When Disaster Strikes on the Highway
The moment after a semi-truck collision changes everything. Your world turns upside down in seconds, leaving you injured, confused, and wondering what happens next. A
big rig accident lawyer becomes your most valuable ally during this overwhelming time.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash and need guidance right away, remember these critical first steps:
contact an attorney before talking to insurance companies,
find someone with specific commercial trucking experience,
choose a lawyer who works on contingency so you pay nothing unless you win,
verify they understand federal trucking regulations, and
ensure they can investigate immediately while evidence is fresh.
The harsh reality of physics makes these crashes particularly devastating. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck meets your passenger vehicle, the outcome is often catastrophic. Texas highways see thousands of these crashes yearly, with hundreds of lives lost and many more forever changed. The math is simple but frightening—a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs 20-30 times more than your car.
As one truck accident attorney compassionately explains, “No amount of money can replace someone you love, but fair compensation can help with the financial burdens you’re facing and provide security for your family’s future.”
Truck accidents bring challenges that regular car crashes don’t. You’ll face mounting medical expenses, lost income, aggressive insurance adjusters, and complex legal questions all at once. These cases involve federal transportation regulations, multiple potentially responsible parties, and corporate defense teams that spring into action within hours of the crash.
Finding the right
big rig accident lawyer isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for protecting your rights. A qualified attorney knows how to steer federal trucking regulations, preserve critical evidence like electronic logging device data before it disappears, and has the resources to stand up against powerful trucking companies and their insurance carriers.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know after a commercial truck accident—from understanding what makes these cases unique to identifying an attorney who will truly fight for you when you need it most.
Understanding Big Rig Accidents: What Makes Them Different
When a massive commercial truck collides with your car, you’re not just dealing with an ordinary accident. The sheer physics alone tell a sobering story. A fully loaded big rig can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds—about 20 times heavier than your family sedan. This dramatic weight difference transforms what might be a minor fender-bender between two cars into a potentially life-altering event.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these behemoths need 20-40% more distance to stop compared to your car, even in perfect conditions. Add rain, snow, or ice to the equation—common challenges on Pennsylvania roads—and that stopping distance grows alarmingly longer.
“Commercial trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles,” a transportation safety authority points out. “Their high center of gravity makes large rigs prone to rollovers, and significant blind spots around trucks can hide smaller vehicles from the driver’s view.”
The world of commercial trucking operates under strict federal oversight for good reason. Truck drivers and their employers must steer a complex web of regulations covering:
- Hours drivers can legally work before resting
- Specific driver qualification standards
- Detailed maintenance requirements
- Proper cargo securing methods
- Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
- Electronic logging device requirements
When these rules are broken, they often create a clear path to establishing negligence—but only if your
big rig accident lawyer knows how to find and preserve this evidence before it disappears.
Common Types of Big Rig Wrecks
Understanding how truck accidents happen helps explain their devastating nature and legal complexity:
Jackknife Accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings outward at a 90-degree angle to the cab, typically during improper braking or on slippery roads. These dramatic crashes often involve multiple vehicles and can shut down entire highways.
Underride Collisions represent some of the deadliest scenarios on our roads. These happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. While federal regulations require underride guards, they frequently fail to prevent catastrophic injuries.
Rollovers happen because of a truck’s high center of gravity, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. A fully loaded trailer dramatically increases this danger—imagine trying to balance a heavy box on a pencil while moving.
Blind Spot Crashes stem from the significant “no-zones” around commercial trucks where drivers simply cannot see surrounding vehicles. These blind spots extend much further than those in your car, creating danger zones on all sides of the truck.
Wide Turn Accidents happen because semi-trucks need considerable space for right turns, often swinging left first before turning right. Cars caught between the turning truck and the curb face potentially deadly consequences.
Rear-End Collisions become particularly devastating when a truck’s extended stopping distance comes into play. When fatigue or distraction affects a truck driver, the results can be catastrophic for smaller vehicles ahead.
Scientific Causes & Federal Oversight
The FMCSA’s comprehensive Large Truck Crash Causation Study reveals several key factors behind commercial vehicle accidents:
Driver Fatigue remains a persistent danger despite hours-of-service regulations. One attorney who holds a commercial driver’s license notes, “Driver fatigue, unfortunately, contributes to tens of thousands of unfortunate and senseless injuries on American streets every year.”
Maintenance Failures account for roughly 10% of all large truck crashes. Brake problems, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions frequently lead to preventable accidents that cause serious injuries.
