If you or anyone you know have been injured due to an automobile accident or slip and fall, you may be eligible for a financial settlement. Philly Lawyers is offering immediate free consultation.
OUR PHILADELPHIA TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS HELP YOU WIN
At Kats, Jamison & Associates, we are a comprehensive law firm that cares for the client with a track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We will represent you with humanity, humility and honor, regardless of your case size.
Super Lawyers
For Over
10 Consecutive
Years
Best Law Firms
Over $100 Million Recovered For
Our Clients
Woman
Owned Business
Real Automobile Accident Cases Won
$10,000,000 SETTLEMENT
For a 9 year old Northeast Philadelphia boy who suffered traumatic brain injuries after being hit by a truck as he crossed the street.
$3.5 MILLION AWARD
From a Chester County jury to a nurse and mother of two after she was seriously injured when she was rear-ended by a National waste disposal truck.
$1,055,000 SETTLEMENT
Settled in 7 months for responsible party’s policy limits and under-insured motorist policy limits
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Real Car Accident Stories
"I was in an automobile accident in Philadelphia and I came to Kats Jamison and Associates.They were able to get me a quick recovery for the property damages to my car. They worked with my doctors to make sure I received the best medical care. All my medical bills were paid through the automobile insurance policies and my lawyers made sure it was all done properly. They explained to me the process of the settlement and litigation and once the offer was received it was communicated to me immediately. I was extremely happy with the result of my case."
"I was involved in a serious head on collision October 7th 2018. This resulted in an exceptional loss of business and months spent in Rehab. I went through 3 different attorneys trying to reach a settlement agreement. Then I finally met with Marina Kats two years since the accident. They were absolutely outstanding with the wherewithal & power to reach a settlement. Marina Kats & Brian Hanratty are outstanding! Not question that they are the go to firm when you need action steps to get everything resolved, and to be kept totally abreast!"
"I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and wasn't able to do a lot and had to stop working. From the start Marina set up an appointment for me to see a neurologist when no one was willing to see me. When I needed help or had questions she and Barb were always there to answer mine and my moms questions, to help fill out paperwork, and to get me the benefits I needed. Everyone there was extremely helpful and nice. They were patient and attentive to all of my needs and looked out for my best interests until the end. I'm glad to have met them and thankful to them."
“Marina Kats one of the best attorneys i know. She cares about clients, their well being as well as getting the best results in their personal injuries cases. I would recommend Marina Kats and Philly lawyers to anyone who needs assistance in Car accident cases and Personal injuries cases"
"Help with car accidents, bike accidents, and settlements. High recommendation, also great for Russian-speaking client - great lawyer!"
“The lawyers at this firm are caring individuals that can help you with your car accidents, get you great settlements, and treats you with great respect. For personal injury and business matters, I have known them from personal experience from a car accident in Philadelphia, they work fast and I am a very satisfied client.”
“Only at Marina Kats office! Where else can you find so much passion for the job, compassion for clients, and knowledge of the law? My answer is – Marina Kats and the people at her office. This office work ethic and abilities are very high. They have great communication skills. They are willing to listen and to hear you. They really want to help. Always available for clients, no matter when and why. Marina Kats and her people are always ready to help. Also, they get good results for clients. I strongly recommend Marina Kats office. You will not be sorry :) Marina and her people got everything resolved in an excellent timely manner.”
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Why Choose Philly Lawyers
A Team Dedicated To Getting You Results
Our team is made of many experienced attorneys specializing in a variety of different practice areas. Whatever you need help – the Philly Lawyers team is here to help!
We Speak Your Language
We are able to assist you with your legal needs and speak to you in your native language. Our staff of attorneys are fluent in many languages including: Russian, Spanish, French, Romanian, Italian, Yugoslavian, Hebrew, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Polish, Georgian, and Armenian.
Locally Recognized
We’ve won numerous awards and have contributed to numerous publications in the last 33 years.
