Truck wrecks can result in property damage, injuries, or death. Handling the death of a loved one is difficult enough without worrying about money. Surviving family members often face expensive medical debts and funerary costs that can devastate the entire family’s finances.
Wrongful death cases are best handled by an experienced attorney since these cases are often complicated. A fatal truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia can help after a deadly accident caused by someone else’s negligence. The Morelli Law firm is ready to help you get the compensation you need to get through this difficult time.
Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Philadelphia
Even though there are many different ways a fatal truck accident can happen, there are some common causes for these incidents in Philadelphia. Some of the accidents our attorneys attend are caused by:
- Fatigued drivers. Fatigued truck drivers are one of the main reasons for fatal accidents since they can fall asleep for a few seconds, invade other lanes, and hit other vehicles.
- Driving while distracted. The most common distraction is texting while driving, but other actions are just as distracting, such as using a GPS, eating or drinking, or switching the radio.
- Driving under the influence. When truck drivers get impaired by alcohol or drugs, their judgment is unreliable, and their response time gets affected.
- Technical failure. Defective truck parts cause many truck accidents; in those cases, the trucking company and even the truck part manufacturer can be liable.
- Unbalanced or unsecured load. Balancing and securing the load inside an eighteen-wheeler is important because cargo can get loose on the road and spill. But moving heavy-weight cargo can also cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
If the cause of the fatal truck accident differs from the ones on the list, you may still have a case. Talk to your attorney to determine your legal options.
Why Is a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer Important?
In many ways, a wrongful death claim is very similar to a personal injury case. In both cases, you need to determine liability and be able to bring evidence. Which often implies showing the other party had a breach of a duty of care and how that breach caused the accident and your loved one’s wrongful death.
However, the main difference in a wrongful death lawsuit is that the decedent cannot sue for damages. That is why the legal system allows close relatives to present a claim and receive compensatory damages. Your fatal truck accident attorney in Philadelphia will help you gather evidence, prove negligence, and build a case for your loved one’s wrongful death.
Philadelphia Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Tasks of a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
Filing a claim for damages can be a long, complicated, and confusing process. And it can seem particularly daunting for someone struggling with a personal loss. Sadly, that is one of the main reasons many relatives choose not to file a legal claim, even when some have a solid case.
A fatal truck accident attorney can help them navigate the legal process, but an experienced law firm can do many other things to support them and their wrongful death claim. These are some of the functions of our fatal truck accident lawyers.
- Conduct a private investigation of the accident
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Determining who is liable for the fatal truck accident
- Finding evidence
- Contacting qualified experts to support your case
- Interviewing witnesses
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Your attorney can care for every aspect of your legal case, so you can focus your time and energy on supporting your family. And even when it can sound costly, hiring a lawyer is way more affordable than it seems.
Cost of Hiring a Fatal Truck Accident Attorney in Philadelphia
Another big reason many people do not claim damages is believing that a fatal truck accident attorney in Philadelphia should be expensive. But in reality, hiring a highly recognized law firm can be even more affordable than hiring a single lawyer or a smaller firm.
For instance, Morelli Law attorneys take cases on a contingency basis. That means you only pay after we reach a financial agreement or recover compensatory damages in court for you. And our attorney’s fees will come from the awarded damages, so no up-front payment is necessary.
Damages You Can Recover After a Fatal Truck Accident in Philadelphia
Family members of the deceased may be entitled to claim various damages after a fatal truck accident. Still, the most common types are economic and non-economic damages, which can be quantified and calculated by an experienced attorney.
Economic damages are meant to cover bills and expenses from the accident, such as emergency services, medical care, ambulance rides, surgeries, and funerary costs. But non-economic damages may be more complicated to calculate because they are meant to cover non-material losses and inconveniences, such as the victim’s pain and suffering and their close relatives’ emotional trauma. But a Philadelphia lawyer can calculate accurately how much your non-economic damages are worth.
Statute of Limitations for Fatal Truck Accidents in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, the statute of limitations for a fatal truck accident is two years. But talking to an experienced lawyer immediately is important because many circumstances can shorten these timeframes. And losing the date can represent losing your right to file a claim.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, and the time for filing a claim is about to expire, a truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia can get an extension. However, this is not guaranteed and will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. So it is better to talk to your attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an Attorney For Help with a Fatal Truck Accident Case in Philadelphia
Receiving fair and just compensation after a wrongful death is often complicated and can be overwhelming without an attorney by your side. But while filing a claim can be difficult to handle alone, your personal injury lawyer will guide you through this process and fight for the damages you deserve.
A law professional at Morelli Law is ready to hear your story, answer your questions, and provide you with the legal advice you need to recover damages for the wrongful death of your loved one. Contact our professionals today for a free consultation where we can discuss your legal options.