East Norriton Truck Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in East Norriton

Truck accidents in East Norriton can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help victims and their families recognize negligence and take legal action against the responsible parties. At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, our East Norriton truck accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating truck accident cases, identifying the root causes, and holding negligent parties accountable.

Below are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in East Norriton:

1. Truck Driver Fatigue

Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, many truck drivers push beyond legal limits due to tight delivery deadlines and pressure from employers. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of causing catastrophic accidents. When trucking companies fail to enforce rest breaks or encourage drivers to exceed limits, they can also be held liable for negligence.

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers must remain highly focused on the road, but distractions such as texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS can lead to deadly consequences. A distracted truck driver who takes their eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause a high-impact crash, injuring multiple people. Our truck accident attorneys in East Norriton, PA, aggressively pursue claims against negligent drivers who engage in distracted driving.

3. Equipment Failure and Mechanical Defects

Trucks require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they are safe for the road. When brakes fail, tires blow out, or steering components malfunction, serious accidents can occur. Common mechanical failures that contribute to truck accidents include:

• Brake system failures
• Defective tires leading to blowouts
• Transmission and engine malfunctions
• Steering or suspension defects
  If a mechanical failure causes a truck accident, the trucking company, maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer may be held liable.

4. Improper Cargo Loading

Cargo that is overloaded or improperly secured can shift during transit, causing a truck to lose balance and potentially roll over. In addition, unsecured cargo may fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers. Trucking companies and cargo loaders must follow strict regulations when loading freight. When they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for any accidents that result.

5. Lack of Proper Truck Maintenance

Federal and state laws require trucking companies to perform regular inspections and maintenance on their fleet. However, some companies cut corners to save time and money, allowing dangerous vehicles to stay on the road. A poorly maintained truck with failing brakes, worn-out tires, or broken lights increases the risk of an accident. Our East Norriton truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate maintenance records to determine if negligence played a role in your crash.

6. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers often face pressure to meet delivery deadlines, which can lead to excessive speeding and reckless driving behaviors such as:

• Tailgating smaller vehicles
• Making unsafe lane changes
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield to other drivers
  Speeding increases stopping distances and makes it harder for truck drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, leading to severe accidents.

7. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Truck drivers are held to strict standards regarding drug and alcohol consumption, yet some still operate their vehicles under the influence. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair a truck driver’s reflexes, coordination, and decision-making skills, putting everyone on the road at risk. If a truck driver caused an accident due to intoxication, our truck accident attorneys in East Norriton, PA, will work tirelessly to hold them accountable.

8. Inexperienced or Unqualified Truck Drivers

Trucking companies have a responsibility to hire qualified drivers who have the proper training and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). However, some companies cut corners by hiring inexperienced drivers or failing to provide adequate training. Poorly trained drivers may not know how to handle hazardous road conditions, navigate turns properly, or respond to sudden emergencies, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

9. Poor Road Conditions and Hazardous Weather

Uneven pavement, potholes, missing road signs, and construction zones can contribute to truck accidents. Similarly, hazardous weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. While these factors are sometimes unavoidable, truck drivers and trucking companies must take precautions, such as reducing speed and maintaining safe distances, to prevent crashes.

10. Jackknife and Rollover Incidents

Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often leading to a loss of control. Rollovers happen when a truck tips over, often due to sharp turns, excessive speed, or unbalanced loads. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous and often involve multiple vehicles.

What You Should Do Following a Truck Accident in East Norriton

Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming and traumatic. However, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your safety, strengthen your case, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, our East Norriton truck accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in East Norriton, follow this essential checklist:

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

• Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Move to a safe location if possible, without leaving the scene. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid further danger.
• Follow all medical advice. Even if you don’t feel injured, seek a medical evaluation. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, can take hours or days to show symptoms.

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

• Always call the police. A police report is crucial evidence in truck accident cases. Officers will document the crash scene, take statements, and determine if any laws were violated.
• Obtain the police report number. This will help you access the official accident report later, which your truck accident attorneys in East Norriton, PA, will use to build your case.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can Do So Safely)

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including:
• Vehicle damage (yours and the truck)
• Road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals
• Any visible injuries
• License plates and identifying marks on the truck (such as USDOT numbers)
• Collect witness contact information. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony about what happened.
• Exchange information with the truck driver, but do not admit fault. Obtain:
• Driver’s name, phone number, and address
• Trucking company’s name and contact details
• Insurance information
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number

4. Do Not Admit Fault or Discuss the Accident

• Avoid making statements to the trucking company or their insurance adjusters. Anything you say can be used against you.
• Do not sign anything or accept a quick settlement offer without speaking to an attorney.
• Stick to the facts when speaking to the police—never speculate about what caused the accident.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

• Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, but avoid providing recorded statements until you've spoken with a lawyer.
• Be cautious of insurance adjusters. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to minimize your claim or deny liability. Let your East Norriton truck accident lawyers handle all communications on your behalf.

6. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in East Norriton

• Truck accident claims are complex, often involving multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers.
• An attorney can launch an immediate investigation, preserving crucial evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and trucking company maintenance records.
• Our truck accident attorneys in East Norriton, PA, are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

7. Be Aware of Pennsylvania's Legal Time Limits for Filing a Claim

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is:

• Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims.
• Two years for wrongful death claims if you lost a loved one in a truck crash.

Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to seek compensation. However, truck accident cases involve extensive investigations, so it’s critical to act quickly. The sooner you contact our East Norriton truck accident lawyers, the stronger your case will be.