Top Verdicts & Settlements
We won some of the top verdicts and settlements in Greater Philadelphia. Some including $3.5 million for a car accident, $10 million for a hit and run, and $30 million for a motorcycle accident.
No Fee Unless You Win
Our commitment to you is that you don’t pay unless we win, and only then you pay a small percentage of the amount we won for you. Every case begins with an honest assessment to determine your likelihood of success.
No Case Is Too Big Or Small For Us To Handle
Whether you need help because you’ve been injured, been in a car accident, slipped and fell or need any other legal advice, we can help.
On Site Visits
You don’t always have to come to us! If you are injured and recovering in a hospital or at home, our attorneys can visit you!
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How We Help You Win
We will review your car accident case thoroughly.
We will investigate all evidence regarding the cause of the accident.
We will interview witnesses and experts if necessary.
We will work to ensure that victims and their families receive the maximum settlement.
Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a Truck Accident in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, our firm can help you understand the best way to proceed with your legal and medical needs. In some cases, truck accidents are caused by careless or reckless driving and we can help. These accidents can happen on residential streets in Bucks County, high-speed highways such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike or Roosevelt Boulevard and other roadways in the greater Philadelphia area.
At Kats, Jamison & Associates our Personal Injury Attorneys understand that representing truck accident victims requires experience, skills and knowledge particular to these types of accidents. The Bucks County and Montgomery County accident lawyers at Kats, Jamison & Associates fight to recover the various types of damages and compensation to which car accident victims are entitled to. This may include, but is not limited too: medical expenses, lost earnings, future wage loss, lost earnings capacity, physical disabilities, scars, losses of limbs, brain and head injuries. Besides the financial and physical damages you may experience, who also are well aware of the emotional distress, depression, anxiety, grief, and pain and suffering people may face following a tractor trailer accident.
Lawyers that represent Truck Drivers
Kats, Jamison & Associates understand these complex issues and make sure to work with our clients, their friends and family, as well as their doctors, and others—to ensure that victims of these car accidents receive not only the best legal representation but also the best support, and medical and emotional care
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Semi truck driver error is the leading cause of accidents involving commercial trucks. A study conducted by the FMCSA revealed that a truck accident is ten times more likely to occur due to driver error than due to other factors. Professional truck drivers are required to go through special training in order to obtain a commercial driver’s license and they should understand the risks that large semi-trucks pose on the roads. Due to the extreme risk of injury to other motorists in truck accidents, professional drivers are held to a higher standard of safety than operators of regular passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, truck drivers do not always abide by their duty to drive in a safe manner and driver negligence routinely causes truck accidents.
Some examples of truck driver negligence that leads to serious accidents include the following:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued or violating FMCSA Hours of Service regulations
- Unlawfully driving with a serious medical condition, such as a heart condition or epilepsy
- Engaging in distractions, such as using a handheld mobile device, eating, grooming, and more
- Failing to complete all required pre-trip inspections
- Aggressive driving, including speeding, following too closely, improper passing, or intimidating other motorists
- Taking turns too quickly
- Failing to adequately pay attention to blind spots
- Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license or training
- De-powering the brakes in the front of the truck
- Otherwise violating traffic laws or FMCSA regulations
All truck drivers who negligently cause accidents and injuries should be held fully accountable for any losses suffered by accident victims. Because drivers will not often simply admit to making an error, identifying driver negligence may often be complicated. An experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorney has the knowledge and tools to investigate the driver’s actions to identify negligence to help victims recover.
What Is A Jackknife Accident?
Semi-trucks belong to a class of vehicles known as “articulated vehicles,” which are vehicles that are made up of various segments linked by movable joints. This construction allows these vehicles to be more maneuverable than they would be if they were made up of a single unit, but also makes them vulnerable to certain types of accidents to which non-articulated vehicles are not. Jackknife accidents are one of these types of accident that are unique to articulated vehicles and occur when the trailer of a truck swings out from behind the vehicle, resembling the action of a pocket knife. They can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- High winds
- Improper braking
- Taking turns too fast
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Driver error
- Coupling device failure
- Over-steering
Winter Weather Can Cause Semi-Truck Accidents
Issues such as snow, ice, wind, and whiteout conditions can wreak havoc on drivers on their vehicles, and winter storms are known for being a significant factor in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving large commercial trucks. Poor weather conditions are no excuse for truck driver negligence, however, and federal regulations require that truck drivers use extreme caution and even stop driving if conditions become sufficiently severe. As a result, many victims of truck accidents in which winter weather played a role can recover from the party responsible for their losses through a personal injury lawsuit.