Distracted Driving poses significant risks when truck drivers use mobile devices or in-cab technology. Federal regulations specifically prohibit commercial drivers from using handheld devices while driving, recognizing the heightened danger.
Improper Loading creates hazards when cargo shifts during transport, potentially causing drivers to lose control. Overloaded trucks require greater stopping distance and face higher risks of mechanical failures.
Weather Conditions demand adjusted driving from commercial operators. When truck drivers fail to slow down during rain, snow, or fog, this constitutes negligence under federal regulations.
The FMCSA enforces these safety standards through roadside inspections, compliance reviews, and significant penalties for violations. However, economic pressures often push companies to cut corners—whether by encouraging drivers to exceed safe hours or postponing vital maintenance. These decisions, made in corporate offices, can have devastating consequences on the highway.
Scientific research on crash causation provides valuable insights into preventing these accidents and holding responsible parties accountable when they occur.
12 Immediate Steps After a Big Rig Collision
The moments following a truck crash can feel like a blur of chaos and confusion. What you do in those critical minutes, hours, and days can make all the difference in your recovery – both physical and financial. Here’s your roadmap for navigating the aftermath of a collision with a commercial truck:
Your first priority should always be safety.
Call 911 immediately after a crash, even if injuries seem minor. Commercial truck accidents often cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, and having emergency responders on scene quickly can save lives.
Once emergency services are on their way,
seek medical attention right away. Many serious injuries – including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage – may not show symptoms until hours or days later. As one truck accident survivor shared, “I felt fine at the scene, but by that evening, I could barely move. Thank goodness I went to the ER when I did.”
If you’re physically able,
document the scene thoroughly. Take photos from multiple angles showing vehicle positions, damage patterns, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence often speaks volumes about how the crash occurred and who bears responsibility.
“The truck’s identifying information is absolutely crucial,” notes a transportation safety advocate.
Identify the truck and company by recording the USDOT number (typically visible on the cab), license plate, and any company names or logos. This information helps your
big rig accident lawyer identify all potentially liable parties.
Bystanders who witnessed the crash can provide invaluable, unbiased accounts of what happened.
Gather witness information including names, phone numbers, and email addresses before they leave the scene. Their testimony may prove essential, especially if liability is disputed.
When police arrive, cooperate fully but stick to the facts. Later,
obtain the police report and review it carefully for accuracy. This official document often carries significant weight in insurance negotiations and legal proceedings.
Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies.
Avoid recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with your attorney. These recordings can be used to minimize your claim or shift blame your way. A simple “I’ll be happy to discuss this after speaking with my attorney” protects your interests.
Your damaged vehicle contains valuable evidence.
Preserve evidence by leaving your vehicle unrepaired until your attorney has arranged for proper examination. The pattern of damage often tells the story of how the crash occurred and can contradict false narratives.
As you begin recovery,
document your injuries carefully. Keep a daily journal noting pain levels, limitations, treatments, and how your injuries affect everyday activities. Photograph visible injuries as they heal – these visual records can powerfully communicate your suffering.
Financial impacts add up quickly after a truck crash.
Track expenses by saving every receipt and bill related to the accident. Medical costs, transportation expenses, property damage, and lost wages should all be documented for your claim.
Perhaps most importantly,
contact a qualified attorney with specific experience handling commercial truck accidents. At Metzger Wickersham, our team is available 24/7 to respond to truck accident emergencies because we understand how quickly crucial evidence can disappear.
Once retained, your
big rig accident lawyer should immediately
send a spoliation letter to the trucking company. This legal notice demands preservation of all evidence related to the crash – from driver’s logs and black box data to maintenance records and drug test results.
“The trucking industry has rapid response teams that deploy to accident scenes within hours,” explains a veteran truck accident attorney. “They’re not there to help you – they’re there to minimize the company’s liability. Having your own advocate levels the playing field.”
Taking these twelve steps won’t just protect your legal rights – they’ll give you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most: healing and rebuilding your life after a traumatic crash.
How Fault & Liability Are Decided in Texas Truck Crashes
Pennsylvania, like Texas, follows a modified comparative fault system. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, though.
“Under modified comparative fault, the other party must be more than 51% at fault for you to recover damages, and your award is reduced by your percentage of fault,” explains a legal authority on truck accident cases.
