Recovering
$ MILLIONS
For Injured Pennsylvanians
Reading Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck accident in Reading, PA, you need experienced legal representation immediately.
I’m Larry Pitt. For more than 40 years, my law firm has represented accident victims across Reading and Berks County. Truck accidents are not ordinary crashes. When large trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the injuries are often devastating.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries — or even death — in a truck crash, you may have the right to file a truck accident claim and recover compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Speak With a Reading Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident in Reading, PA, you deserve experienced legal help.
Call 888-PITT-LAW to schedule your free consultation today.
Larry Pitt Won’t Quit.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH LARRY PITT
Reading Truck Accident Cases Involve Serious Risks
Truck accidents happen every day on highways and local roads throughout Reading, PA. Major trucking routes running through Berks County increase the volume of commercial traffic, and with that comes increased risk.
Unlike standard car accident cases, truck accident cases often involve:
- A commercial truck driver
- One or more trucking companies
- Multiple insurance companies
- Multiple insurance policies
- Federal safety regulations
Truck accident cases are more complex because liability may extend beyond the truck driver.
Common Causes of a Truck Accident
Most truck accidents are caused by negligence. That negligence may involve:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving in violation of Hours of Service rules
- Overloaded cargo
- Mechanical failure
- Inadequate training
- Negligent hiring practices
- Improperly maintained large trucks
Pennsylvania and federal law strictly regulate truck weight limits, vehicle inspections, and driver hours of service. Violations of these rules may constitute negligence.
Truck Driver and Trucking Company Liability
In many truck accident cases, more than one party may be responsible.
Liability may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance contractor
- A truck manufacturer (in cases of defective products or mechanical failure)
Trucking companies may be held liable if the truck driver was acting within the scope of employment. In some cases, companies misclassify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability.
Determining fault requires a detailed investigation, including:
- Reviewing driver logs
- Examining inspection records
- Preserving black box data
- Analyzing skid marks and accident scene evidence
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Reading, PA
If you are involved in a truck crash:
Report the accident to the police immediately.
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
Document the accident scene, visible injuries, and vehicle damage.
Gather contact details of witnesses and involved parties.
Avoid discussing the accident on social media.
Avoid giving unnecessary statements to insurance adjusters.
Keep all medical records and medical bills.
Early action helps preserve evidence and protect your personal injury claim.
Pennsylvania Law and Truck Accident Claims
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
You may recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
Pennsylvania also operates under a limited no-fault insurance system for minor accidents. However, severe truck accidents often allow injury victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
What Our Clients Say
Types of Damages in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident victims may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These include measurable financial losses:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing medical care
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may be awarded.
If a victim is permanently disabled or a loved one dies, wrongful death damages may apply.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
There is no standard settlement amount.
Truck accident settlements depend on:
- Severity of injuries
- Long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Liability evidence
- Insurance coverage limits
Catastrophic injuries typically result in higher compensation because long-term medical care and lost income are substantial.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?
Truck accident cases vary in length.
Factors affecting the timeline include:
- Injury severity
- Number of involved parties
- Insurance company cooperation
- Whether litigation becomes necessary
Complex truck accident cases involving multiple vehicles and insurers may take longer to resolve.
Why Legal Representation Matters in a Truck Accident Case
Insurance companies move quickly after a truck accident.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame. Without legal assistance, accident victims may accept less than full and fair compensation.
An experienced truck accident attorney will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Coordinate with medical specialists
- Calculate long-term damages
- Negotiate aggressively
- Prepare the case for trial if necessary
Legal representation is crucial in truck accident cases due to their complexity.
Choosing the Right Truck Accident Lawyer in Reading
When searching for a truck accident lawyer in Reading, look for:
- Experience specifically handling truck accident cases
- A history of substantial settlements and verdicts
- Willingness to take cases to trial
- Familiarity with Pennsylvania and federal trucking regulations
- Strong litigation skills
Many reputable firms in Reading, PA, offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis.
Our firm works on a no-win, no-fee contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Our Legal Team Fights to Recover Compensation
At Larry Pitt & Associates, our legal team provides comprehensive, aggressive representation to truck accident victims in Reading and throughout Berks County.
We handle:
- Insurance negotiations
- Claims process management
- Evidence preservation
- Personal injury litigation, when required
Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation allowed under Pennsylvania law.
