Legal Support for Truck and Car Accident Victims

When a massive commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. The sheer size and weight difference between an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer and a typical car creates a physics equation that rarely favors the smaller vehicle’s occupants. In Pittsburgh, where major highways like I-76, I-79, and I-376 see constant commercial traffic, truck accidents happen with alarming frequency, leaving victims and their families grappling with life-altering injuries and mounting financial pressures.

The aftermath of a truck accident is unlike any other type of motor vehicle collision. The complexity of these cases involves multiple parties, from trucking companies and drivers to maintenance contractors and cargo loaders. Federal regulations, insurance policies worth millions of dollars, and corporate legal teams all come into play, creating a legal landscape that can overwhelm even the most determined individual seeking justice.

This is where experienced truck accident attorneys become invaluable allies. They understand that behind every case file is a real person whose life has been turned upside down, someone who deserves not just compensation, but dignity and respect throughout the legal process. The right legal team can mean the difference between a quick settlement that barely covers immediate expenses and full compensation that truly addresses the long-term impact of your injuries.

At Edgar Snyder & Associates, we’ve witnessed firsthand how devastating truck accidents can reshape entire families. We’ve seen strong, independent individuals suddenly facing months or years of rehabilitation, families struggling to pay medical bills while dealing with lost income, and loved ones grieving losses that could have been prevented. These experiences fuel our commitment to fighting tirelessly for every client who walks through our doors.

Why Choose Edgar Snyder & Associates for Your Truck Accident?

Over 40 Years of Experience and Proven Results

Four decades in personal injury law has taught us that successful truck accident representation requires more than just legal knowledge—it demands a deep understanding of the transportation industry, federal regulations, and the tactics employed by trucking companies to minimize their liability. Our firm has handled thousands of truck accident cases, securing millions of dollars in compensation for victims across Pennsylvania.

This extensive experience translates into practical advantages for our clients. We know which questions to ask during depositions, which experts to consult for accident reconstruction, and how to identify evidence that trucking companies might prefer to keep hidden. Our track record speaks volumes about our ability to take on the largest trucking corporations and their insurance companies, achieving results that truly make a difference in our clients’ lives.

Every case we accept receives the benefit of our accumulated knowledge and resources. We’ve seen how trucking companies operate, understand their common defense strategies, and know how to counter their attempts to shift blame or minimize damages. This institutional knowledge, built over four decades of practice, gives our clients a significant advantage in what are often complex and hard-fought legal battles.

Our proven results aren’t just numbers on a page—they represent real people who were able to rebuild their lives after devastating accidents. From securing compensation for catastrophic injuries to helping families find closure after wrongful death cases, our experience has prepared us to handle even the most challenging truck accident claims.

A Team Dedicated to Your Recovery

Recovery from a serious truck accident involves much more than healing physical injuries. It requires navigating insurance claims, understanding your legal rights, managing financial pressures, and often learning to adapt to new physical limitations. Our team approaches each case with the understanding that we’re not just your attorneys—we’re your advocates during one of the most difficult periods of your life.

From the moment you contact our office, you’ll work with professionals who genuinely care about your wellbeing and recovery. Our attorneys, paralegals, and support staff understand that every phone call might be difficult for you, every meeting might require significant effort, and every decision carries weight for your future. We adapt our approach to meet your needs, whether that means meeting you at your home, communicating primarily through family members, or adjusting our schedule to accommodate your medical appointments.

This dedication extends beyond the legal aspects of your case. We maintain relationships with medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and other experts who can contribute to your recovery. When appropriate, we can connect you with resources and services that might help you navigate this challenging time, always with your best interests at heart.

Our team also understands the emotional toll that truck accidents take on victims and their families. We’ve seen how trauma can affect decision-making, how pain can make it difficult to focus on legal proceedings, and how financial stress can compound an already overwhelming situation. This understanding shapes how we communicate with our clients and manage their cases.

We Fight Against Trucking Companies and Their Aggressive Insurers

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers have one primary goal when an accident occurs: minimize their financial exposure. They employ teams of investigators, lawyers, and experts whose job is to find any way to reduce or eliminate their liability. These professionals often arrive at accident scenes before victims have even received medical treatment, working quickly to gather evidence that supports their version of events.

Against this backdrop, having experienced legal representation becomes crucial. We level the playing field by conducting our own thorough investigations, hiring our own experts, and presenting evidence that tells the complete story of what happened and why. We’re not intimidated by large trucking corporations or their high-powered legal teams—we’ve faced them countless times and know how to build cases that can withstand their scrutiny.

