How often do commercial vehicle accidents occur in Philadelphia?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Crash Facts and Statistics Report for 2019, heavy truck crashes totaled 9,966 in Pennsylvania that year. These incidents resulted in 134 fatalities and 1,786 injuries. While the report does not provide specific location data, it offers insight into the state's frequency of commercial vehicle accidents.
The City of Philadelphia's Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths by 2030, reports that commercial vehicle crashes constitute a significant portion of the city's severe and fatal crashes. In 2020, Philadelphia recorded 60 fatalities and 6,239 injuries from crashes, with 36% of the fatalities involving commercial vehicles.
These statistics suggest that commercial vehicle accidents frequently occur in Philadelphia, underscoring the importance of both commercial vehicle operators and other motorists remaining vigilant on the roadways and taking appropriate precautions to prevent such accidents.
How long do victims have to file lawsuits in these cases?
The timeframe for filing a lawsuit in a commercial vehicle accident case in Philadelphia is determined by the applicable statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, which include commercial vehicle accidents, the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is typically two years from the accident date. This means that victims of commercial vehicle accidents in Philadelphia generally have two years from the accident date to initiate legal proceedings seeking compensation for their losses and injuries. It's worth noting that failure to file a lawsuit within this two-year timeframe may result in the forfeiture of the right to seek compensation through the legal system.
However, there are some cases where the statute of limitations may be extended. For instance, if the victim is a minor at the time of the accident, the two-year statute of limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of 18. Additionally, other case-specific factors may impact the applicable statute of limitations.
Therefore, it is crucial for victims of commercial vehicle accidents in Philadelphia to be familiar with the statute of limitations and to seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and interests.
Understanding liability in Philadelphia commercial vehicle accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents in Philadelphia can be complex, and determining liability can depend on various factors. Liability generally refers to legal responsibility for the accident and the resulting damages. Liability can be attributed to one or more parties involved in the accident, including the commercial vehicle driver, the company employing the driver, or other drivers or entities contributing to the accident.
In Pennsylvania, commercial vehicle drivers must adhere to certain regulations, including maintaining a valid commercial driver's license, complying with hours-of-service requirements, and following other safety protocols. If a commercial vehicle driver violates any of these regulations and causes an accident, they may be liable for damages. Sometimes, liability may extend beyond the driver to the company employing them. This is often referred to as "vicarious liability" and can occur when the company is found to have contributed to the accident through negligence or failure to train or supervise the driver properly. For instance, if a company fails to maintain its commercial vehicle properly and this leads to an accident, it may be liable.
It's also possible for other drivers or entities to contribute to a commercial vehicle accident and share in the liability. For example, if another driver on the road was driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol and collided with a commercial vehicle, they may share in the liability for damages. Overall, determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident case requires a careful analysis of the facts and circumstances of the accident. Our experienced attorneys can help victims navigate the complexities of these cases and pursue the compensation they deserve.