Truck accidents are rarely straightforward when it comes to determining who’s responsible. Multiple parties often share the blame:
- The truck driver might be liable for driving while fatigued, violating hours-of-service rules, speeding, or operating under the influence
- The trucking company typically bears responsibility under vicarious liability – they’re generally responsible for their employees’ actions during work hours
- Cargo loaders or shippers could be at fault if improper loading caused the truck to become unstable
- Maintenance providers might share blame if poor repairs or neglected maintenance led to mechanical failure
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers could be liable if defective equipment contributed to the crash
- Government entities sometimes bear responsibility for poorly designed or maintained roadways
What makes these cases particularly challenging is the web of competing interests. Each potentially liable party typically has their own insurance company and legal team working hard to shift blame elsewhere. This creates a complex situation that requires skilled legal navigation from an experienced
big rig accident lawyer.
Key Evidence Your Big Rig Accident Lawyer Will Collect
The success of your truck accident case often depends on gathering and preserving crucial evidence before it disappears. A knowledgeable
big rig accident lawyer will immediately take steps to secure:
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data reveals a driver’s hours behind the wheel, rest periods, and other operational information. This data can uncover hours-of-service violations that contribute to driver fatigue.
Black box data from the truck’s Electronic Control Module records critical information like speed, braking patterns, and other operational data before and during a crash – similar to an aircraft’s black box.
Driver qualification files contain important records including commercial license information, driving history, medical certifications, and drug/alcohol testing results.
Maintenance and inspection records can reveal whether the truck received proper maintenance and if known mechanical issues were addressed before the crash.
Cell phone records might show whether the driver was distracted by their phone at the time of the accident.
Dash cam footage is increasingly common in commercial trucks and may have captured the entire accident sequence.
Weight tickets and cargo records can reveal whether the truck was overloaded or improperly balanced – both serious safety violations.
“Evidence that may be obtained during the investigation can include police reports, driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records,” notes a truck accident litigation authority.
At Metzger Wickersham, our team includes investigators who know exactly what evidence to look for and how to secure it properly. We frequently collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking safety professionals, and engineers to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
Statute of Limitations & Other Deadlines
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident lawsuit. This statute of limitations is strict – miss this deadline, and you typically lose your right to seek compensation through the courts forever.
However, several exceptions and special circumstances may significantly shorten this timeline:
If a government entity is involved (such as a municipal truck), you may need to file a notice of claim within just 6 months.
Wrongful death claims related to truck accidents have their own specific deadlines that must be strictly observed.
Insurance policies often require notification within days or weeks of an accident – much sooner than the statute of limitations.
Missing these critical deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, which is why contacting a
big rig accident lawyer promptly after an accident is so important. At Metzger Wickersham, we help our clients steer these deadlines while they focus on what matters most – their recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
After a devastating truck accident, you deserve fair compensation for every way your life has been affected. The financial strain alone can be overwhelming, but Pennsylvania law recognizes that your losses extend far beyond just medical bills.
Medical expenses form the foundation of most truck accident claims. This includes everything from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy. Importantly, your compensation should cover not just your current bills, but also
future medical care you’ll need for ongoing treatment.
“When we calculate medical damages, we have to think long-term,” explains one truck accident attorney. “Some injuries from big rig crashes require lifelong care or periodic surgeries years down the road.”
Your ability to earn a living matters too.
Lost wages compensation replaces the paychecks you missed while recovering, including overtime, bonuses, and benefits. For many truck accident victims, the impact on earning potential extends far into the future. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your former job or working at all,
diminished earning capacity damages help bridge that financial gap.
The physical suffering from truck accident injuries can be intense and prolonged.
Pain and suffering damages acknowledge this reality, providing compensation for the physical discomfort and reduced quality of life you’ve endured. Similarly, the emotional toll of a traumatic crash can be profound.
Emotional distress damages address the anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances that often follow serious accidents.
Your damaged or destroyed vehicle and other personal property aren’t forgotten either.
Property damage compensation covers repairs or replacement of your car and any valuable items that were inside it during the crash.
Serious injuries affect not just you, but your closest relationships.
Loss of consortium damages recognize the strain placed on marriages and family bonds when injuries limit your ability to provide companionship, support, and intimacy.
In cases where a trucking company or driver acted with extreme negligence or recklessness,
punitive damages may be awarded. These additional damages serve to punish particularly bad behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Damages Are Calculated
At Metzger Wickersham, we use a thorough approach to calculate the full value of your truck accident claim. For economic damages like medical bills and lost income, we gather documentation and work with medical and financial experts to project future costs.
