A Harrisburg Truck Accident Lawyer That Gets Results
The truck accident wreckage we witness on the nightly news has devastating consequences for our community members. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds. When it collides with a passenger vehicle, it can result in property damage, catastrophic injuries, and loss of life.
It would be unfair for the victims of these horrific crashes to shoulder excessive medical bills, lose wages, and experience diminished quality of life. That’s why it’s vital to contact a Harrisburg truck accident lawyer.
At Wapner Newman, our truck accident lawyers in Harrisburg take big insurance corporations and trucking operations to task to ensure you get the full, fair compensation you deserve.
If you or a family member suffered a loss, contact a Wapner Newman truck accident attorney today.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Harrisburg
Selecting the right truck accident lawyer to represent your long-term interests should not be taken lightly. There is an abundance of personal injury and general practice firms willing to take a truck crash case. For some, it looks like an easy payday that simply involves negotiating a settlement. But nothing could be further from the truth.
The victims and families of a severe truck crash often settle the case for a fraction of its true value. Leaving money on the table means you and your family would not get fair compensation. When you work with a Harrisburg truck accident attorney who knows what you are entitled to, freight transportation and insurance corporations won’t come out on top. These are some reasons why Wapner Newman has the right truck accident lawyers in Harrisburg:
- Trial Experience: Insurance companies have been forced to pay millions in awards after our trial lawyers took them to court. They are inclined to resolve accident cases fairly rather than lose the case and pay legal fees.
- Focus: Because we place a laser focus on truck accident cases, our firm has built relationships that benefit our clients. We also possess niche expertise about how to access the legal system and get results. Our clients don’t suffer delayed justice.
- Expertise: We put our investigative and expert witness resources to work for our community members. Opposing lawyers and their corporate clients understand that a judge and jury will get the facts and insight into the losses crash victims suffer.
- Free Consultation: Our legal professionals understand this can be a difficult time for you and your family. We try to reduce the pressure involved in hiring a truck accident lawyer by providing a free consultation.
At Wapner Newman, we successfully resolve truck accident cases by holding all the negligent parties accountable. They have the option of settling for the full amount they owe or else we will see them to court.
How Our Harrisburg Truck Accident Lawyers Help
Our legal team works closely with people who have been harmed by reckless drivers every day and understand the very personal challenges they face. We assign a compassionate truck accident attorney to work closely with you throughout the process. You can expect us to:
- Perform a comprehensive evaluation and investigation of your case
- Build your case on police reports, video evidence, documents, and witness statements
- Be prepared to bring in experts to support your case
- Identify all responsible parties and file claims against them.
- Handle the paperwork, court filings, and ongoing negotiations.
One of the greatest benefits of working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Harrisburg involves stress reduction. We handle the legal burdens and give you the time needed to heal.
What You Need to Know About Truck Accident Claims in Harrisburg
Following a truck collision, an insurance adjuster or corporate lawyer may try to broker a quick settlement with you. They know you may be out of work and face mounting bills. It’s essential not to get taken advantage of by settling the case for pennies on the dollar. Promptly contact a truck accident attorney in Harrisburg and have a case evaluation performed.
Below are other things victims of truck crashes typically learn by meeting with one of our lawyers.
How Liability Works in a Truck Accident Case
Pennsylvania is considered a “choice no-fault” state, and you usually file a claim with your own provider first. By law, motorists are required to carry an insurance plan that covers $15,000 per injured person per crash, $30,000 total per crash, and $5,000 for property damage. In-state motorists are also required to have a minimum of $5,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Getting slammed into by an 18-wheeler weighing upwards of 80,000 pounds and traveling at high speed quickly exceeds those limits. That’s when Pennsylvania’s “modified comparative fault” rule comes into play.
The courts look at the percentage each driver contributed to the cause of the accident. The degree to which the trucker was responsible helps determine the monetary compensation. Although the other side’s attorney may try to blame you, these are issues we address to push back and succeed.
- Duty: Commercial driver’s license holders have an obligation to exercise caution and avoid collisions.
- Breach: We show how the commercial driver failed in their duty to act responsibly.
- Cause: We link their actions or omissions to the losses you and your family suffered.
- Damages: You are entitled to recover out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, reduced future earnings, anticipated medical expenses, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Although these four tenets seem relatively straightforward, proving liability in these cases can be complicated. Many freight carriers and logistics operations are from other states, as are many of the drivers and their insurance companies. Along with tracking down liable parties, we may need to investigate the effect of defective truck parts and failed recalls. The number of annual Class 8 commercial motor vehicle part recalls is staggering.
Ways Our Harrisburg Truck Accident Attorney Demonstrates Liability
The good news is that our many years of truck accident cases have given our firm a wealth of practical knowledge. We know where to look for instances of negligence in the trucking industry. Records regarding document mileage, hours of service, types of loads, weights, and inspections can be acquired through a court-ordered discovery filing. This evidence tells a story that includes the following.
- Hours of Service: Although the federal government limits how long a trucker can stay behind the wheel, driver fatigue continues to contribute to crashes.
- Loads: An overloaded commercial vehicle cannot stop within an expected number of feet. If the freight is not evenly distributed, the warehouse that loaded it may also bear responsibility.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also maintains a Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database that tracks drivers who use illicit substances or operate under the influence. In 2022, there were more than 71,000 drug and alcohol violations. If the other driver has a drug and alcohol history, or should not have been driving, we’ll make sure a jury knows. That information goes a long way toward establishing damages.
Call an Experienced Harrisburg Truck Accident Lawyer
At Wapner Newman, our tenacious Harrisburg truck accident attorneys work diligently with valued members of the community to make sure you receive the full, fair compensation you deserve.
If you were injured by a reckless trucker, or a family member lost their life due to a catastrophic crash, we’re here for you. Call (215) 569-0900 or schedule a consultation online.
FAQs About Harrisburg Truck Accidents
What should I do after a truck accident?
The first thing you should do is a health and wellness check. Call the authorities and get prompt medical attention. Once you are out of harm’s way, call a truck accident lawyer.
Am I at fault if I was in the truck’s blind spot?
The short answer is no. Trucks have multiple mirrors, and drivers are trained to change lanes and turn safely. It’s wise to stay out of blind spots, but the vehicle that changed lanes or turned made the contact.
How much can a Harrisburg truck accident attorney recover?
Skilled truck accident lawyers in Harrisburg can estimate awards based on losses, negligence, and other factors. Once the other party or parties are deemed liable, you can anticipate recovery for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, diminished capacity, and future losses.
Can I file a truck accident claim if a family member was killed?
If the tragic crash resulted in the wrongful death of a family member, you can certainly file a wrongful death lawsuit. The parent, spouse, or child of the person may have the legal standing to file the claim. It’s prudent to consult with a truck accident attorney in Harrisburg to determine who has the legal right.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
The state has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury filings. It’s best to contact a Harrisburg truck accident lawyer following the collision. Taking prompt action helps to gather accurate witness statements and evidence to support a claim.