Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Liability in commercial vehicle accidents can extend beyond the driver. In many cases, multiple parties may be held accountable, including:

• The driver (for negligence or reckless driving)
• The employer (for improper training or pressuring drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines)
• The vehicle owner (if different from the employer)
• The maintenance company (for negligent upkeep)
• The manufacturer (if vehicle defects played a role)

These cases can quickly become complicated. Trucking and logistics companies often try to deny responsibility by claiming the driver is an “independent contractor” or shifting blame to third parties. That’s why having a seasoned legal team like Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino is essential. We thoroughly investigate accident reports, employment contracts, vehicle maintenance logs, and company policies to identify all responsible parties. Our goal is to maximize your compensation by holding each one accountable under the law.

First and foremost, prioritize your safety and health. Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if injuries don’t seem serious at first- adrenaline can mask symptoms. Once you’re safe, follow these critical steps:

• Do not give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance or representatives.
• Do not sign anything without consulting a lawyer.
• Document the scene if possible — photos, witness contact info, and your own notes.
• Call Georgelis First at 717-394-3004 before talking to anyone else.

Time is of the essence in these cases. Companies often deploy rapid-response teams to gather evidence favoring them, not you. We act just as fast to secure surveillance footage, black box data, driver logs, and accident scene evidence that can make or break your case. Protect yourself and your family by getting experienced legal help right away.

Commercial vehicle accidents are significantly more complex and high-stakes than regular car accidents. These differences include:

• Severity of Injuries: Larger vehicles often cause more damage.
• Multiple Liable Parties: Driver, employer, and others may be at fault.
• Different Insurance Policies: Commercial policies often have higher limits but are harder to collect on.
• Federal Regulations: Commercial drivers are subject to strict FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules.

Because of these factors, commercial vehicle claims involve intense legal maneuvering. Companies will often send lawyers and investigators to the scene immediately, looking to shift blame and limit payouts. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we know their tactics- and we know how to beat them. Our attorneys bring decades of experience in personal injury law and have successfully recovered millions for clients injured in commercial accidents.

Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (for families of deceased victims)

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we go beyond surface-level damages and work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to project the true long-term impact of your injuries. We ensure that every element of your suffering is accounted for, especially if you are dealing with permanent disability, chronic pain, or emotional trauma. Insurance companies aim to settle quickly and cheaply. We aim to recover every dollar you deserve- nothing less.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a government-owned vehicle is involved, you may need to file a notice of intent within just six months.

Even though two years may seem like plenty of time, it’s crucial to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses forget, and insurance companies build their defense. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we immediately initiate preservation letters and conduct investigations to secure crucial evidence. Delaying your claim could weaken your case or eliminate your right to compensation entirely. Call us as soon as possible after an accident to protect your rights.

Pennsylvania follows the rule of modified comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your final recovery would be $80,000. Insurance companies often use this rule to undermine your claim, arguing you were more to blame than you were.

That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced legal team in your corner. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we push back aggressively against unfair blame-shifting tactics. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate the crash to prove the other party’s negligence and minimize your percentage of fault, maximizing the compensation you receive.

Absolutely not- never speak to the other side’s insurance adjuster without a lawyer present. These adjusters are trained to ask misleading questions, obtain damaging admissions, and pressure you into lowball settlements.

Often, they’ll sound friendly and cooperative, but their job is to protect the company, not you. They may ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to sign a release- both of which can hurt your case significantly.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we take over all communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to worry. We make sure nothing you say is used against you and that all statements and documents are carefully reviewed before anything is signed. Protect your rights and your future- call us before saying a word to the adjusters.

If a commercial driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or violated hours-of-service (HOS) laws, this can serve as strong evidence of negligence and even recklessness. Truck drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations, including:

• No driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours
• No driving under the influence of alcohol (limit is 0.04% for commercial drivers)
• Mandatory rest and logging requirements

Violations of these rules can lead to enhanced liability, punitive damages, and criminal penalties. Our legal team at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino will obtain driver logs, GPS records, toxicology reports, and employment histories to prove these violations. Holding commercial drivers- and their employers- accountable for reckless behavior is essential to securing justice and preventing future tragedies.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you. That means no out-of-pocket costs- no legal fees, no retainer, no financial risk.

We also cover the costs of investigation, expert witnesses, court filings, and more while building your case. Our mission is to level the playing field between accident victims and powerful trucking companies with endless resources.

Hiring us means getting experienced, aggressive legal representation without worrying about cost. If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t wait- contact us today at 717-394-3004 and let us fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.