The time immediately following a Pennsylvania truck accident can be confusing for all parties involved, especially the victim. Here you’ll find the most commonly asked questions regarding what to do after a truck accident and how to know if you’ll need a truck accident attorney.

Question: I have just been injured in a Pennsylvania truck accident. What should I do?

Answer:

1. Take pictures of everything at the scene of the accident.
2. Get the truck driver’s information (driver’s license number, license plate number and insurance information) and a description of the truck.
3. If your injuries were serious enough that you were transported directly to the hospital, keep all hospital records to show to your truck accident attorney.
4. Make sure a Police Report is filed.
5. Report the accident to your insurance company.
6. See a skilled truck accident attorney who will guide you through the difficult process ahead.
7. See a medical doctor and keep records.
8. Do not talk to the trucking company’s claims adjuster or sign anything.
9. Do not admit fault.

Question: How do I know if I need an attorney?

Answer: If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you need an attorney. The laws are very complex and trucking companies have insurance companies who hire adjusters who will either deny your claim or offer a small settlement so that they pay as little as possible; often without fully investigating your losses. The injuries that you may have are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes injuries can present themselves months or even years after an accident occurs. So, it’s best to have a knowledgeable semi truck crash attorney familiar with insurance law to handle adjusters, perform an in depth investigation, and help you navigate through the complex legal system.

Question: How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?

Answer: Most PA truck accident injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay unless they get a judgment in your favor. Once you get fair compensation, they will take a percentage of that as their fee.

Question: I was injured in a truck accident. What kind of losses can I expect to receive compensation for?

Answer: Each case is unique as there are many types of truck accidents and many laws, both federal and state, that the driver and the trucking company have to follow. Depending on who is at fault and the degree of fault (even if you are partially at fault you will still recover a percentage of your losses) you may be able to recover losses for the following: medical expenses, loss of income (present and future), emotional and physical pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship and funeral expenses (in the case of a death).

Question: Are there time limits for filing a lawsuit if I was injured in a PA truck accident?

Answer: In Pennsylvania, there is a two year “Statute of Limitations”; this means that for a personal injury claim, you have to file a complaint with the court within two years from the date of your injury. Do not wait this long. Contact a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer immediately.

For more information on Pennsylvania truck laws and a better understanding of your rights, refer to PA Law Blogs, a valuable legal resource managed by Philadelphia big rig crash attorneys.