Our approach involves aggressive advocacy combined with meticulous preparation. We understand that trucking companies will scrutinize every aspect of your case, looking for weaknesses they can exploit. That’s why we work so hard to build comprehensive, bulletproof cases that address every potential argument the defense might raise.

The insurance companies representing trucking firms often have policies worth millions of dollars, but they don’t part with that money easily. They may offer quick settlements that seem substantial but fall far short of covering your actual damages. We have the experience to evaluate these offers properly and the willingness to take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Essential Immediate Steps at the Scene

The moments immediately following a truck accident are often chaotic and frightening, but the actions you take during this critical period can significantly impact your case. If you’re physically able, your first priority should always be seeking medical attention, even if you don’t believe you’re seriously injured. The adrenaline and shock that follow traumatic accidents can mask injuries that become apparent hours or days later.

If possible, try to move to a safe location away from traffic. Truck accidents often create hazardous conditions that can lead to secondary collisions, so getting yourself and others to safety should be your immediate concern. Once you’re safe, call 911 to report the accident and request both police and medical assistance, even for seemingly minor injuries.

Document the scene as thoroughly as possible, but only if you can do so safely. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information, as their statements could be crucial to your case later. However, remember that your safety and health are more important than gathering evidence.

Avoid making any statements about fault or causation to anyone at the scene except the responding police officers. Trucking company representatives or insurance adjusters may arrive quickly and try to get you to make statements that could be used against you later. Be polite but firm in declining to discuss the specifics of how the accident occurred.

The Crucial Importance of Documentation and Medical Treatment

Proper documentation begins at the accident scene but must continue throughout your recovery process. Every medical appointment, every treatment session, and every day you’re unable to work due to your injuries should be carefully documented. This information forms the foundation of your claim and helps establish the full extent of your damages.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries, particularly those involving the brain or soft tissues, may not manifest symptoms immediately. Having a medical professional evaluate you creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident, which becomes crucial evidence in your case.

Follow all medical advice and attend all scheduled appointments. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in treatment indicate that injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. Consistent medical care not only supports your health and recovery but also strengthens your legal case by demonstrating the ongoing nature and severity of your injuries.

Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, prescription costs, travel expenses for medical appointments, and any modifications needed to your home or vehicle. Also document how your injuries have affected your daily life, including activities you can no longer perform and ways your family relationships have been impacted.

Don’t Talk to Insurers Before Contacting an Attorney

One of the first calls you’ll likely receive after a truck accident comes from an insurance company representative. These calls might seem helpful and concerned, but remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on limiting their financial exposure. Anything you say during these conversations can be used to minimize or deny your claim.

Politely decline to give recorded statements or sign any documents until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that might lead you to inadvertently accept blame or downplay your injuries. Even seemingly innocent comments about feeling “okay” can be taken out of context and used against you later.

Insurance companies may also try to offer quick settlements, especially in cases where liability seems clear. While these offers might sound substantial, they’re often far less than what your case is actually worth. Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up your right to seek additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially apparent.

Having an attorney handle all communications with insurance companies protects your interests and ensures that nothing you say or do inadvertently harms your case. We understand the tactics these companies use and can navigate these conversations in ways that protect your rights while still cooperating with legitimate claim investigations.

How Our Lawyers Handle Your Truck Accident Case

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection

Every truck accident case requires a comprehensive investigation that goes far beyond the police report. We begin by examining the accident scene, often hiring accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and other physical evidence. This scientific approach helps establish exactly how the accident occurred and who bears responsibility.

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices and onboard computers that record crucial data about the vehicle’s operation. This “black box” information can reveal the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and other operational details in the moments leading up to the accident. We work quickly to preserve this data before it can be overwritten or destroyed.

We also investigate the trucking company’s records, including driver logs, maintenance records, and safety ratings. Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain extensive documentation about their operations, and these records often reveal violations of safety regulations that contributed to the accident. Drug and alcohol testing records, driver qualification files, and cargo loading procedures all become part of our investigation.

Witness statements are another crucial component of our investigation. We interview everyone who saw the accident or has relevant information about the circumstances that led to it. This includes other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and anyone who interacted with the truck driver before the accident occurred.

