Q: If I have a truck accident while working, what damages can I collect?
We’ve all been there. You’re traveling along the interstate, sharing the road with the big rigs, and suddenly there’s a sea of red lights ahead. Traffic is at a standstill due to another accident causing a miles long backup. It seems the bigger the vehicles involved, the longer the delays– especially when there are tractor trailers turned over with their inventories sprawled along the roadway.
If you’re injured in a truck accident that is not your fault, you can commence a personal injury lawsuit against the party whose intentional, reckless, or negligent actions caused the accident and your resulting injuries. It’s important to seek counsel from an experienced truck accident attorney to maximize your compensation because accidents involving commercial rigs are subject to additional regulations designed to prevent accidents caused by:
- Fatigued truckers illegally driving too many hours
- Aggressive driving (speeding, tailgating, switching lanes)
- Improper maintenance (tires, brakes, running lights)
- Improper loading (overweight, unsecured or shifting cargo)
- Negligent hiring or training.
In addition to a possible personal injury lawsuit, if you were involved in an On-the-Job Auto Accident, you are entitled to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits, regardless of whether you were at fault in the accident. In general, Workers’ Comp benefits will cover medical bills as well as lost wages so workers can receive prompt medical treatment and financial assistance during the time they are recovering and unable to work.
An on-the-job truck accident occurred on August 16, 2016, when two big rigs heading south on Interstate 81 near the Susquehanna County line collided, crossed the median, and both ended up on the northbound side of the highway, leaving a trail of inventory strewn in their wake. Preliminary reports stated that due to an apparent mechanical issue, a slow-moving box truck hauling sea kelp– reportedly with its flashers on– was rear-ended by a tractor trailer carrying paper products. The two trucks and their contents caused a prolonged closure of the northbound side of the highway. Both drivers were reported injured and taken to a local hospital. If both drivers were employees, their medical bills and lost wages, if any, should be covered by Workers’ Comp. An investigation—and a skilled attorney– will determine if a personal injury case may also be appropriate.
The Law Firm of Louis P. Lombardi II and Associates, PC can help with your workers’ compensation claim, your car accident or other personal injury cases, or a wrongful death action. Contact us here or call 888-818-4343 for a free consultation. We serve clients in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, with convenient locations in the city of Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County and Chalfont, Bucks County.