Media Truck Accident Lawyers

Collisions with massive 80,000-pound tractor-trailers on roads like Baltimore Pike or I-476 can leave victims with life-altering injuries and mounting medical bills. If you or a loved one has been affected, the Media truck accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC are here to provide legal guidance and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Physics plays a major role in the severity of truck crashes. An 80,000-pound semi traveling at just 55 mph carries 20 times more kinetic energy than a typical 4,000-pound car. Even at moderate speeds, this energy can shear through vehicle frames, cause deadly underride accidents, or trigger fires from ruptured saddle tanks.

Truck traffic is particularly heavy along U.S. Route 1, Route 252, and I-476 (the Blue Route), where tight merges, commuter congestion, and sudden braking increase the risk of chain-reaction collisions. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and burns. The lifetime cost of care for a C-7 spinal cord injury alone can exceed $5.6 million.

What Pennsylvania Laws Provide Extra Protection?

The Commonwealth enforces strict trucking regulations to minimize risk:

• Special permits and fees for overweight or oversized loads.
• Maximum trailer lengths (53 feet for single trailers).
• Restricted routes during high-traffic holidays.

If a trucking company fails to comply with these rules, it could face negligence claims if a crash occurs.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Liability in truck accident cases often extends far beyond the driver:

• Trucking companies may be liable for negligent hiring, poor training, or pushing drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits.
• Maintenance contractors can be held accountable for skipped inspections or faulty repairs.
• Freight brokers or shippers might be responsible for improper loading.
• Manufacturers can face product liability claims for defective components like tires or brake systems.

An experienced truck accident attorney will help you investigate all responsible parties and build a strong case.

How Does Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect Your Claim?

Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of blame.

Defense attorneys often analyze dash-cam footage and ECM speed data to shift blame to victims. Having a lawyer who understands these tactics is crucial for protecting your rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Truck accident victims may recover:

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and more.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of gross negligence, such as logbook falsification or driving while impaired.

Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania does not cap punitive damages in truck accident lawsuits.

What Federal Rules Limit Driver Fatigue?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates driver hours to reduce fatigue-related crashes:

• No more than 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty period.
• No more than 60 hours on duty within seven days.
• Mandatory rest periods must be electronically logged.

Falsifying or tampering with electronic logs can lead to a negligence per se finding in civil court.

What Evidence Is Crucial in a Truck Accident Case?

Key evidence may include:

• Black box data: speed, braking patterns, HOS compliance
• Electronic logging records
• Bills of lading and weight tickets
• Maintenance and inspection logs
• Toxicology reports following the crash

This information helps determine fault and uncover violations of safety laws or regulations.

How Do Cargo Securement Rules Impact Liability?

FMCSA rules require:

• Adequate tie-downs with a working load limit of at least 50% of cargo weight.
• Edge protection for cargo with sharp corners.

When improperly secured loads like steel or lumber shift, liability may extend to shippers or loaders.

What Should You Do in the First 48 Hours?

1. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help.
2. Document the scene. Take photos of skid marks, vehicle damage, and DOT numbers.
3. Seek immediate medical care, even for minor symptoms.
4. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before consulting an attorney.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Media, Pennsylvania?

• Two years from the date of the accident for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
• Six-month notice required for claims involving PennDOT contractors.
• Exceptions apply:
  • Minors have until two years after turning 18.
  • Delayed discovery extends the deadline if an injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
  • Fraudulent concealment may toll the statute if evidence was intentionally hidden.

Let the Media Truck Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Fight for You

If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident, don’t face the trucking companies alone. The Media truck accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC have recovered over $200 million for injury victims. We bring decades of experience, a track record of success, and deep local knowledge to every case. Call 215-569-8488 or contact us online for a free consultation. With offices in Philadelphia, Abington, and Wilmington, we proudly represent clients across the surrounding areas.