Snow, sleet, hail, and ice are all common issues associated with winter storms. When this type of precipitation accumulates on a road surface, it can make the road extremely slippery making it difficult to keep vehicles under control. Additionally, if liquid precipitation falls and the temperature subsequently falls below freezing, nearly invisible patches of ice can form on the road surface potentially causing serious accidents. Some of the more common kinds of truck accidents that occur in winter weather conditions include:
- Override accidents
- Underride accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Broadside collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
Determining whether a semi-truck accident was caused by driver negligence or was unavoidable based on the conditions can be a complicated process and requires significant legal and technical expertise. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough analysis of your case and determine whether any evidence of negligence exists. It is important for victims to be aware that they still may be able to recover even if they were partially at fault for causing an accident with a semi-truck, depending on the laws of your jurisdiction.
Claims arising from these types of accidents are subject to a strict statute of limitations, meaning that there is a limited amount of time in which you can file a claim. Consequently, it is highly advisable for anyone who has been involved in a truck accident to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Discussing your case with an experienced truck accident lawyer is the first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
Avoid No-Zones
“No-zones” are the blind spots on a large truck and they can be substantial. No-zones exist behind the trailer, alongside both sides of the trailer, directly in front of the trailer, and next to the passenger side door of the tractor. If you need to pass a truck or drive in a no-zone, do so quickly and try to get out of the no-zone as soon as possible. Always remember that you should be able to see the truck driver – either directly or in the rear view mirror – or else the truck driver likely cannot see you.
Move Over For Stopped Trucks
When a truck driver has an issue on the road, they may not be able to make it to a truck stop and they may pull over on the shoulder of the highway or of an exit ramp. While truck drivers have a particular protocol they should follow when pulled over they do not always take all necessary steps. You can increase your safety by trying to never pass directly by a pulled over truck and instead move over to an outer lane, which can help avoid a collision with the trailer.
Other Potentially Negligent Parties In Truck Accidents
In addition to truck drivers, several other factors may lead to serious truck accidents. Some of these potentially negligent parties include:
Trucking company — The trucking company may be found negligent if an accident is caused by the hiring of inexperienced or unqualified drivers, failing to conduct the required drug and alcohol testing on drivers, failing to supervise or discipline drivers to ensure FMCSA compliance, encouraging unsafe practices to improve their bottom line, failing to sufficiently inspect and maintain trucks in the fleet, and more.
Cargo loading team — An independent cargo loading team may be held accountable if an accident is caused by over-loading, under-loading (generally for liquid cargo), or failing to properly secure the cargo in the trailer of a truck. Cargo mistakes can cause trucks to have trouble braking or stopping or may cause roll-over or jackknife accidents.
Truck manufacturer — Manufacturers have a duty to produce and sell truck parts that are safe for use. For this reason, if a defective truck part—such as brakes, tires, axles, steering columns, coupling, and more—malfunctions and causes an accident, the manufacturer should be held liable under product liability principles.
Government entity — The government has a responsibility to properly inspect and maintain roads and highways and keep them free of dangerous hazards. Large commercial trucks are particularly susceptible to losing control when they hit a pothole, a large crack in the pavement, uneven lanes, or other hazardous conditions. If a truck encounters a road hazard and an accident occurs, the negligent government entity should be accountable to the losses of victims.
How Negligent Trucking Companies Cause Accidents
While truck driver mistakes are the main cause of commercial truck collisions, there are many ways that trucking companies can be negligent and lead to a crash and serious injuries. The following are only some examples of negligence for which trucking companies may be held responsible.
