As many drivers can attest, winding up on the road near large vehicles – tractor trailers, garbage trucks, recycling trucks, delivery vehicles – can cause uncertainty and stress. Each of these vehicles has the ability to cause significant damage to people and property; all it would take is a faulty part or distracted driver to cause destruction on a wide scale.
This is especially true for vehicles like recycling trucks. These large machines are often confined to narrow streets or alleyways lined with cars where even a small deviation can cost residents or other drivers a lot of money. If you have been involved in an accident with a recycling truck, consulting legal help can mean the difference between success and failure when it comes time to seek compensation. The team of attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm can help you find the justice you deserve. Don’t wait; call us today at (215) 987-2167.
What to Do After a Recycling Truck Accident Happens in Philadelphia
If you have just been hit by a large vehicle, you are probably not thinking about the need to gather evidence. You are likely shaken up, possibly even injured, and your first thought should rightly be to seek medical attention. However, if you think you are physically able, you should try to get pertinent information from everyone involved, including any witnesses or law enforcement personnel. Focus on the following information:
- The full name, address, and phone number of the driver and any witnesses
- The truck driver’s license number and insurance information
- The name, address, and phone number of the truck’s owner and driver’s employer
- The name and badge number of the police officer who responds
- Record traffic and weather conditions at the scene
- Take pictures of whatever you can, including the layout of the street and position of the vehicles involved
Make sure to ask any law enforcement officers at the scene where and when you can obtain a copy of the accident report, as it is extremely important in any legal action you might decide to pursue. If the accident is a minor one and law enforcement decides not to respond to the scene, recording the above information is all the more important, as there may not be any official record of the accident otherwise.
Causes of Action After a Recycling Truck Accident in Philadelphia, PA
In the aftermath of a collision with a recycling truck, you could end up with mounting expenses and no vehicle. These huge vehicles can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and they could easily crush an unsuspecting car or strike a pedestrian with little to no warning. Because these trucks have sizeable blind spots and long stopping distances, they are often poorly suited to the unpredictability and fast-paced nature of city driving. This could lead to accidents for a number of reasons.
Investigators for any car accident must consider a complex web of factors when attempting to determine the allotment of blame. These incidents can be caused by faulty parts, distracted drivers, poor driving conditions, or any number of other circumstances. Figuring out the exact cause is an important step toward assigning responsibility.
Once the details of the accident have been established, you may find yourself up against several defendants, possibly including the driver of the truck, the driver’s employer, and the municipality where the accident happened. The case becomes more complex as the list of factors contributing to the accident begins to grow. Relying on the expertise of skilled legal counsel can help you navigate these rocky waters and obtain the award or settlement you deserve.
What to Consider When Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
When deciding whether or not to file a lawsuit, one crucial detail to remember is that Pennsylvania has imposed a statute of limitations on suits of this nature. The time limit to file, generally speaking, is two years from the date of the accident. There are some specific cases where the clock doesn’t start running until later – if, for instance, someone involved passes away days or weeks after the accident – but most legal action will have to be filed within two years of the day the accident occurred.
Because the state uses the “modified comparative negligence” rule when assigning blame, the amount you are ultimately awarded could be diminished by a certain percentage depending on whether you are found to be at fault. For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault for the accident, the amount of money you receive (either through a settlement of award) will be reduced by 30 percent; if the damages add up to $100,000, you will receive $70,000. Having someone on your side who knows how to argue fault in a Pennsylvania courtroom can lead to a more substantial payout at the end of the process.
Philadelphia Recycling Truck Accident Lawyers Offering Free Consultations
For more than 40 years, the attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have fought for the rights of the injured in Pennsylvania; to date, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. If you have been the victim of an accident involving a recycling truck, our experience can help get you just compensation from those responsible. Don’t fight this battle alone. Call The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 987-2167 and let us help you find relief.