Pennsylvania – December 2, 2020
Indiana County Pennsylvania was the scene of a head-on collision between two trucks resulting in fatal injury for one of the drivers. A tri-axle truck crossed the roadway, while navigating through some snow and ice, and collided head-on with the fatally injured driver’s pickup truck. Four other passengers in the pickup truck were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. Truck accident attorneyscan be of assistance when accidents result in catastrophic harm.
Fatal crashes.
In 2017, 4,657 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in the United States, more commonly caused by distracted driving, mechanical failures, driver fatigue, manufacturer defects, poor weather conditions, and cargo problems. Pennsylvania and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have specific insurance requirements for commercial carriers operating in Pennsylvania that may affect accident insurance payments for personal injury and wrongful death. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
A Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can assist with damage compensation by determining an amount that will cover economic loss, including lost wages, medical bills, medical care, and treatment, plus household expenses; and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or companionship. Punitive damages are sometimes awarded to punish the individual who caused harm, or injury and loss to the victim. They are contingent upon proving that a defendant deliberately, with reckless disregard, acted in a manner to cause harm to another person, and awarded on a case-by-case basis. Pennsylvania has a cap of $500,000 against local government claims, and a $250,000 limit on claims against the State.
Wrongful death.
In Pennsylvania, family members, or legal representatives must file a wrongful death legal action to secure compensation when a loved one dies because of the negligent, reckless, or deliberate act of another. A Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney can assist with damages in these lawsuits that may include:
- Medical bills and treatment,
- Funeral and burial expenses,
- Lost wages compensation,
- Compensation for pain and suffering,
- Punitive damages base on individual case.
- When personal injury, or wrongful death is caused by another’s actions in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations gives an accident victim two years to file a lawsuit from the date the injury occurred, was, discovered, or should have been discovered through reasonable care. An attorney can apprise individuals of any deviations from that timeline.
Hire a lawyer.
Contact a professional experienced accident attorney for a consultation, as they can research specific case facts and interpret trucking regulations, state, and federal law to support a case’s best outcome toward compensation for damages and injuries caused by the truck accident. Scanlon & Wojton will fight for an accident victim’s rights and are familiar with trucking industry regulations that will impact a case outcome.
Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law
The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Suite 510
Pittsburgh, Pa 15219
Phone: (412) 918-1241
Fax: (412) 235-7275