Hiring Practices
Every trucking company should have a careful hiring system to ensure that they do not allow anyone who is unsafe or unqualified to operate their commercial trucks. Truck companies should always review a potential driver’s health records, driving record, criminal record, and qualifications such as a valid commercial driver’s license and any necessary endorsements for the job.
In many cases, a company may not thoroughly vet an applicant or may hire friends or family members despite negative facts. A company may be deemed negligent if they hire an unlicensed commercial driver, someone with a history of driving under the influence or other serious traffic violations, someone with a serious and untreated health issues, or any other red flags that should indicate to a company that the driver will put motorists at risk of harm.
Insufficient Supervision or Discipline
As an employer, a trucking company should always stay aware of the actions of its employees. If a truck driver violates a regulation or law, the company should know through careful supervision and should take necessary disciplinary measures to prevent further danger in the future. For example, if a driver fails a drug or alcohol test or has been driving while impaired, a company should take immediate action to suspend the employee until they are sure the employee has received proper treatment.
If a driver is found to be violating hours of service regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),1 a trucking company should keep close track of their time records to ensure that they do not continue to commit such violations. If a company failed to properly supervise or discipline drivers, it could be held liable for any accidents that result from dangerous employees.
Neglecting Trucks in the Fleet
Whether a trucking company has one truck or an entire fleet of trucks, the company has the duty to keep those trucks in safe and working condition. All trucks should be regularly inspected for any possible defects that may need to be repaired. If any defects exist, they should be fixed before the truck goes back out onto the road. In addition to repairs, regular maintenance must be performed to prevent any issues on the road.
If a truck has been poorly maintained and brake failure or a tire blowout causes a crash, many people can be seriously injured. The injured accident victims would be able to hold the trucking company liable for their losses.
Failing to Perform Required Alcohol or Drug Tests
Because driving a large commercial truck while impaired by drugs and alcohol is extraordinarily dangerous, the FMCSA strictly regulates all types of impaired commercial driving. One requirement 2 is that trucking companies must regularly perform random alcohol and drug testing on drivers, either before or after their shifts. In addition, if a driver is in an accident that causes serious injury or damage, an alcohol and drug screening must be performed. When trucking companies do not perform the necessary chemical tests, it can allow drivers with alcohol or drug issues continue to drive while impaired and go undetected. If drivers know that their employers do not test, they may even be encouraged to push the envelope and drive while intoxicated.
Pushing Drivers to Violate FMCSA Regulations
In some circumstances, trucking companies have even encouraged drivers to violate certain regulations set out by the FMCSA. One common example is requesting that drivers make deliveries faster than they can while adhering to the hours of service regulations. If drivers are pushed to do so, they can become fatigued and can crash. In addition, companies may also create false records to make it appear as if their drivers are in compliance when they truly are violating the law.
What To Do After A Semi-Truck Accident
Accidents involving large trucks injure thousands of people every year. In many cases, these wrecks are the result of negligence on the part of the truck driver or another party responsible for the truck or its cargo, meaning that victims are often entitled to compensation. A check does not get put in the mail automatically after an accident, however, and there are certain things that victims can do in order to maximize their chances of recovery, some of which are detailed below.
Do Not Apologize
While apologizing after an accident may seem like good manners, it is not a good idea to say you’re sorry after a car crash, as doing so can be interpreted as an admission of fault. After an accident, you should be polite, exchange information with the other drivers involved, and answer any questions that the police ask, but be sure not to say anything that could be taken as an apology.
See Your Doctor As Soon As You Can
You should always see your doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Waiting to do so may allow the insurance company to argue that your injuries were the result of an intervening cause rather than the accident itself.
Additionally, you should undergo a medical evaluation, even if you do not believe that your injuries warrant seeing a doctor. Doing so will ensure that your injuries are evaluated and that you start any necessary treatment as soon as possible. In addition, it will result in the generation of a medical record that may be useful when it comes to establishing causation and damages, both of which are essential parts of a truck accident case.
