A Different Kind of Collision
Truck accidents aren’t like your typical fender-bender. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer barrels down Route 22 or I-78 through Allentown, Bethlehem, or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, a single mistake can cause catastrophic damage. Whether it’s a semi hauling freight through Freemansburg or a box truck making deliveries near Fountain Hill, these vehicles are bigger, heavier, and harder to stop. So if you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, there are some specific steps you need to take—not just for your health, but to protect your legal rights as well.
Get Medical Help Immediately
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: your health comes first. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you think you’re “okay.” Truck accidents often involve high-impact collisions, and injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage can take hours—or days—to show symptoms. Getting checked out creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash, which is essential if you need to pursue a personal injury claim later. Also, follow all medical advice and attend every follow-up appointment. Insurance companies love to argue that “you must not have been hurt that badly” if you delay treatment or skip visits.
Report the Accident and Gather Evidence
If you’re physically able, collect as much information as possible at the scene. Get the truck driver’s name, contact info, employer, license plate, and insurance details. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info—they could be critical in supporting your version of events later on. Make sure to file a police report, and ask for a copy as soon as it’s available. Trucking companies often have their own legal teams and insurance adjusters working on their side from day one. You need documentation to protect yourself from being blamed unfairly.
Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company or Insurers Alone
After a truck accident, it’s not unusual for someone from the trucking company’s insurance team to reach out to you quickly. They might act sympathetic, but remember—their goal is to limit the company’s liability, not to help you. Do not give recorded statements or accept any offers without legal advice. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve seen too many cases where victims unknowingly signed away their rights or accepted a settlement that barely scratched the surface of what they were owed. Trucking accidents often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues, and you deserve someone in your corner who knows how to navigate the system.
Understand Who Could Be Liable
One of the biggest differences between a truck accident and a regular car crash is that more than one party might be responsible. It’s not just the driver—it could also be the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, a parts manufacturer, or even a freight loader. For example, if the truck’s brakes failed because of poor maintenance, that’s a different case than if the driver fell asleep behind the wheel. Identifying all potential sources of liability is key to getting full compensation. Our firm digs deep into each case—reviewing logbooks, maintenance records, black box data, and other crucial pieces of evidence to determine exactly what went wrong.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, and property damage. If the crash led to permanent disability or long-term complications, those damages increase. And in cases of gross negligence—like a driver violating hours-of-service rules or driving under the influence—punitive damages may also be on the table. Every case is different, but one thing’s for sure: trucking companies have deep pockets and aggressive defense teams. You need a legal team that fights just as hard for you.
Why Local Representation Matters
Truck accidents in the Lehigh Valley aren’t just legal cases—they’re local tragedies that affect real people in our community. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve helped clients across Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and throughout Eastern Lehigh Valley deal with the aftermath of serious truck collisions. We understand the roads, the courts, and how Pennsylvania’s trucking laws apply. And we treat each case with the personal attention and respect it deserves.
Let’s Get You Back on Track
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Visit www.snoverlaw.com to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and we’re here to fight for your recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.