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering require a different approach. These are typically calculated using either a multiplier method (where economic damages are multiplied by a factor based on injury severity) or a per diem method (assigning a daily rate for your suffering).
For catastrophic injuries common in
big rig accident cases—like brain trauma, spinal damage, or severe burns—these calculations become particularly complex. That’s why our team often collaborates with life care planners, vocational experts, and economists to build a complete picture of how your injuries will affect you financially and personally over your lifetime.
Consider this real-world example of how earnings might be affected after a serious truck accident:
| Category |
Pre-Injury |
Post-Injury |
Lifetime Loss |
| Annual Income |
$60,000 |
$25,000 |
$35,000/year |
| Working Years Remaining |
25 |
25 |
25 years |
| Total Expected Earnings |
$1,500,000 |
$625,000 |
$875,000 |
| Benefits & Retirement |
$450,000 |
$187,500 |
$262,500 |
| Total Economic Impact |
|
|
$1,137,500 |
This table illustrates just one aspect of potential damages. When you add medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other impacts, the total compensation needed to make you whole can be substantial.
Your
big rig accident lawyer will help ensure nothing is overlooked in valuing your claim. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe in thoroughly documenting every aspect of your losses to fight for the full compensation you truly deserve—not just what an insurance company initially offers.
Choosing the Right Big Rig Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes involve specialized knowledge and substantial resources. Here’s what to look for:
When you’re recovering from a traumatic truck collision, finding the right legal advocate shouldn’t add to your stress. The attorney you select should have
deep knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and understand how violations can establish negligence. At Metzger Wickersham, our attorneys have spent years working with these complex regulations and can explain how they impact your specific situation.
Truck accident cases demand prompt, thorough investigation before evidence disappears. Look for a firm with the
resources to deploy investigators immediately after your crash. Your attorney should be ready to secure electronic data, interview witnesses, and consult with qualified experts who can reconstruct what happened.
“When you’ve been injured in a big rig accident in the area or anywhere in the state, finding the right attorney is essential to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve,” notes a legal authority.
A strong
track record with commercial vehicle cases specifically matters more than general personal injury experience. During your consultation, ask about similar cases they’ve handled and their outcomes. Past results don’t guarantee future performance, but they do indicate an attorney’s familiarity with the unique challenges these cases present.
While most cases settle, the willingness and ability to take a case to trial often results in better settlement offers. Insurance companies track which lawyers actually try cases and which ones typically settle quickly – and they adjust their offers accordingly. A
big rig accident lawyer with courtroom experience sends a powerful message to the defense team.
Most reputable truck accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. This arrangement aligns their interests with yours and provides access to justice regardless of your financial situation. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe everyone deserves quality representation, not just those who can afford hourly rates.
Your attorney’s communication style matters tremendously. You deserve someone who explains complex legal concepts clearly and keeps you informed throughout what might be a lengthy process. Pay attention to how the attorney and their team interact with you from the very first call. Do they listen carefully? Do they answer your questions thoroughly? These early interactions often predict the relationship you’ll have throughout your case.
Questions to Ask a Prospective Big Rig Accident Lawyer
When sitting down with potential attorneys, a thoughtful conversation reveals much about their capabilities. Ask how many commercial truck accident cases they’ve handled and what outcomes they achieved. Look for specific examples, not vague assurances about “winning millions.”
Inquire about their approach to investigating truck accidents. A knowledgeable
big rig accident lawyer should mention securing electronic data, maintenance records, and driver logs immediately – before this crucial evidence disappears.
Find out who will personally handle your case. At some firms, you meet with a senior partner but your case gets handed to a junior associate. At Metzger Wickersham, we use a team approach but ensure you always have direct access to the attorney managing your case.
Ask whether they’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Some lawyers primarily seek quick settlements to move on to the next case. You want someone willing to go the distance if that’s what your case requires.
Discuss how they stay current on changes to trucking regulations. The regulatory landscape evolves constantly, and your attorney should be committed to ongoing education about these important rules.
Ask what experts they typically work with on truck accident cases. Listen for mentions of accident reconstructionists, trucking safety experts, medical specialists, and life care planners – all crucial allies in building a strong case.
Finally, request an honest assessment of potential challenges in your case. A forthright discussion of difficulties demonstrates experience and strategic thinking, while unrealistic promises should raise concerns.
