Truck accidents in Pennsylvania are not uncommon, and it is a sad fact that numerous individuals lose their lives to such incidents every year, or are left with serious injuries. Being involved in a road accident can be life-changing and no matter how major or minor your physical injuries may be, the incident could have a profound effect on your confidence and your future.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid these incidents. No matter how careful and alert you are as a driver, you cannot predict everyone’s actions. Furthermore, when a big rig is involved in a crash, the damage is rarely self-contained and can often result in widespread chaos, affecting multiple vehicles.
Following such an incident, you may have many questions. What will you do next? How long will it take for you to recover? Who was at fault? It is natural to feel angry and upset, yet it is also important to consider your next steps carefully. Collect as much information as you can about the accident, including the contact details of those involved. All of these things can be helpful if you decide to take legal action.
As this article on personal injury explains, it is not only the driver and the trucking company that may be liable. In certain cases, other entities may also bear some responsibility. For example, if hazardous materials within the load were the cause of your injuries, the shipper could be liable if it is shown that they failed to inform the driver of the load’s nature.
Of course, every case is unique, so it can be extremely helpful to have guidance throughout the legal process. An attorney may be able to provide this support and offer advice on how best to proceed with your claim.