Liable Parties in a Truck Accident
Liable parties in Pennsylvania truck accidents can include truck drivers, trucking companies, vehicle owners, truck maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, truck and parts manufacturers, and even other motorists involved in a crash.
These cases often involve multiple entities whose negligence has contributed to an accident. This makes thorough investigation of safety records and crash data vital to hold every culpable party accountable.
Investigations and Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents in Pennsylvania can result from a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Drowsy and distracted driving
- Speeding and tailgating
- Unsafe road maneuvers and lane changes
- Improper loading and driver training
- Vehicle maintenance failures
When investigating these collisions, a truck accident lawyer will take these factors into account while also reviewing PennDOT’s strict driver’s license requirements, relevant weight and size limits, and federal regulations such as the FMCSA’s hours of service (HOS) laws as outlined in 49 CFR §395.3.
As in all cases, providing high-quality evidence is imperative. The strongest pieces of evidence in these cases include:
- Official police reports
- Detailed photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Witness testimonies
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- Electronic Logging Device data
- On-board and engine information
- Truck inspection and maintenance logs
- Drivers’ qualifications and historical records
In serious collisions, expert analyses and accident reconstruction services may also be used to determine the true causes of a crash and the parties at fault.
Compensation in Pennsylvania Truck Accident Cases
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence laws, specified in 42 Pa. C.S. §7102, which allow you to recover damages for your accident as long as you are less than 51% at fault.
This means that even with multiple parties involved, you can be compensated as long as your determined fault sits below this threshold – although the full settlement will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility.
Because commercial trucking arrangements can be complex, identifying liability as soon as possible is essential. A skilled Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer will investigate every entity and factor involved to secure maximum insurance coverage and compensation.