How is fault determined in a truck accident?

Fault in a truck accident is established by analyzing a combination of evidence, including police reports, driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and witness statements. Unlike a typical fender-bender, truck accident investigations often involve multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, the employer, maintenance contractors, and even cargo loaders. Because trucking companies and insurers will move quickly to protect themselves, it’s essential to hire a truck accident attorney who knows how to secure and preserve critical evidence before it disappears. The sooner you involve our legal team, the stronger your case will be.

What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?

Truck accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the complexity of federal regulations that govern the industry, and the multiple parties who may be legally responsible. Injuries are typically more severe, and claims often involve aggressive insurance defense teams representing large commercial entities. An experienced truck accident lawyer from our team understands these intricacies and can develop a legal strategy that reflects the higher stakes and legal standards of these cases.

Who can be held liable in a Reading truck accident case?

Liability in a truck accident can extend far beyond the truck driver. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include the trucking company, the vehicle’s owner, third-party maintenance providers, shipping companies, or manufacturers of defective truck components. In some cases, multiple parties share legal fault. A knowledgeable attorney can identify all sources of liability and pursue compensation from each one to ensure that you are not left covering the costs of someone else’s negligence.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $80,000. This is another reason why hiring our truck accident attorney in Reading, PA, is so critical; insurance companies will often try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. A skilled attorney can push back against these tactics and present evidence to keep fault where it truly belongs.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Reading, PA?

Under Pennsylvania law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, building a strong truck accident case takes time. Critical evidence, like driver logs, black box data, and surveillance footage, can be lost or destroyed within weeks if not preserved through legal action. That’s why it's so important to

Reading Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Reading, PA Delivering Legal Advocacy in Berks County and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you need a Reading truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these high-stakes cases. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our legal team has built a reputation throughout Pennsylvania for providing aggressive, results-driven representation to truck accident victims. We know the roads of Reading, the tactics of insurance companies, and the devastating consequences these crashes can have on families.

Our firm has successfully handled truck accident claims ranging from jackknife collisions on the Warren Street Bypass to underride crashes on Route 422. With decades of collective legal experience and a record of securing substantial compensation for our clients, we are uniquely equipped to confront negligent trucking companies, demand accountability, and fight for the justice you deserve.

We recognize that in the aftermath of a serious truck accident, you’re likely dealing with overwhelming questions: Who will pay for the medical bills? Can I recover lost wages? How do I hold the trucking company responsible? You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our attorneys are here to provide strategic guidance, compassionate support, and tenacious advocacy from start to finish. When your health, livelihood, and future are on the line, you can count on us to take your claim seriously and pursue the maximum recovery on your behalf.

Types of Truck Accident Cases van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Handles in Reading, PA

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we offer strategic and comprehensive legal representation for truck accident victims in Reading, PA. Our attorneys understand the legal intricacies and unique factual issues that arise in truck crash litigation. We are familiar with the traffic conditions on local roads like Penn Street, the West Shore Bypass, and Route 422, and we use that knowledge to strengthen your case and maximize your recovery. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and trucking safety specialists to identify how your crash occurred and who is legally responsible.

Our firm handles a broad range of truck accident claims, including:

Reading blind spot accidents: These crashes occur when truck drivers fail to check their blind zones before changing lanes, often leading to devastating side-impact collisions.
Reading distracted driving truck accidents: We hold trucking companies and drivers accountable when distracted driving, such as eating, adjusting GPS, or using mobile devices, leads to a preventable crash.
Reading drunk driving truck accidents: Our firm aggressively pursues justice in cases where impaired commercial drivers cause serious harm due to alcohol or drug use.
Reading fatigued truck driver accidents: Drowsy driving is a chronic issue in the trucking industry, and we investigate violations of federal hours-of-service rules when driver fatigue contributes to a crash.
Reading truck driver error accidents: From speeding to following too closely, basic driving errors made by commercial truckers can have catastrophic results and we know how to prove it in court.
Reading improper truck maintenance accidents: When worn brakes, bald tires, or mechanical defects cause a crash, we trace the negligence back to trucking companies, maintenance crews, or third-party contractors.
Reading intersection truck accidents: Accidents at intersections often involve failure to yield, red-light running, or wide turns, each of which presents unique legal and evidentiary challenges.
Reading jackknife accidents: We handle complex jackknife crash claims involving both driver error and shifting cargo, which can cause a trailer to swing across multiple lanes of traffic.
Reading rear-end truck accidents: Given the weight of a commercial truck, even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries, and we fight to hold negligent drivers fully accountable.
Reading rollover truck accidents: These high-risk crashes frequently stem from overloaded trailers, sharp turns, or uneven cargo loads, and our firm has the experience to handle the intricacies of these claims.
Reading texting while driving truck accidents: Texting behind the wheel is illegal for commercial drivers, and we take immediate legal action when a distracted trucker’s phone use leads to a serious crash.
Reading wide turn accidents: When truck drivers misjudge a wide right turn and sideswipe or trap other vehicles, we work to demonstrate the driver’s negligence and pursue full compensation.
And more…No matter the circumstances, if a negligent truck driver or company contributed to your injuries in Reading, we are prepared to investigate thoroughly and litigate aggressively on your behalf.

