Tractor-Trailer Wrecks

Determining fault in a truck accident involves a thorough investigation of multiple factors. Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or even truck part manufacturers. We examine driver behavior (speeding, fatigue, substance use), company policies (delivery pressure, inadequate training), vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with federal trucking regulations.

Our legal team utilizes accident reconstruction experts, forensic analysts, and trucking safety professionals to establish exactly what happened and who is liable. We also retrieve critical evidence such as logbooks, dash cam footage, GPS data, and event data recorder (black box) information. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve successfully held not just reckless drivers accountable, but also negligent companies that put profit over public safety. Our experience ensures that all responsible parties are brought to light and held liable for the harm they’ve caused.

In a truck accident case, liability can extend beyond just the driver. In many cases, multiple entities share responsibility for the crash. Here are the most common liable parties:

• Truck driver – for negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
• Trucking company – for poor hiring practices, failure to train drivers, unrealistic delivery schedules, or vehicle neglect.
• Cargo loaders – for improperly loading or securing freight, which can shift and cause rollovers or jackknifes.
• Truck maintenance companies – if faulty repairs or lack of inspections played a role.
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers – in cases involving defective brakes, tires, or other components.

As your legal advocates, we’ll investigate all potential sources of liability and identify every avenue of compensation. Trucking companies and insurers will try to minimize their exposure- we won’t let them. With our extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania trucking laws and federal regulations, we fight relentlessly to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Victims of truck accidents are often entitled to substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries and losses. You may be eligible for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (for families who’ve lost a loved one)

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we build every claim with future recovery in mind- especially for those facing long-term disabilities or the need for ongoing care. We work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and life care planners to fully assess your financial and emotional damages. Our goal is to ensure you and your family are financially secure and have access to the best resources to aid in your recovery and well-being.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims- including those arising from truck accidents- is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions and nuances depending on the details of your case. For instance, if a government entity is involved, the deadline may be shorter, and if the victim is a minor, the timeline may be extended.

Time is of the essence. Critical evidence- like driver logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements- can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we encourage accident victims to consult with us right away. We’ll ensure all deadlines are met, and all legal filings are timely and strategic. Acting fast also protects you from insurance company tactics designed to reduce or deny your rightful compensation.

Yes, it is still possible to hold the trucking company accountable even if the driver is labeled an independent contractor. In the trucking industry, companies often misclassify drivers to avoid liability. However, courts and experienced attorneys like us look beyond labels and examine the working relationship. If the company exerts significant control over the driver’s work- such as setting routes, schedules, or requiring the use of company equipment- they may still be legally responsible.

We’ve successfully pierced through these misclassifications to ensure victims receive full compensation. Through diligent investigation, we uncover the nature of the relationship between the driver and the company. When negligence stems from company practices, such as poor training or unrealistic deadlines, the company can- and should- be held accountable. Our firm doesn’t back down from complex cases. We thrive on them.

Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accidents in terms of complexity, severity, and legal strategy. Trucks are governed by strict federal and state regulations, and violations can be a key factor in proving negligence. The injuries involved are often more catastrophic, and the number of potentially liable parties is higher.

Moreover, trucking companies and their insurers have deep resources and aggressive legal teams. They often respond immediately after a crash to control the narrative and limit their liability. Victims must have equally aggressive representation. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we are equipped with decades of legal experience and the technical knowledge to take on major commercial insurers.

We also understand the trucking industry’s operational and regulatory landscape. From hours-of-service violations to logbook fraud and improper cargo handling, we know what to look for and how to prove fault. These aren’t just accident claims- they are complex cases that require skilled litigation and a track record of success.

The truck’s black box- also known as the event data recorder (EDR)- can provide critical evidence in your case. This device records data such as vehicle speed, brake application, throttle usage, engine performance, and seatbelt status in the moments leading up to a crash. It may also store information about the driver’s hours of operation and driving patterns over time.

Our team acts quickly to obtain and preserve black box data before it’s deleted or overwritten. This digital evidence can corroborate witness statements, expose driver fatigue, or confirm that the truck was speeding or failed to brake. When paired with GPS tracking and maintenance logs, the black box can provide a detailed picture of what really happened.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we work with top accident reconstruction experts to interpret this data and use it to strengthen your claim. It’s a key part of building a solid, evidence-backed case against powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

Most truck accident claims are resolved through settlements, but some do proceed to trial, especially when the at-fault parties dispute liability or offer inadequate compensation. At our firm, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This approach strengthens your negotiating power and signals to the opposition that we are serious, seasoned trial attorneys who won’t settle for less than you deserve.

Our litigation team has years of courtroom experience handling high-stakes personal injury trials throughout Pennsylvania. We know how to present compelling evidence to judges and juries, and we’ve built a strong reputation for success in and out of the courtroom. If trial becomes necessary, rest assured- we are ready to fight with precision and passion to get you the justice you deserve.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so you never have to worry about hourly charges or out-of-pocket legal costs during your case.

We also offer free consultations, during which we assess your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in clear, honest terms. We believe that every accident victim deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Our firm invests the time and resources, and has the knowledge to build a winning case, and we don’t stop until justice is served.