Hazleton Truck Accidents Lawyers

Collisions between heavy tractor-trailers and smaller personal automobiles are among the deadliest accidents on Pennsylvania roads. Serious property damage, injury, disability and death are the consequence of this highway mismatch in size and weight.

The team of Hazleton trucking accident attorneys at Munley, Munley & Cartwright has built a national reputation representing Pennsylvania victims of tractor-trailer wrecks. Please contact a Munley, Munley & Cartwright lawyer online or by telephone at 1-800-318-LAW1 today.

In 2008, 192 Pennsylvanians died in accidents involving large trucks, representing 13 percent of all car accident fatalities in the state, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationwide, 101,000 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2007, and 73,000 of those were in a vehicle other than the truck, NHTSA data shows.

The trucking industry is a $646 billion giant with an unsteady reputation for safety. The federal government estimates that 750 deaths and 20,000 injuries a year may be caused by fatigued truck drivers.  In fact, experts say fatigue plays a role in almost half of all trucking accidents. The reason: many drivers spend a full day behind the wheel, and in some cases they forego sleep breaks to meet delivery deadlines.

According to a federal study, these factors are present in many truck wrecks:

• Prescription and over-the-counter drug use by truck drivers.
• Poorly maintained equipment, especially brakes or tires.
• Drivers' unfamiliarity with local roads.
• Vehicle size and weight. Larger trucks are more difficult to turn quickly, even when the driver is alert and the vehicle is properly maintained.
• Speeding, tailgating and other instances of careless driving.

The maximum weight of a tractor-trailer on America’s roads is 20 times that of the average automobile. When you’re in a crash with a tractor trailer, 18 wheeler or semi truck, you’re at an unfair disadvantage and injuries can be catastrophic. Victims of semi truck accidents face significant hurdles when attempting to file a claim against the trucking company. Trucking companies are only required by law to keep records for a short period of time, and key evidence can be lost unless you act quickly to preserve them.

Logs, toll receipts, tachometer records, bills of lading, and weight tickets need to be preserved to determine speed, weight and hours of service. Motor carrier accident reports, truck driver pre-trip and post-trip check lists, record of duty status, violations and many records too numerous to mention must be obtained as soon as possible. Many of these are time-sensitive, and if we can’t subpoena them within a short time, the trucking company will destroy them.

Under Pennsylvania's laws, if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Whether we’re gathering evidence by preserving driver and truck records, consulting with you on legal strategies, or representing you in negotiations with insurance agents, our Hazleton tractor trailer accident lawyers can help you receive monetary compensation for medical costs, lost income, expenses, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured because of a large truck accident.

If you have been hurt, or a loved one has died as the result of an accident involving a tractor-trailer, semi or other large truck, you need the help of Hazleton trucking accident attorneys who have the experience and resources to protect your rights. Do not permanently lose your right to seek damages from those who caused you harm.  Please contact our Hazleton truck accident lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright. Call 1-800-318-LAW1 today or contact us online.