasons why you need a lawyer after a semi-truck accident.

The Trucking Industry Is Subject to Strict Regimens

The trucking industry—companies, drivers, and employers—must adhere to rigorous safety standards and regulations from local, state, and federal commercial driving laws. They must also abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation’s procedures and protocols, which require commercial trucks and drivers to follow various requirements, such as:

  • Operating within set hours of operation
  • Performing maintenance for trucks
  • Presenting the necessary qualifications and training
  • Undergoing inspections
  • Keeping daily logbooks

An attorney familiar with the regulations that govern the operation of commercial vehicles can help determine if any of these provisions were violated. Violations stemming from insufficient truck maintenance and working beyond the established hours of service are some of the most common. Having an attorney who can pinpoint your accident’s precise cause and its effect on your life can expedite the claims process.

Establishing Fault and Liability Is Tricky

Depending on the specific violations, there may be multiple parties who bear liability. While a truck driver may have been speeding at the time of your accident, their employer may be held liable if their driver was operating over hours or in harsh weather conditions. Perhaps both the truck driver and their employer followed an appropriate maintenance schedule, but the mechanic failed to inspect and repair the truck properly. In this instance, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against that mechanic.

It may even be the case that the semi-truck involved in your accident was transporting goods to another state, but their load was not adequately secure. In such an event, the cargo loaders may be held accountable for failing to pack and load shipments correctly. Because the cause of your accident can be traced back to several different parties, it makes sense to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to investigate your case effectively.

Trucking Insurance Policies Work Differently

When multiple parties are involved, multiple insurance companies come into play. Trucking companies, drivers, employers, owners, cargo loaders, and mechanics must hold specific insurance policies and coverages. Understanding which insurance company to file a claim with on top of handling your own insurer can be extremely overwhelming.

You can expect each insurance company to exhaust every possible angle to deny liability or pay out as little as possible. Insurance companies act in their best interests, not in the victim’s interest. Without legal assistance, you may accept an insultingly low offer and get stuck having to manage an endless amount of paperwork and negotiations.

Trusted Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers in Montgomery County, PA

All of the above points provide compelling reasons for why you need a lawyer after a semi-truck accident in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The competent truck accident attorneys Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., will be an indispensable asset to your personal injury case. We are fully aware of the strict responsibility imposed on the trucking industry and the complex technical and investigation principles often necessary to unearth what and who caused your accident.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we strive to help accident victims and their families cope with their losses by aggressively and compassionately caring for their legal needs. We achieve this by cultivating personal and professional relationships with our clients, where transparency, communication, and respect are valued. As a highly esteemed and recognized personal injury firm in Southeastern Pennsylvania, you can trust that our team has the resources and manpower to get you results. Call (215) 822-7575 or complete a confidential contact form to schedule a consultation today.