Call A Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident litigation is complicated, and victims who do not retain legal counsel run the risk of accepting a settlement far below what their case is actually worth. They also might say or do something that could jeopardize their ability to recover at all. For this reason, anyone hurt in a truck accident should call a personal injury attorney soon as possible.
Should You Settle Your Truck Accident Claim?
Whether you should settle your truck accident claim will depend on a number of factors. Individuals involved in auto accidents tend to sustain much more serious and devastating injuries when trucks are involved in those accidents. More often than not, small passenger vehicles hardly stand a chance against large trucks and as a result, sustain more damage. If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
What Is A Settlement?
There are generally two types of settlements:
Lump-sum settlement – A lump sum settlement is one that is paid in full, all at once.
Structured settlement – A structured settlement is paid in regular, recurring payments spread over a period of time. An experienced truck accident attorney at Kats, Jamison & Associates will understand your needs and be able to evaluate which settlement is right for you. Your attorney will also help you determine whether settling is the best option for your unique case.
How Do I Get A Settlement?
A legal settlement is usually reached when the parties are able to arrive at an agreement outside of court. There are several methods that can be used by an attorney to settle your truck accident case. These methods include:
- Arbitration
- Mediation
- Negotiation
Often, claims for damages that arise from a trucking accident can be settled. And in the event that a settlement is reached in your case, it is important to have an understanding of the types of settlements usually available to individuals involved in truck accidents. Below are some of the pros and cons of settling your truck accident claim:
Pros
Settling a claim is generally less expensive than going to court.
Settling a claim allows the parties to confidentially present their positions without admitting fault.
The parties are generally able to reach an amicable settlement agreement because they are able to discuss difficult issues calmly and rationally.
Cons
The injured party may end up settling their claim for much less than they would have been awarded if successful in court.
Usually, the injured party gives up their right to pursue any other legal claim in connection with the accident.
How Much Will I Get From My Settlement?
Determining the compensation you may be entitled after a truck accident is more difficult than most people imagine. This is because you may be entitled to more damages than simply physical injuries and property damage. Being in a truck accident can be devastating enough, and when you are the injured party in a passenger vehicle, the resulting injuries can be severe, which is why it is critical that an experienced personal injury attorney helps you navigate your legal options.
Calculating damages can be challenging, and the amount of your settlement will depend on many factors such as complexity of your case, the nature and severity of your injuries, and the amount of the claim. Other factors that can help determine the amount of the pain and suffering damages you may be entitled to include:
- Any aggravating circumstances.
- The length of time it took you to recover from your injuries.
- Whether you were able to recover completely from your injuries.
When trying to determine the extent of the damages you are entitled to, it is important to also think about the following:
- Lost income/wages
- Present and future quality of life
- Whether you have suffered permanent injuries
- The extent of your property damage
- Emotional stress
- Potential to be gainfully employed
Contact An Experienced Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney Today For Assistance
If you have suffered injury and related losses in an accident involving a large commercial truck, you always want to seek the assistance of an attorney who understands the complications in this type of case. At the Kats, Jamison & Associates in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, we have the experience and resources necessary to hold truck drivers, trucking companies, and other relevant parties responsible for the injuries and damage caused in serious truck accidents. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so please do not hesitate to call our office today at 215-396-9001 for help today.
Free case evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand when the injury occurs, you are scared and need immediate help. Here are the answers to some of the questions we hope are helpful to you.
If you come to us, we have all the answers for when you are injured in any type of accident.
Free case evaluation
Philly Lawyers offers free case reviews so that you can better understand your legal options. This means you pay nothing for your first consultation. Additionally, Kats, Jamison & Associates works on a contingency fee basis meaning that if you do choose to hire us, you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case.
