West Chester, PA Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are relatively rare—while you may see dozens of car accidents every year on West Chester roads, it is likely that you only see a handful of truck accidents during that time. Truck drivers are heavily screened, and their work is tightly regulated specifically to prevent accidents. But when accidents do occur, they can be catastrophic. It’s not uncommon for truck accidents to cause severe injuries, total multiple vehicles, and damage roadways and other public property.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you could end up with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills—not to mention lost wages and damage to your vehicle. It is crucial to work with a West Chester, PA truck accident lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Kingbird Legal at 484-289-4880 to schedule a time to talk to our team now.

Pennsylvania’s Trucking Industry

Pennsylvania has a robust trucking industry. As a motorist in West Chester, you’ll likely see more than your fair share of 18-wheelers passing through town via US 202, US 322, or another major roadway. 

Pennsylvania has the third-highest amount of truck drivers in the country, with over 88,000 drivers as of 2020. That number is expected to reach 93,000 by 2030. Pennsylvania’s intricate transportation network makes it a natural trucking hub for this part of the country; there are more than 120,000 miles of highway in the state, and the region offers quick and convenient access to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and other major metro areas.

What does this mean for you? Be cautious when driving, especially if you’re driving at night. While the majority of truck drivers are well-trained and take proper precautions, you never know when you’ll encounter a driver who is fatigued, impaired, or simply inexperienced.

The Dangers of West Chester, PA Truck Collisions

What makes truck collisions so much more dangerous than other types of vehicle collisions? There is a massive disparity between the size of a commercial truck and the size of a standard passenger vehicle. If you encounter a fully loaded tractor-trailer, it’s likely dozens of times heavier than your passenger vehicle. When there’s that type of size difference, any type of impact can be catastrophic.

Truck accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries. The occupants of a smaller vehicle in a crash are at significant risk of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and complex fractures. In some of these cases, victims’ injuries turn out to be fatal. Beyond the bodily harm a truck accident can cause, these collisions often leave massive amounts of property damage in their wake. Not only are smaller vehicles likely to be totaled, but the roadway, medians, guardrails, signs, and other public property may also be destroyed.

Coming face-to-face with such a severe accident can have a profound impact on victims’ mental health. Even if a victim isn’t left with catastrophic injuries, the fear of death that comes with such a close encounter can follow them for years.

Factors That Complicate Truck Accident Claims in West Chester, PA

Even though truck accidents can cause so much severe damage, victims often have a hard time getting the compensation they deserve. There are numerous factors that make these claims far more complex than other types of collisions. First, there are more parties involved in causing or contributing to a truck collision. Beyond the drivers involved, there’s the truck driving company, the company’s insurance, the company’s legal team, and the owner of the cargo. This means more red tape to deal with before you can get compensation.

There are also many federal regulations controlling how truck drivers work and what type of documentation they must keep. While this can complicate your claim, it can also provide important evidence if the driver or company failed to adhere to these regulations.

As a general rule, there is much more evidence involved in truck accidents than other types of collisions. Electronic logging devices, truck log books, accident scene photos, and eyewitness testimony all take time to gather, preserve, and analyze.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

Victims of West Chester truck accidents are able to fight for fair compensation by working with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and how much damage you can prove, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage
• Future lost earning opportunities and medical expenses if your injuries are severe enough to keep you from working

Remember, insurance companies are not going to do the right thing and pay out your settlement unless they have to. This is an especially big risk in a truck accident, where you have the trucking company’s insurance company and their legal team fighting to protect them from liability or at the very least, minimize their losses. It is essential to have your own advocate.

How the Team at Kingbird Legal Can Help You

At Kingbird Legal, we understand the devastation caused by truck accidents in West Chester and throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you suffered severe injuries yourself, lost a loved one in a truck collision, or are battling a combination of physical and mental health issues, we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you’re owed.

A lot goes into a truck accident case. From analyzing the crash scene photos and video footage to talking to eyewitnesses and looking at electronic logging data, we know what it takes to create a strong case that holds the negligent party accountable. You’re likely facing significant medical bills, unexpected lost income, and a totaled vehicle. Don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. Choose Kingbird Legal, where our experienced truck accident attorneys will fight aggressively to protect your best interests.

Start Your West Chester, PA Truck Accident Claim with Kingbird Legal

The sooner you contact us after a truck accident, the sooner we can begin investigating your accident and fighting for you. Let’s start with a free consultation so we can learn more about your collision and your losses. From there, we’ll develop a plan that will hold the other party responsible for what they’ve done. Take the first step now by contacting us online or calling us at 484-289-4880.