Navigating Legal Complexities for You

Truck accident cases involve multiple layers of federal and state regulations that don’t apply to typical car accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets strict rules governing everything from driver qualifications and hours of service to vehicle maintenance and cargo securement. Violations of these regulations can establish negligence and strengthen your case significantly.

The legal landscape becomes even more complex when multiple parties might bear responsibility for an accident. The truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance contractor, and cargo loading company could all potentially share liability. We identify all responsible parties and pursue claims against each one to maximize your potential recovery.

Insurance coverage in truck accident cases is typically much more complex than in car accidents. Commercial trucking policies often involve multiple layers of coverage from different insurance companies, each with their own attorneys trying to minimize their exposure. We have the experience to navigate these complex insurance structures and ensure that all available coverage is identified and pursued.

Our team also handles all aspects of litigation if your case cannot be resolved through negotiation. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers from defendants who know we’re prepared to present your case to a jury if necessary.

Obtaining Complete Compensation

Truck accident injuries are often severe and life-changing, resulting in damages that extend far beyond immediate medical expenses. We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life.

Medical expenses in truck accident cases can be staggering, often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for catastrophic injuries. We ensure that all current and future medical costs are properly documented and included in your claim, working with your medical providers to understand your long-term care needs and associated costs.

Lost wages represent another significant component of truck accident damages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning capacity, we calculate these losses over your entire working lifetime. This often involves complex economic analysis, but it’s essential for ensuring you receive fair compensation for the career impact of your injuries.

Pain and suffering damages acknowledge that truck accident injuries affect more than just your finances—they impact every aspect of your life. We present evidence about how your injuries have affected your relationships, hobbies, daily activities, and overall enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages are often substantial in truck accident cases due to the severity of typical injuries.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

Accidents Involving Various Commercial Vehicles

Our experience extends beyond traditional tractor-trailers to include accidents involving all types of commercial vehicles. Delivery trucks, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, and other commercial vehicles can cause serious accidents when operated negligently. Each type of vehicle presents unique challenges and potential liability issues that require specialized knowledge to address effectively.

Box trucks and delivery vehicles are increasingly common on Pittsburgh’s roads as online shopping grows. These vehicles often make frequent stops and navigate residential neighborhoods where they might not be expected. Accidents involving these vehicles can be complicated by questions about delivery schedules, route planning, and driver training.

Construction and utility vehicles often operate in challenging conditions with specialized equipment that can create unique hazards. These cases might involve questions about work zone safety, equipment maintenance, or coordination with other contractors on job sites. We have experience handling these complex scenarios and identifying all potentially responsible parties.

Accidents Caused by Negligence

Driver negligence remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents, despite strict federal regulations governing commercial driving. Distracted driving, including cell phone use, has become an increasingly common factor in truck accidents. Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from using handheld phones while driving, but violations still occur with tragic consequences.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is particularly dangerous when it involves commercial vehicles. Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than regular drivers, with lower blood alcohol limits and zero tolerance for many substances. We thoroughly investigate any suspicion of impaired driving and work with experts to prove these violations.

Fatigue is another major factor in truck accidents, despite federal hours-of-service regulations designed to ensure drivers get adequate rest. Some drivers and companies violate these rules to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. We examine logbooks, electronic logging device data, and other records to identify hours-of-service violations that may have contributed to your accident.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions and Passenger Accidents

Truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles due to the size and momentum of commercial trucks. These complex accidents require careful analysis to determine how the collision sequence unfolded and establish each party’s role in causing the accident. We work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together exactly what happened in these chaotic situations.

Passenger injuries in truck accidents are often more severe than those of drivers because passengers have less control over the situation and may be less prepared for impact. We ensure that passenger rights are fully protected and that their unique circumstances are properly considered in any legal proceedings.

Chain-reaction accidents involving trucks can be particularly devastating, with multiple impacts causing injuries that might not be apparent immediately. We investigate these complex scenarios thoroughly to ensure that all causes are identified and all responsible parties are held accountable for their roles in causing the accident.

Accidents Related to Dangerous Road Conditions

Sometimes truck accidents result from dangerous road conditions that trucking companies or drivers failed to properly account for. Construction zones, weather-related hazards, and poorly maintained roadways can all contribute to accidents, but drivers are still expected to adjust their driving to match conditions.

We investigate whether road conditions played a role in your accident and whether any government agencies or contractors might bear responsibility for creating or failing to address dangerous conditions. These cases can be complex, involving government immunity issues and specific notice requirements, but they’re sometimes necessary to ensure full compensation for accident victims.

