Truck Accidents Attorneys in Altoona, Pennsylvania

At Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith in Altoona, Pennsylvania, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a truck accident. When you're faced with physical injuries, medical bills, and lost income, it can feel impossible to know where to turn. 

We serve clients throughout the Blair County area, including Tyrone, Frankstown, Hollidaysburg, Williamsburg, Gallitzin, Cresson, Claysburg, Huntingdon, and Bellwood. We're here to guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you need after a truck accident in Pennsylvania.

Truck Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, high medical costs, and emotional turmoil. The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that when a collision happens, the consequences can be life-changing. 

Pennsylvania laws offer victims of truck accidents the right to pursue compensation, but this process requires a clear understanding of liability and how to build a strong case. We're here to make that journey as straightforward as possible.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for several reasons. Understanding the cause can play a big role in determining liability. Some of the common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often under tight deadlines, leading to exhaustion. Fatigue is a serious issue that affects concentration and increases the chances of collisions. Fatigue can reduce reaction times and impair decision-making, causing accidents.

• Distracted driving: Any distraction, from cell phones to eating, can increase the likelihood of an accident. Distracted driving prevents drivers from responding quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

• Improper maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to stay safe. Failing to perform routine checks can lead to equipment failures that put everyone on the road at risk. Poor upkeep of brakes, tires, or other critical parts can lead to dangerous situations.

• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: If a truck is overloaded or cargo shifts during transit, it can cause loss of control or rollovers. Proper loading is crucial to maintaining balance and preventing accidents, especially on turns.

Your Rights After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, victims have several rights under Pennsylvania law. According to the site for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a major right is to seek compensation for injuries and damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. 

However, asserting these rights can be challenging due to the multiple parties often involved, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of faulty parts. We’re here to make sure your voice is heard and your case is pursued diligently.

Determining Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are different from car accidents because there are usually more parties involved. Potential parties that could be liable include:

1. The truck driver: If the driver was negligent—through speeding, fatigue, or impaired driving—they can be held responsible. Holding the driver accountable is often the first step in seeking justice for accident victims.

2. The trucking company: Employers can be liable for the actions of their drivers, particularly if they encourage unsafe practices like extended hours or improper training. Companies are also responsible for keeping their drivers in compliance with safety regulations at all times.

3. Maintenance providers: Companies tasked with maintaining the truck might be at fault if improper or insufficient maintenance leads to the accident. Maintenance providers must perform thorough checks to avoid potential mechanical failures.

4. Cargo loaders: Incorrectly loaded cargo can make trucks unstable, leading to accidents. Cargo loaders must follow strict guidelines to see that the load is properly balanced and secured.

Determining liability involves thorough investigation, including gathering evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. We use all available resources to pinpoint exactly who is responsible for your injuries.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Handling a truck accident claim without legal help can be challenging. Trucking companies and their insurers often have significant resources at their disposal to minimize payouts. 

We know how these insurers operate, and we’re ready to stand up to them to help get you fair compensation. Our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.

Steps We Take to Build Your Case

When handling a truck accident claim, we take several key steps to build a strong case:

1. Investigating the accident: We’ll collect evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary. This comprehensive approach helps build a clear picture of what happened and why.

2. Analyzing documentation: We review driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to identify any violations or points of negligence. Thorough analysis is key to determining if any regulations were violated leading up to the accident.

3. Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies will often try to settle quickly for less than you may need. We work tirelessly to make sure all of your losses are properly accounted for during negotiations. We negotiate on your behalf to make sure all damages are fully accounted for.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Truck accident victims in Pennsylvania may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can include:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for current and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication. These expenses can add up quickly, making it important to pursue full compensation.

• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work, as well as loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment. This can also include vocational rehabilitation if you need to switch to a different career.

• Pain and suffering: This type of compensation addresses the emotional toll and physical pain experienced as a result of the accident. Emotional suffering often lasts well beyond physical recovery, making it an important aspect of your claim.

• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other damaged property. We make sure all property losses are properly documented and included in your claim.

Why Choose Us?

We know how important it is to have someone you can trust when facing a tough legal battle. At our firm, we make ourselves accessible to our clients, providing updates and answering questions every step of the way. 

Truck accidents are complicated, but you shouldn’t have to face this challenge alone. With our experience in personal injury cases, we’ve handled numerous truck accident claims, and we're committed to delivering dedicated service to each client.

Filing Deadlines for Truck Accident Claims

In Pennsylvania, truck accident claims fall under the state's statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Generally, this means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. 

Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, which is why it’s so important to act quickly. We’re ready to start working on your case immediately, which gives us the chance to file all paperwork on time and correctly.

Common Challenges in Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident claims present unique challenges compared to other types of motor vehicle accidents. One challenge is dealing with multiple insurance companies, each trying to shift liability elsewhere. 

Another difficulty lies in obtaining evidence—such as black box data—that’s often in the trucking company’s possession. We understand these hurdles and know how to work through them effectively to help your claim succeed.

How We Can Help You Move Forward

After a truck accident, many victims feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and physical recovery. Our firm is here to shoulder the legal burden so you can concentrate on getting better. 

We handle everything from filing paperwork and investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to trial if necessary. We’re on your side, from start to finish.

The Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney

Hiring a truck accident attorney brings a lot of benefits, particularly if you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. We help protect your rights, make sure no deadlines are missed, and build a strong case so you receive the compensation you're entitled to. 

Moreover, having an attorney on your side often means insurance companies take your claim more seriously, leading to fairer outcomes.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you should have someone who will fight for your rights and be with you every step of the way. Our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need. Call us today at Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith to set up a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you during this challenging time.