Pottstown, PA Truck Accident Lawyers

Few collisions match the devastation of a truck accident. A tractor-trailer weighs dozens of times more than a standard passenger vehicle when fully loaded, creating the potential for severe and fatal injuries at any speed. Accidents that would be minor with two passenger vehicles, including rear-end collisions, can be fatal when a tractor-trailer is involved. With many U.S. highways and state routes running through Pottstown, you likely share the road with commercial trucks every single day. It’s crucial that you know what to do if you’re involved in a crash.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait any longer to seek legal counsel. Call Kingbird Legal at 484-289-4880 to set up a consultation with our team of Pottstown truck accident attorneys.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

The unusual size and structure of tractor-trailers put them at risk of a wide range of collision types. Each has its own risks and causes different types of damage. Some of the crashes you may see on Pennsylvania roads include:

• Rear-end: Rear-end collisions are fairly common across all types of vehicles, but they can have disastrous outcomes when a tractor-trailer is involved. Even if a tractor-trailer is moving very slowly, it can cause massive damage to the smaller vehicle in front of it in a rear-end crash.

• Tire blowout: Tractor-trailer tires are under an enormous amount of weight and pressure on every trip. When drivers and companies do not take the time needed to check for wear and tear, a driver may experience a tire blowout on the road. This often leads to the truck grinding to a halt and shutting down the entire highway.

• Underride: Underride accidents are among the most deadly types of truck accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle gets stuck underneath the side or rear of a tractor-trailer. The top of the vehicle is generally torn off as a result, causing the driver to lose all control of the vehicle. Fatalities are unfortunately very common in this type of collision.

• Jackknife: Jackknife collisions often occur when a driver swerves or overcorrects while avoiding an obstacle. The trailer swings out and away from the tractor of the vehicle, and as a result, the driver loses control of the vehicle.
• Rollover: The top-heavy nature of tractor-trailers means that rollovers are an ever-present risk.

The Added Dangers of Truck Collisions

While any type of crash can be fatal and cause massive amounts of property damage, the risk is significantly higher with truck accidents. There is a huge size disparity between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles. The occupants of the passenger vehicle bear almost all of the risk in a collision, leading to more severe and fatal injuries among this group. Additionally, cargo-related hazards could make an already dangerous crash even worse. If a truck is carrying hazardous chemicals or materials, it could become unstable or flammable when it hits the open air. This may lead to explosions and fires on the roadway, putting even more drivers and passengers in harm’s way.

Perhaps one of the greatest dangers of truck accidents is the fact that trucking companies go to significant lengths to protect themselves after a crash. Insurance companies of all stripes will do their best to limit their financial losses. In the case of a truck accident, both the trucking company and the insurance company are denying liability and doing whatever it takes to minimize their losses. This can make it incredibly hard for victims to get the compensation they deserve.

It’s also important to note the worrying truck accident trends in Pennsylvania. Collisions decreased after 2018, but that trend reversed in 2020. Since then, accidents have increased each year—and they now exceed those that we saw in 2018. In 2022 there were over 7,500 truck accidents, resulting in 145 fatalities—a five-year high.

Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Collisions

Injuries vary, depending on the speeds of both vehicles, the type of accident, and contributing circumstances. In general, you’ll see more severe injuries than you see in crashes only involving passenger vehicles. Commonly reported injuries include:

• Broken bones

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Cuts and abrasions

• Soft tissue damage

• Spinal cord damage
• Amputations

Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious, making it even more important to seek medical care after an accident. Taking the time to get to a local care provider, such as Patient First or Pottstown Hospital, can help you catch and begin treating internal injuries before they become fatal.

How Kingbird Legal Can Help You Fight for What You’re Owed

When you’re involved in a truck accident, choosing the right attorney is critical. Trucking companies spend a lot of money getting the legal representation they need to minimize their losses after a crash. On top of that, they also have their insurance company fighting their battles. That’s a lot to go up against, and without legal representation, you risk getting a settlement that doesn’t even cover your medical bills.

Our firm’s extensive experience with truck accidents has given us an in-depth understanding of federal regulations that limit how long truck drivers can be on the road, how often inspections must happen, and how cargo must be loaded. These regulations can be an important part of your claim if the driver was in violation of them at the time of the crash. We’ll gather the right evidence, look for violations, and use them to build the strongest case possible.

There’s a lot of money at stake in a truck accident. Trucks have sizable insurance policies, and you likely have a long list of expenses from the accident. Let us fight to help you get everything you deserve.

Ready to Fight for Compensation? Call Kingbird Legal

If you’ve been injured in a truck collision in Pottstown, find out how the team at Kingbird Legal can help you. Set up your free consultation now by calling us at 484-289-4880 or reaching out online.