Pottstown Truck Accident Attorney

Protecting Accident Victims in Montgomery, Chester & Berks Counties

Truck accidents can be life-changing events that lead to severe injuries, expensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Pottstown, it’s essential to understand your rights and seek the assistance of an experienced Pottstown truck accident injury lawyer. At Mayerson Injury Law, P.C., we specialize in helping individuals and families recover the compensation they deserve after a truck accident.

Our team of skilled attorneys is committed to providing you with the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We have a deep understanding of truck accident laws in Pennsylvania and have successfully represented numerous clients in truck accident claims.

Call (610) 492-7155 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to a collision involving a commercial truck, which is typically much larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles. These trucks can include semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and even buses. Given their size and weight, truck accidents often lead to devastating consequences, including serious injuries and fatalities.

Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: In rear-end collisions, a truck strikes the vehicle in front of it. These accidents often occur when a truck driver is following too closely behind another vehicle, fails to maintain a safe following distance, or is unable to stop in time due to braking issues or distractions.
• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the truck's trailer swings out to form a sharp angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding knife. These accidents can be caused by slippery roads, sudden braking, or improper maneuvering.
• Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in serious accidents. Poorly maintained tires, overloading, or road debris are common causes of tire blowouts.
• Rollovers: Rollovers occur when a truck flips onto its side or roof. These accidents often happen due to speeding, sharp turns, or uneven weight distribution within the truck’s cargo.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks are often involved in accidents when they take wide turns, either because the driver is unfamiliar with the area or doesn't adequately signal their intentions. These accidents can involve pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.
• Underride Accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back or side of a truck, and the car ends up underneath the truck's trailer. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the vehicle can become crushed beneath the truck.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on truck collisions happen when a truck and another vehicle crash directly into each other. These accidents are extremely hazardous and often result in fatal injuries due to the sheer force of the impact.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are various factors that contribute to truck accidents, many of which involve negligence or unsafe driving practices. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours behind the wheel and tight delivery schedules often cause truck drivers to become drowsy, leading to poor decision-making and slower reaction times.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-cab technology, can cause truck drivers to lose focus on the road. Distractions can significantly increase the likelihood of a truck accident.
• Speeding: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet deadlines, and speeding is a common result of this. However, speeding reduces the driver's ability to react quickly and increases the severity of an accident.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use by truck drivers is a significant cause of accidents. Many truck accidents result from impaired drivers who fail to operate their vehicles safely.
• Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks are large, complex vehicles that require regular maintenance to ensure they are in proper working condition. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can contribute to accidents if proper maintenance is neglected.
• Overloaded Trucks: When trucks are overloaded, it can cause them to become difficult to control, especially in terms of braking and turning. Overloading can also lead to tire blowouts and other equipment failures.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can make driving hazardous, especially for large trucks. Poor weather can impair visibility, increase stopping distances, and make it harder for truck drivers to stay in control.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in other types of motor vehicle accidents. Several parties may be responsible for the accident, including:

• The Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent or violated traffic laws, they may be held liable for the accident. This can include actions like speeding, driving under the influence, or failure to follow safety regulations.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and follow the regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If the trucking company failed to maintain their trucks, overworked their drivers, or did not properly vet employees, they may be liable for the accident.
• Truck Manufacturers: If the truck accident was caused by a defect in the truck, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be held liable for the accident.
• Cargo Loaders: In cases where an improperly loaded truck caused the accident (such as a rollover due to unbalanced cargo), the company responsible for loading the truck may share liability.
• Government Agencies: If a truck accident occurs due to poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage, government agencies may be liable for the accident.