Red Flags When Interviewing a Big Rig Accident Lawyer
Trust your instincts when meeting with attorneys. Be wary of those who make specific promises about the outcome or value of your case before thoroughly investigating. No ethical attorney can guarantee results, especially during an initial consultation.
Be concerned if you notice a lack of specific knowledge about federal trucking regulations. If you mention terms like “hours of service” or “ELD mandate” and get blank stares, that’s a warning sign.
Proceed cautiously with attorneys who have no verifiable record of successful truck accident cases. Commercial vehicle litigation requires specialized knowledge that comes only through experience.
Watch out for high-pressure tactics to sign a retainer agreement during the initial consultation. A reputable
big rig accident lawyer will give you time to consider your options and compare firms.
If an attorney cannot clearly explain their fee structure or seems evasive about costs, consider it a red flag. Transparency about finances is essential in establishing trust.
Be skeptical of lawyers who seem more interested in settling quickly than maximizing your recovery. While a fast resolution might sound appealing, it rarely results in full compensation for catastrophic injuries.
“A good truck accident lawyer isn’t enough,” cautions one legal authority. The complexity of these cases demands attorneys who focus specifically on commercial vehicle litigation and have the resources to stand against corporate defense teams.
At Metzger Wickersham, we understand that choosing an attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a truck accident. We welcome your questions and encourage you to interview multiple firms before making your choice. Your future may depend on this decision – it deserves careful consideration.
The Legal Process Timeline: From Claim to Courtroom
Truck accident cases follow a predictable path, though the journey is rarely quick. Understanding this timeline helps you prepare mentally and emotionally for what lies ahead.
Most cases begin with a thorough investigation. During the first 1-3 months, your
big rig accident lawyer collects critical evidence, interviews witnesses, and consults experts to build your case. This foundational work is essential—rushing this stage often leads to weaker claims.
“The investigation phase is where cases are truly won or lost,” explains one attorney with decades of trucking litigation experience. “We’re not just gathering facts—we’re building the narrative that will either convince the insurance company to settle fairly or persuade a jury at trial.”
While this investigation unfolds, your medical treatment continues. Your attorney tracks your progress, collects records, and documents how your injuries affect your daily life. This medical documentation forms the backbone of your damages claim.
Once your medical condition stabilizes (typically 2-4 months after the accident), your attorney prepares a comprehensive demand package. This document outlines liability, details your damages, and proposes a settlement amount. Think of it as your case’s first impression—it needs to be thorough and compelling.
The negotiation dance then begins. For 1-3 months, your attorney and the insurance companies exchange offers and counteroffers. Many cases resolve during this phase, but trucking companies and their insurers often resist fair settlements initially.
If negotiations stall, your attorney files a lawsuit. This formal legal action doesn’t end settlement talks, but it does signal your willingness to go the distance. Filing suit also triggers the findy phase—a 6-12 month period where both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and depositions.
Throughout litigation, settlement discussions continue. Most courts require mediation—a structured negotiation with a neutral third party—before allowing a case to reach trial. These sessions often produce settlements, even in cases that seemed destined for court.
Should your case be among the small percentage that go to trial, your attorney will spend 2-3 months preparing exhibits, practicing witness examinations, and crafting arguments. The trial itself typically lasts 1-2 weeks, culminating in a verdict that determines liability and damages.
Even after a verdict, post-trial motions and appeals may follow, potentially extending the process by months or years.
“Truck accident cases rarely resolve quickly,” notes one litigation authority. “The average timeline from injury to resolution ranges from 18 months to three years, with complex cases sometimes taking longer.”
At Metzger Wickersham, we balance efficiency with thoroughness. We won’t unnecessarily drag out your case, but we also won’t rush to settlement before we’ve built the strongest possible claim.
Insurance Company Tactics & How Your Big Rig Accident Lawyer Counters Them
Insurance companies aren’t in business to pay claims—they’re in business to make profits. Understanding their playbook helps you avoid common traps.
The “quick settlement” offer arrives like clockwork, often before you’ve even left the hospital. These early offers almost always undervalue your claim, hoping to catch you when financial pressure feels most intense. Your
big rig accident lawyer will evaluate these offers against the true value of your case, protecting you from accepting pennies on the dollar.
Recorded statements represent another common tactic. Claims adjusters call, sounding sympathetic, asking for “just a quick statement to process your claim.” What they’re really seeking are inconsistencies or admissions they can use against you. At Metzger Wickersham, we handle all communication with insurers, shielding you from these subtle interrogations.