Representation for Drivers, Pedestrians, Cyclists and Work-Related Accidents

Our representation extends to all types of truck accident victims, including other commercial drivers who might have been injured in the course of their employment. These cases often involve workers’ compensation issues in addition to potential third-party claims against negligent trucking companies.

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in truck accidents due to the size disparity and limited visibility around large commercial vehicles. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, requiring sensitive handling and aggressive advocacy to ensure fair compensation for victims and their families.

Work-related truck accidents can involve complex questions about employment status, workers’ compensation coverage, and third-party liability. We sort through these issues to ensure that all available sources of compensation are identified and pursued on your behalf.

Understanding Common Truck Accident Injuries

Serious Injuries (Head, Brain, Spinal Cord, Back, Neck)

The force involved in truck accidents often causes traumatic brain injuries that can have lifelong consequences. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can affect cognitive function, personality, and the ability to work or maintain relationships. We work with neurologists and neuropsychologists to fully document these injuries and their impact on your life.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating consequences of truck accidents, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require immediate medical intervention and often lead to lifetime care needs. We work with spinal cord specialists and life care planners to ensure that all future care needs are properly calculated and included in your claim.

Neck and back injuries are extremely common in truck accidents due to the forces involved in these collisions. While some neck and back injuries heal with proper treatment, others can cause chronic pain and permanent disability. We ensure that these injuries receive proper medical evaluation and that their long-term impact is fully considered in your case.

Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Injuries (Shoulder, Knee, Fractures)

Fractures and other orthopedic injuries are common in truck accidents and can range from simple breaks that heal completely to complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation. We work with orthopedic specialists to understand the full extent of these injuries and their impact on your ability to work and enjoy life.

Shoulder and knee injuries can be particularly problematic because these joints are essential for many daily activities and occupations. Damage to these joints might require ongoing treatment and could prevent you from returning to your previous job. We ensure that these functional limitations are properly documented and compensated.

Soft tissue injuries, while sometimes dismissed as minor, can cause chronic pain and significantly impact quality of life. We take these injuries seriously and work to ensure they receive proper medical treatment and legal consideration. The fact that soft tissue injuries don’t show up on X-rays doesn’t make them any less real or debilitating.

Support in Wrongful Death Cases

When truck accidents result in fatalities, the legal and emotional challenges faced by surviving family members are overwhelming. We handle wrongful death cases with the sensitivity and respect they deserve while aggressively pursuing the compensation families need to move forward financially.

Wrongful death cases require careful calculation of the economic value of the deceased person’s life, including lost earnings, benefits, and services they would have provided to their family. We work with economists and other experts to ensure these calculations accurately reflect the family’s loss.

Beyond economic damages, wrongful death cases also address the pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members. While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, proper compensation can help families avoid financial hardship while they grieve and adjust to their new circumstances.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

What to Expect During Your First Meeting

Your initial consultation with our firm is completely free and without obligation. We understand that you might be dealing with serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about your future, so we’ve designed this process to be as comfortable and informative as possible. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, review any documentation you have, and provide an honest assessment of your case.

We encourage you to bring any documentation related to your accident, including police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, and photographs. However, don’t worry if you don’t have everything organized yet—we can help you gather the necessary documentation as we move forward with your case.

This initial meeting is also your opportunity to ask questions about the legal process, our experience, and what you can expect if you decide to work with us. We believe that informed clients make better decisions, so we take time to explain complex legal concepts in terms you can understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many truck accident victims have similar concerns about their cases. Common questions include whether you have a valid claim, what your case might be worth, and how much legal representation will cost. We address these questions honestly during your consultation, explaining how the specific facts of your case affect these important considerations.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to access experienced legal representation without worrying about upfront costs during an already difficult financial time.

The value of truck accident cases varies widely depending on factors like the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and the strength of the evidence supporting your claim. We can provide a more specific assessment after reviewing the details of your particular situation.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Office Today

Don’t wait to seek legal help after a truck accident. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and there are strict time limits for filing claims. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence for your case.

Our Pittsburgh office is easily accessible, and we’re prepared to meet you wherever is most convenient during your recovery. We understand that traveling might be difficult due to your injuries, and we’re willing to accommodate your needs to ensure you get the legal help you deserve.

Contact Edgar Snyder & Associates today to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our four decades of experience to work for you, fighting to get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery and your family’s future.

Legal Options After Car and Truck Accidents: What Victims …