Were you injured in a truck accident in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania? If a negligent truck driver or trucking company was responsible for your crash, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Call McDonald & MacGregor, LLC at (570) 209-7062 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and how our Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyers can maximize your compensation.
Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car crashes because they may involve multiple parties, federal trucking regulations, and powerful insurance companies. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side ensures that your case is thoroughly investigated, evidence is preserved, and every responsible party is held accountable.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC After a Truck Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, our firm has built a strong reputation as one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s leading personal injury law practices, known for both proven results and compassionate client service.
When you choose us, you can expect:
- 93 years of combined experience advocating for injured victims
- Millions recovered in settlements and verdicts
- A reputation for thorough preparation and skilled trial advocacy
- Personal attention from attorneys who treat clients with care and respect
- A history of holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable
We understand the serious challenges truck accident victims face. That’s why we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today for a free consultation.
What Is My Pennsylvania Truck Accident Case Worth?
No two truck accident cases are alike, and there’s no formula to predict the exact value of your claim.
However, several factors play a key role in determining compensation:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your medical treatment and future care needs
- Whether you can return to work and in what capacity.
- Impact on your daily life
- Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma related to the crash.
- The insurance coverage available from all liable parties.
- Whether you share any blame for the collision.
The best way to understand the value of your case is to consult an experienced Wilkes-Barre truck accident attorney. We will carefully evaluate your damages and pursue every dollar you are entitled to recover.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront fees to hire a lawyer. You only pay if your lawyer wins compensation through a settlement or trial verdict. If you don’t recover damages, you owe nothing. We offer contingency fees in all personal injury cases.
What Damages Are Available After a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law allows truck accident victims to seek compensation for both economic damages and non-economic damages. Together, these are intended to make you whole by providing money for your financial and personal losses after a crash.
Economic Damages
Examples of economic damages include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care costs
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket costs, including transportation to medical appointments or home modifications
By recovering economic damages, you can ease the financial strain caused by the accident and ensure you have the resources needed to support your recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life and hobbies
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of companionship or consortium in wrongful death cases
Non-economic damages recognize the profound personal toll an accident takes, helping provide justice and support for the ways your life has been permanently altered.
Punitive Damages
In rare situations, punitive damages may also be available, such as when a trucking company knowingly violates federal safety regulations or hires unqualified drivers. While these damages are not awarded in every case, they can significantly increase the value of a claim and hold negligent companies fully accountable for endangering the public.
Our attorneys will investigate every aspect of your case to ensure no category of damages is overlooked.
What If I’m Partially at Fault for My Truck Accident in Wilkes-Barre?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of the blame is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages are valued at $200,000 but you are found 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $160,000. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame onto the victim to avoid responsibility. They may argue you were speeding, distracted, or careless in order to reduce their liability. This is why having an experienced attorney is critical. A skilled lawyer can push back against these tactics, gather the evidence needed to prove what really happened, and protect your right to full compensation.
What Are Some Common Injuries in Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents?
Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries even in low-speed collisions. Occupants of smaller vehicles are especially vulnerable in these accidents.
Some of the most common injuries we see in truck accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis, which may leave victims with partial or total loss of mobility
- Broken and crushed bones, often requiring surgery and rehabilitation
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs and whiplash
- Severe burns from fires or chemical spills
- Amputations or loss of limbs
- Soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments and severe sprains
- Wrongful death
These injuries can permanently impact your ability to work, care for your family, or live independently. We will fight to ensure your compensation accounts for all the injuries and harm you’ve suffered.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Wilkes-Barre?
Truck crashes across Pennsylvania often stem from preventable mistakes. Federal and state regulations are designed to reduce these risks, but violations are still common.
Some of the leading causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Exceeding federal hours-of-service limits or driving without adequate rest
- Operating a large commercial vehicle at unsafe speeds
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications
- Improper loading of cargo
- Lack of maintenance on brakes, tires, or safety equipment
- Poor weather conditions, such as snow, ice, fog, or heavy rain
Identifying the exact cause of your accident is critical to determining liability. Our legal team will investigate your accident to uncover what went wrong and who should be held accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Truck accident cases are rarely limited to just the truck driver. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and each may have its own insurance coverage that could apply to your claim.
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- The truck driver, if they were negligent behind the wheel
- The trucking company, if it failed to properly train, supervise, or screen drivers
- Cargo loaders, if unsafe loading practices contributed to the crash
- Maintenance contractors, if faulty repairs or lack of maintenance caused mechanical failure
- Truck manufacturers, if a defective part played a role in the accident
Our attorneys know how to identify every potentially responsible party and pursue all sources of compensation available in your case. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation for help understanding who may be named as a defendant in your truck accident case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most truck accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim in court.
If your case involves a wrongful death, the deadline is also two years from the date of death.
Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to recover compensation in court. While there are limited exceptions, it’s always best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Acting quickly ensures you comply with all relevant deadlines.
Contact a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
After a serious truck crash, you may be facing painful injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about your future. You don’t have to face trucking companies or insurance corporations on your own.
With 93 years of combined experience and a proven record of recovering millions of dollars for injured clients, McDonald & MacGregor, LLC has the skill, resources, and determination to fight for you. We’ll handle every aspect of your claim, from the initial investigation to negotiations with insurers and, if necessary, litigation in court.
Your first consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Call today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer and take the first step toward justice.
