Sharing the road with 18-wheelers can be nerve-wracking, especially when truck drivers engage in reckless driving. These massive vehicles pose serious risks due to their size and weight, and when truckers fail to follow the rules of the road, the consequences can be catastrophic. Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a reckless truck driver, understanding your legal options is crucial. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Scranton can help you navigate the complexities of truck accident claims and ensure that negligent trucking companies and drivers are held accountable.

What Qualifies as Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving refers to any behavior that shows a blatant disregard for the safety of others. When an 18-wheeler is involved, reckless driving becomes even more dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles. Some common examples of reckless driving among truckers include:

  • Speeding: Trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers exceed speed limits, they put everyone on the road at risk.
  • Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle is dangerous, especially for an 18-wheeler. If the vehicle in front suddenly stops, a truck may not have enough time to brake, resulting in a devastating collision.
  • Distracted Driving: Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, which increases the likelihood of distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS while driving.
  • Aggressive Lane Changes: Large trucks have significant blind spots, and reckless lane changes without proper signaling can lead to sideswipe accidents.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drug use impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make safe decisions. Unfortunately, some truck drivers turn to stimulants to stay awake on long hauls, which can lead to erratic behavior on the road.
  • Fatigue and Drowsy Driving: Although federal regulations limit the number of hours truckers can drive without rest, many drivers exceed these limits to meet tight delivery deadlines. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

When reckless driving leads to an accident, victims often face life-altering injuries. A personal injury attorney in Scranton can help assess your case and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation.

Liability in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Determining liability in a truck accident is often more complicated than in a typical car crash. Unlike accidents involving private drivers, truck accidents may involve multiple liable parties, including:

The Truck Driver

If the accident was caused by reckless driving, such as speeding, distracted driving, or tailgating, the truck driver could be held personally responsible. However, proving negligence requires substantial evidence, including witness statements, dashcam footage, and driver logs.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring they comply with safety regulations, and maintaining their fleet. If a company knowingly allows drivers to operate beyond legal driving limits, fails to conduct proper background checks, or ignores mechanical issues, it may be held liable for accidents caused by its negligence.

The Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider

Defective truck parts or poor maintenance can contribute to crashes. If brake failure, tire blowouts, or mechanical malfunctions played a role in the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider might share liability.

Cargo Loaders

Improperly loaded cargo can cause an 18-wheeler to become unbalanced, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents. If shifting cargo contributed to the crash, the loading company could be held responsible.

A truck accident lawyer in Scranton will investigate the circumstances of the crash to identify all liable parties and ensure that each is held accountable.

Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Because of their sheer size and force, accidents involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A violent collision can cause head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive impairment.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
  • Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can easily cause multiple fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment.
  • Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or other life-threatening conditions.
  • Severe Burns: In crashes where fuel leaks ignite, victims can suffer severe burns that require skin grafts and prolonged treatment.
  • Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: Even at lower speeds, the sudden force of a truck collision can cause significant neck and back injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, a Personal Injury Attorney in Scranton can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you’re involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Call 911: Always report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, injuries may take time to develop.
  2. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
  3. Gather Witness Information: If bystanders saw the crash, ask for their contact details—they can provide valuable testimony.
  4. Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent, so it’s crucial to get a full medical evaluation.
  5. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Trucking companies and their insurers often try to minimize their liability. Don’t accept a settlement offer or provide statements without consulting a Truck Accident Lawyer in Scranton first.
  6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical Bills: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident

Reckless driving by 18-wheelers poses a serious threat to everyone on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, it’s important to take action quickly. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything possible to avoid liability, which is why having a top law firm in Scranton on your side is crucial.

Moran Law will investigate your case, identify liable parties, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a trucking company or insurer pressure you into accepting less than what you’re entitled to—stand up for your rights and get the legal representation you need.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, contact one of our attorneys today for a consultation. You don’t have to face this battle alone—let a professional advocate for you while you focus on your recovery.