Semi truck driver error is the leading cause of accidents involving commercial trucks. Some examples of truck driver negligence that leads to serious accidents include the following:
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Driving while fatigued or violating FMCSA Hours of Service regulations
Unlawfully driving with a serious medical condition, such as a heart condition or epilepsy
Engaging in distractions, such as using a handheld mobile device, eating, grooming, and more
Failing to complete all required pre-trip inspections
Aggressive driving, including speeding, following too closely, improper passing, or intimidating other motorists
Taking turns too quickly
Failing to adequately pay attention to blind spots
Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license or training
De-powering the brakes in the front of the truck
Otherwise violating traffic laws or FMCSA regulations
Semi-trucks belong to a class of vehicles known as “articulated vehicles,” which are vehicles that are made up of various segments linked by movable joints. This construction allows these vehicles to be more maneuverable than they would be if they were made up of a single unit, but also makes them vulnerable to certain types of accidents to which non-articulated vehicles are not. Jackknife accidents are one of these types of accident that are unique to articulated vehicles and occur when the trailer of a truck swings out from behind the vehicle, resembling the action of a pocket knife.
Whether you should settle your truck accident claim will depend on a number of factors. Individuals involved in auto accidents tend to sustain much more serious and devastating injuries when trucks are involved in those accidents. More often than not, small passenger vehicles hardly stand a chance against large trucks and as a result, sustain more damage. If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Call the police and make sure an ambulance is sent as soon as possible. Make sure everyone involved in the accident is conscious and responsive. Stay at the scene even if the accident isn’t serious, the police should be called regardless and a police report should be filed. It is important when speaking to the police that you stick to the facts, do not speculate, and most importantly do not admit any fault. Make sure you take as many pictures as you can with your cell phone. Also, we suggest taking a picture of the other person’s license plate, their drivers license, and insurance information. The pictures should document any damage that is caused by both vehicles. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if injured, even if you do not feel any pain, you may be in a state of shock and could experience medical issues later on.
After a car accident, it is important to collect as much information as possible. Document the names, addresses, license plates of any other vehicle involved in the accident. Either document the weather conditions at the time of the accident or take pictures of the scene surrounding the accident. If you believe that road maintenance or lack thereof was a factor in the accident – it is important to document this as well.
After your immediate medical injuries have been taken into account, it is then time to speak with a lawyer immediately. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more time you will have to successfully prepare a personal injury case. The team at Kats, Jamison & Associates will analyze your car/motorcycle accident and determine whether or not you have a claim. Through this process we will make sure to protect your rights and guard you from predatory insurance company practices.
If you are experiencing pain, injury, or financial damages as a result of someone else’s negligence. You may have a personal injury case. If the other driver was at fault or failed to follow the legal rules of the road – our car accident attorneys may be able to prove that the other party is liable for those damages. For example, if you were rear-ended in a car accident, typically the other driver is responsible for that accident and the insurance company could be liable for any damages
Within the first few days, you will receive communications from both your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. You may be contacted by your health insurance company, doctors, and even attorneys. The other driver’s insurance company may request that you sign medical authorizations so they can retrieve your medical records. Before you speak to any of these people or sign any documents, it is important that you seek legal counsel.
You may have a difficult time paying for your medical expenses, even if you have health insurance. Make sure to bill any treatment as you normally would through your healthcare provider. Additionally, you may have medical payment coverage under your car insurance plan. This could be used to cover your co-pays and other medical expenses that your health insurance company may not cover initially.
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on many factors. If we are successful in proving that the other party is liable for your injuries and damages, you could be compensated for medical bills and any other hospital costs, lost wages, costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy, disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, wrongful death, including loss of financial support and any other out of pocket expense that was related to your accident.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and the length of time you need to heal from your injuries will determine the length of your claim. We also have to factor in the willingness of the other party to settle as they make their initial offer. If unreasonable offers are made, your claim may proceed to trial, which will increase the length of your claim.
At Kats, Jamison & Associates all personal injury accident cases are handled on a contingency-fee-basis. This means that we will never charge you upfront for any cost and we will advance all costs and expenses. You will not have to reimburse our Firm for any costs unless we are successful. You will pay absolutely nothing for lawyers’ fees unless we win a monetary sum in your case.
