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    Suing a Trucking Company After a Serious Crash: What Makes These Cases Different?

    Posted on | May 5, 2025 |
    Suing a Trucking Company After a Serious Crash: What Makes These Cases Different?

    A collision with a commercial truck can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and an uncertain future. But unlike a typical car accident, crashes involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles are legally and logistically more complex. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, understanding the unique challenges—and opportunities—of these cases is critical.

    At Wieand Law Firm, our experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyers know how to hold powerful trucking companies accountable and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve. In this article, we’ll explain why truck accident claims differ from car accidents, what makes them high-value, and how a Philadelphia truck accident attorney can help you navigate the road to recovery.

    Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

    Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. When a vehicle of that size collides with a passenger car, the results are often devastating. Victims frequently suffer:

    • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
    • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
    • Broken bones and internal injuries
    • Amputations
    • Long-term disability or wrongful death

    These injuries typically require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and result in lost income or the inability to return to work. This is why truck accident cases often involve high-dollar claims.

    How Truck Accident Lawsuits Differ from Car Accident Claims

    1. Multiple Defendants

    Truck accidents often involve more than just the driver. Liability may extend to:

    • The trucking company
    • A maintenance contractor
    • The cargo loader
    • The truck manufacturer (in case of a defect)

    A skilled Philadelphia truck accident lawyer will investigate all parties involved and determine who can be held legally responsible.

    1. Commercial Insurance Policies

    Unlike personal auto policies, commercial trucking companies typically carry multi-million-dollar insurance policies. That means more compensation may be available—but the insurance companies will fight harder to protect their bottom line.

    1. FMCSA Regulations

    Truck drivers and their employers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces rules on:

    • Hours of service (how long drivers can stay on the road)
    • Vehicle inspections and maintenance
    • Driver qualification standards
    • Cargo securement

    Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. A seasoned Philadelphia truck accident attorney will request logbooks, black box data, inspection reports, and driver records to uncover violations.

    1. Preservation of Evidence

    Time is critical in a truck accident case. Trucking companies may have key evidence such as:

    • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
    • Dash cam footage
    • GPS tracking
    • Driver drug and alcohol testing records

    An attorney can send a spoliation letter to preserve this evidence before it’s lost or destroyed—often the difference between winning and losing a case.

    Common Causes of Truck Accidents

    Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers often uncover that these crashes result from:

    • Driver fatigue due to hours-of-service violations
    • Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
    • Improper maintenance or defective parts
    • Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
    • Reckless driving or failure to brake in time
    • Unqualified or poorly trained drivers

    These are not mere accidents—they are often the result of systemic negligence by a company that puts profits before safety.

    High-Value Factors in Truck Accident Cases

    What makes a truck accident case “high value”? Several factors:

    • Severe injuries requiring long-term or lifelong care
    • Multiple liable parties with robust insurance coverage
    • Economic losses, including lost wages, medical bills, and diminished earning capacity
    • Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
    • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

    Our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys are experienced in building claims that fully reflect the short- and long-term costs of our clients’ injuries.

    How the Wieand Law Firm Builds a Strong Truck Accident Case

    When you hire Wieand Law Firm, you’re not just getting a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer; you’re getting a team that knows how to take on large corporations and their insurers.

    Here’s how we approach these cases:

    1. Immediate Investigation

    We launch a comprehensive investigation from day one—securing the crash scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence before it disappears.

    1. Demand for Records

    We demand access to evidence, which may include driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, dispatch instructions, and personnel files. This documentation often reveals critical safety violations.

    1. Expert Witnesses

    We partner with qualified professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and life care planners to fully assess the cause of the crash and the lifelong impact on your health and finances.

    1. Aggressive Litigation

    Whether negotiating with insurers or presenting your case at trial, we fight relentlessly to secure maximum compensation.

    Our reputation as trusted Philadelphia truck accident attorneys helps us settle many cases favorably—but we never hesitate to go to court when justice demands it.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Pennsylvania?

    In most cases, Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But don’t wait; critical evidence can be lost in weeks or even days.

    What if the truck driver was working for a company like Amazon or FedEx?

    These corporations often try to deny responsibility by claiming their drivers are “independent contractors.” An experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can review the potential legal options available in establishing liability.

    How much does it cost to hire Wieand Law Firm?

    We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs.

    Contact a Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney Today

    Truck accident victims face a long road to recovery—but you don’t have to face it alone. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crash with a commercial truck, the team at Wieand Law Firm is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

    📞 Call us now at 215-666-0402
    💻 Or visit Contact – Wieand Law Firm to schedule your FREE consultation

    Let an experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorney help you rebuild your life and hold negligent companies accountable.

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