Delay tactics emerge when quick settlements fail. Insurance companies know that bills pile up while cases drag on. They may “lose” documents, request unnecessary information, or simply slow-walk the process, hoping financial pressure will force you to accept less. We counter by maintaining steady pressure through procedural deadlines and, when necessary, court intervention.
Liability disputes arise in nearly every case. The trucking company might claim you changed lanes without signaling or were texting while driving. Your attorney gathers evidence—from witness statements to electronic logging device data—to establish what really happened.
Medical treatment challenges follow a predictable script: “Was that MRI really necessary?” “Couldn’t you have tried physical therapy instead of surgery?” “These treatments seem excessive.” Your lawyer works with your healthcare providers to document the medical necessity of your treatment, preserving your right to complete care.
In serious injury cases, surveillance becomes a concern. Insurance companies may hire investigators to photograph or video you, hoping to catch moments that contradict your injury claims. Your attorney will prepare you for this possibility and ensure your medical records accurately reflect your good days and bad days.
“The insurance industry playbook hasn’t changed much in decades,” observes one truck accident litigation veteran. “What has changed is our ability to anticipate and counter these tactics with technology, thorough documentation, and aggressive advocacy.”
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve spent over 135 years going toe-to-toe with insurance companies. Their tactics don’t surprise us—they motivate us to fight harder for the full compensation our clients deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring a Big Rig Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania
What if I am partly at fault?
Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule means you’re not automatically disqualified from receiving compensation if you share some responsibility for the accident. As long as you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Think of it this way: if your total damages amount to $100,000, but evidence suggests you were 20% responsible for what happened, your actual recovery would be $80,000. This is precisely why having a knowledgeable
big rig accident lawyer by your side matters so much. They’ll work diligently to minimize your assigned percentage of fault by presenting compelling evidence and crafting a strategic narrative about how the accident truly occurred.
“The difference between being assigned 20% fault versus 40% fault can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your recovery,” notes one attorney who regularly handles these complex cases.
Can family sue after a fatal big rig crash?
Yes, when a loved one is tragically lost in a truck accident, certain family members have legal options through a wrongful death claim. In Pennsylvania, these claims are typically initiated by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, though they’re filed on behalf of the family beneficiaries.
Wrongful death compensation helps address both the emotional and financial aftermath of losing someone you love. Recoverable damages often include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided to the family
- Loss of guidance, companionship, and emotional support
- Compensation for pain and suffering experienced before death
While nothing can truly replace a loved one, these claims serve an important purpose. As one compassionate attorney put it, “Legal action can provide financial stability during an incredibly difficult time and ensure your family doesn’t face financial hardship on top of emotional devastation.”
How long do settlements typically take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for truck accident settlements. Each case follows its own path depending on several key factors. Straightforward cases sometimes resolve in 6-12 months, while more complicated situations involving severe injuries or multiple responsible parties might take two years or longer.
Several factors influence how quickly your case might conclude:
Your ongoing medical treatment often determines timing—we need to understand your full prognosis before accurately valuing your claim. Cases with multiple liable parties naturally involve more complex negotiations. The strength and clarity of liability evidence can either streamline or extend the process. Insurance companies’ willingness to offer fair settlements varies dramatically. And if court becomes necessary, local docket schedules come into play.
At Metzger Wickersham, we understand you want resolution, but we also know that rushing can cost you significantly. We strike a careful balance—moving efficiently while ensuring we secure the full compensation you deserve. As one client shared, “They took the time needed to get it right, and I’m grateful they didn’t rush to a quick settlement that wouldn’t have covered my needs.”
Conclusion
The aftermath of a big rig accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With over 135 years of experience, Metzger Wickersham has been helping Pennsylvania accident victims steer the complex legal landscape following commercial truck crashes.
Our client-focused approach means we’re available 24/7 to respond to your needs. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
When you choose Metzger Wickersham as your
big rig accident lawyer, you gain a dedicated team of professionals who will:
- Respond quickly to preserve critical evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Work with qualified experts to build your case
- Advance all costs of litigation on a contingency basis
- Keep you informed and involved throughout the process
- Fight tirelessly for your full and fair compensation
The trucking industry and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests from the moment a crash occurs. You deserve equally powerful representation on your side.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means time is of the essence. Contact Metzger Wickersham today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your truck accident case. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Your journey to justice and recovery starts with a single phone call. Let us help you steer the road ahead.