Our legal team has the resources and tenacity to uncover the root causes of your accident and fight for the full financial compensation you’re entitled to. When you need a Reading truck accident lawyer who is deeply familiar with local crash dynamics and trucking industry standards, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim is here to help.

What You Should Do Following a Truck Accident in Reading

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. However, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can have a significant impact on both your health and the success of your future legal claim. As a trusted Reading truck accident lawyer, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim urges accident victims to follow the steps below to protect their safety and legal rights:

Immediate Checklist After a Truck Accident in Reading:

Call 911: Always report the accident to emergency responders and request police and medical assistance. A formal crash report will be critical to your case.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by medical professionals. Internal injuries and concussions may not show symptoms right away.
Do not admit fault: Avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting liability. Simply state the facts when speaking to police or others at the scene.
Document the scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, skid marks, signage, and any visible injuries.
Exchange information: Collect the truck driver’s name, license number, employer information, insurance details, and the truck’s DOT number.
Gather witnesses: Get contact information for any eyewitnesses, including bystanders or other drivers who saw the collision occur.
Preserve evidence: Keep medical records, bills, repair estimates, photos, and correspondence with insurers in a safe place.
Speak with our truck accident attorney immediately: Contact us as soon as possible to begin protecting your legal rights and building your claim.

Don’t Wait, Pennsylvania’s Legal Deadline Is Strict

Pennsylvania law generally gives accident victims two years from the date of the truck crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to act within this window could permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Additionally, evidence in truck accident cases, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and dashcam footage, can quickly disappear if not preserved. This makes it crucial to retain experienced legal counsel promptly to begin the investigation and secure the documentation necessary to prove liability.

Compensation You Can Seek

Truck accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries that create both immediate and long-term financial strain. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our goal is to pursue every dollar of compensation our clients are legally entitled to under Pennsylvania law. A skilled truck accident lawyer from our firm will evaluate your losses, estimate future costs, and demand full and fair compensation for your suffering.

Available Compensation in Reading Truck Accident Claims Includes:

Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, long-term care, and medical devices.
Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability resulting from the accident.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
Property damage: Payment for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
Loss of consortium: Damages available for spouses who suffer a loss of companionship and support due to their partner’s injuries.
Future damages: Anticipated medical costs, future surgeries, and ongoing therapy can be accounted for in the final settlement or verdict.
Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving, egregious safety violations, or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

No two truck accident cases are the same, and every injury impacts victims differently. That’s why our legal team builds customized claims tailored to the full extent of each client’s physical, emotional, and financial damages. When you work with a truck accident attorney in Reading, PA, from our firm, you can trust that we’ll fight aggressively for the maximum compensation allowed by law.

How van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is never easy. Victims often face mounting medical bills, prolonged time away from work, and aggressive insurance adjusters looking to minimize payouts. That’s why having our seasoned truck accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we don’t just handle your case, we take on the burden so you can focus on healing.

From the moment you contact our firm, we begin a thorough and strategic process designed to maximize your claim:

Comprehensive case evaluation: We’ll listen to your story, assess the facts of your accident, and determine the best course of action based on Pennsylvania personal injury law.
Independent investigation: Our team conducts a detailed investigation of the truck crash. We collect and analyze evidence such as police reports, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
Collaboration with experts: We work closely with accident reconstruction professionals, medical experts, and vocational specialists to establish liability and calculate damages.
Handling all communications: We communicate directly with insurance companies, trucking carriers, and legal representatives so you don’t have to. We safeguard your claim from tactics meant to undervalue or deny it.
Aggressive negotiation: We build a compelling case to seek a full settlement that covers your current and future needs. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re fully prepared to escalate.
Skilled Litigation: Unlike many personal injury firms, we are trial lawyers. If litigation becomes necessary, we will file suit and take your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.

You’ll never be left wondering where your case stands. We maintain open lines of communication and ensure you’re informed and empowered throughout every step of the legal process. When you need a truck accident lawyer who will advocate relentlessly on your behalf, our firm is ready to lead the charge.

Why Choose the Truck Accident Attorney in Reading, PA at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?

