Philadelphia Runaway Truck Accident Attorney

A runaway truck is a large commercial vehicle that gains uncontrollable speed, usually on steep roads or when braking systems fail. In Philadelphia, areas with heavy traffic, steep grades, and busy intersections increase the risk of devastation when a truck becomes uncontrollable. Victims of these crashes have the right to hold negligent trucking companies accountable and recover full compensation.

Causes of Runaway Truck Accidents

Runaway truck accidents are frequently caused from:

Brake System Failures

Malfunctioning or poorly maintained air brakes that cannot stop a truck’s momentum.

Overloaded Trailers

Excessive cargo weight that overworks braking systems and increases stopping distances.

Driver Error

Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers who fail to downshift on steep grades.

Poor Maintenance Practices

Neglecting inspections or failing to replace worn parts.

Steep Inclines

Roads leading into Philadelphia that require careful control and braking techniques.

When trucks barrel downhill at high speed without control, the results are often fatal for those in smaller vehicles. When victims survive, they often suffer catastrophic injuries.

Liability in Runaway Truck Accidents

Pennsylvania law allows victims to hold negligent parties accountable when a runaway truck accident occurs. Liability may rest with:

• Truck Drivers: For failing to control speed, ignoring safety protocols, or lacking proper training.
• Trucking Companies: For negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices that contributed to the accident.
• Maintenance Contractors: For failing to properly inspect or repair braking systems.
• Cargo Loaders: For overloading or improperly distributing cargo that caused equipment failure.

In many cases, more than one party shares liability. Philadelphia courts apply Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule in these cases. Under this rule, an injured victim can still recover damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. However, the total recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.

How a Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney Helps

Runaway truck accident cases require detailed knowledge of Pennsylvania law and federal trucking regulations. An experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorney can:

• Investigate maintenance and inspection records to identify failures.
• Obtain driver qualification files and training history.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to show how the crash occurred.
• Prove violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
• Negotiate a fair settlement for the harm caused.

Trucking companies and insurers often act quickly after a collision to protect themselves. They may attempt to deny responsibility or minimize payouts. A Philly runaway truck accident lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and aggressively fight for fair compensation.

Compensation Available to Victims

Victims of runaway truck accidents may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
• Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Property damage to vehicles and other personal belongings
• Long-term care needs for permanent injuries

In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue damages for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Contact a Philadelphia Runaway Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a runaway truck accident in Philadelphia, our Philadelphia truck accident attorney understands the complexities of these cases and knows how to uncover negligence. We fight to hold every responsible party accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients. Contact Rosenbaum Injury Law today for a free consultation, by calling (215) 569-0200 or sending us a message online.