Choosing the right legal representation after a truck accident is one of the most important decisions you can make. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand the gravity of that choice and treat every client’s case with the urgency and personal attention it deserves. If you're seeking a reliable, proven truck accident attorney our firm offers a combination of strengths that sets us apart:

Decades of combined experience: Our legal team has successfully represented accident victims across Pennsylvania for decades, including numerous high-profile and high-stakes truck accident cases.
Personalized legal strategies: No two truck accidents are the same. That’s why we tailor each case strategy to the specific facts, injuries, and goals of the client involved.
Client-first philosophy: We’re not a volume-based law firm. We limit our caseloads so we can provide each client with individualized attention, detailed case development, and direct access to their attorney.
Aggressive courtroom advocacy: Insurance companies know that we’re not afraid to litigate. Our trial experience gives us the leverage to demand better settlements and to win when it counts.
Transparent communication: We believe in straightforward, honest communication. We keep clients informed at every step and take the time to answer questions thoroughly and respectfully.
Proven track record: Our results speak for themselves. From multi-million-dollar verdicts to favorable out-of-court settlements, we have consistently delivered meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Above all, our commitment is to you, the person behind the paperwork. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a serious truck accident takes. That’s why we fight as hard as we do: to restore your peace of mind, rebuild your future, and deliver the justice you deserve.

When you choose the truck accident attorney at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, you're choosing a dedicated legal team that values integrity, results, and unwavering advocacy.

About Truck Accident Claims in Reading

Truck accidents in Reading often occur along heavily traveled roadways such as Route 422, the Warren Street Bypass, Route 222, and Interstate 176. These corridors are frequently used by commercial freight vehicles and tractor-trailers traveling through Berks County, creating heightened risks for serious collisions. Narrow merges, construction zones, and dense traffic patterns contribute to a range of dangerous scenarios for both truck drivers and passenger vehicles.

As a result, victims of these accidents may suffer from a variety of injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, burns, and severe orthopedic trauma. These injuries are often life-altering and require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support. An experienced truck accident attorney understands how to connect the facts of the crash with the full extent of your losses, both economic and non-economic, to build a compelling claim for damages.

Contact The Experienced Reading Truck Accident Lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim for a Free Case Evaluation

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a commercial truck, do not wait to get the legal help you need. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our truck accident lawyer is ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options, all at no cost to you. We offer free, confidential consultations to help victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need to recover.

Take the first step toward justice today. Fill out our secure online contact form or call our office directly to schedule your consultation. We are here to stand up to trucking companies and insurance carriers on your behalf because you deserve nothing less than full accountability and a fair recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims in Reading

Fault in a truck accident is established by analyzing a combination of evidence, including police reports, driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and witness statements. Unlike a typical fender-bender, truck accident investigations often involve multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, the employer, maintenance contractors, and even cargo loaders. Because trucking companies and insurers will move quickly to protect themselves, it’s essential to hire a truck accident attorney who knows how to secure and preserve critical evidence before it disappears. The sooner you involve our legal team, the stronger your case will be.
Truck accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the complexity of federal regulations that govern the industry, and the multiple parties who may be legally responsible. Injuries are typically more severe, and claims often involve aggressive insurance defense teams representing large commercial entities. An experienced truck accident lawyer from our team understands these intricacies and can develop a legal strategy that reflects the higher stakes and legal standards of these cases.
Liability in a truck accident can extend far beyond the truck driver. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include the trucking company, the vehicle’s owner, third-party maintenance providers, shipping companies, or manufacturers of defective truck components. In some cases, multiple parties share legal fault. A knowledgeable attorney can identify all sources of liability and pursue compensation from each one to ensure that you are not left covering the costs of someone else’s negligence.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $80,000. This is another reason why hiring our truck accident attorney in Reading, PA, is so critical; insurance companies will often try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. A skilled attorney can push back against these tactics and present evidence to keep fault where it truly belongs.
Under Pennsylvania law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, building a strong truck accident case takes time. Critical evidence, like driver logs, black box data, and surveillance footage, can be lost or destroyed within weeks if not preserved through legal action. That’s why it's so important to contact our Reading truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Acting quickly not only protects your legal rights but also strengthens your chances of securing full compensation.

Notable Case Results

Always Pursuing the Best Possible Outcome

$1 Million

Assault Injury

$10 Million

Tractor-Trailer Accident

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In the Media

Throughout the years, our firm and our individual attorneys have been recognized in both local and national media for our extensive legal knowledge, experience, and record of success. Our attorneys frequently appear in the media to provide insights and information on various legal matters, including high-profile cases.

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Pillar of Strength for Our Clients

Unrivaled Record of SuccessWe have won tens of millions of dollars for injured victims, and have achieved countless "not guilty" verdicts for clients faced with criminal charges.
No Challenge Too BigOur firm has handled some of the biggest cases in the country, including representing the President of the United States.
Personalized RepresentationWe understand that every case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach based on the facts of the case and the needs of our clients.
Uncompromising PassionOur competitive nature is one of our strongest qualities. You can be confident that no other firm will outwork our team.
Holistic ApproachNot only do we want to excel legally for the client, but we also want to make sure we are strengthening their mind, body and spirit.
Supporting the CommunityOur team engages in many community events and regularly donates time and resources to many charitable organizations in Philadelphia.

Talk to Our Experienced Team

Home to Philadelphia’s most accomplished attorneys, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim pairs diverse practice experience with a passion-driven, comprehensive law practice—all for the client’s benefit.