Weather-Related Truck Accident Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Fighting Tirelessly to Maximize Your Recovery
Pennsylvania weather is known for being unpredictable. One minute it can be sunny and dry; the next it can be icy and cold. Wintry weather, hurricanes, and significant rainstorms can cause travel to become treacherous. And yet, all too often, truck drivers continue to barrel down the road at unsafe speeds, putting others on the road at serious risk.
If you were involved in a truck accident in which lousy weather played a factor, it’s important that you have someone to protect your rights against the trucking company. At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, our Pennsylvania weather-related truck accident lawyers have decades of experience handling all types of serious and complex truck accidents. With more than $110 million recovered in settlements and verdicts, we are prepared to fight your battle—both in and out of the courtroom. Our goal is to make sure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries, and we are willing to do everything we can to maximize your claim.
If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC at (877) 989-4878 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Truck Driving & Bad Weather Don’t Mix
According to the Federal Highway Administration, an average of 5,748,000 motor vehicle accidents occur each year. Of those crashes, about 22% are weather-related. With more and more trucks on our highways, many of these accidents involve tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and delivery trucks.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that the number of fatal truck accidents caused by weather conditions increased between 2014 and 2016 from 3,429 in 2014 to 3,964 in 2016. In 2016, the FMCSA reported that weather conditions caused 104,000 truck accident injuries.
Federal Regulations for Driving in Adverse Conditions
Federal regulations require any driver of a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or another type of large truck to use “extreme caution” when driving in adverse conditions.
The law defines hazardous conditions as:
- Ice and sleet
- Snow
- Fog and mist
- Rain
- Dust
- Smoke
These conditions reduce both a driver’s visibility and tire traction. Truck drivers are required by law to reduce their speed or stop altogether if the conditions become hazardous.
However, there is an exemption to this rule. According to the FMCSA, "If unexpected adverse driving conditions slow you down, you may drive up to two extra hours to complete what could have driven in normal conditions." What this means is that if an unexpected weather event occurs while a truck driver is making a delivery, the driver can still drive up to 13 hours in the conditions. The exemption does not include predicted situations. For example, if a blizzard occurs and it was predicted prior to the first snowflakes begin to fall, then the truck driver must be off the road. However, if there's a sudden ice storm that wasn't predicted beforehand, the truck can legally stay on the road.
Severe weather can cause delays and slow-moving traffic. With delayed travel time, truck drivers may run behind schedule, which can, in turn, lead to careless driving or speeding as drivers attempt to make up for lost time.
Your Options after a Weather-Related Truck Accident
If you get into a truck accident and the cause was weather-related, you must act quickly to protect your rights. Remember, the trucking companies will do anything they can to try to prove you were at fault for the accident. Our Pennsylvania weather-related truck accident lawyers can help you fight back.
You have the option of filling a personal injury claim if you were severely injured in a truck accident caused by negligence. Often, this negligence results from a truck driver attempting to make up for lost time due to adverse weather. Negligence can also happen when truck drivers do not exhibit extreme caution during poor weather. In any case, our firm can investigate your claim in order to determine exactly what happened and who is to blame. We know what to look for, including witness statements and medical records, in order to establish liability and outline the full extent of your damages.
Serving Clients Throughout Pennsylvania & Nationwide
Our firm has a history of success in representing injured truck accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and the United States. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, including more than $25 million for truck accident victims alone. When you turn to our team, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
In Pennsylvania, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you fail to bring your claim within the two-year statute of limitations, you will almost certainly be barred from recovering any compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, or wrongful death. We encourage you to reach out to us right away so that we can get started on your case.
Contact our office at (877) 989-4878 or submit an online contact form to schedule your complimentary case evaluation today.
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$8 Million Wrongful Death
A settlement was obtained on behalf of the loving family of a young man who lost his life in a commercial motor vehicle accident in Philadelphia.
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$7.15 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
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$6.35 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
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$5.4 Million Car Accident
A settlement was obtained for a client who was injured in a motor vehicle accident case.
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$5 Million Trucking Accident
A settlement was obtained for three victims of a tractor-trailer crash.
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$4 Million Trucking Accident
Our client was hit by an overweight and out-of-control tractor-trailer which was driving illegally on PA 115. This verdict was the #1 trucking collision verdict in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2011.
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We could have never made it without Molly Clark and Fellerman & Ciarimboli!! It's scary going after someone for wrongdoing and she took us through every step. She answered all our questions, good or bad. She was available 24-7 and weekends fighting for us. She fought for our needs and got us what was deserved!! They are the best choice!!- Star K.
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- Frank K.
I have a friend who sought help from Fellerman & Ciarimboli and said they were very nice and helpful. So when I needed assistance, they were the first ones I thought of, and gave them a call. I was connected to Attorney Molly Clark, who made a significant impact. Her comforting personality created a welcoming environment during our interactions, turning what could have been a somber experience into one filled with positivity. Our upbeat conversations, in contrast to the challenging situation, improved my well-being.
What truly won me over was Molly's commitment to keeping me informed about the progress of my situation. Whenever I called her with questions, she promptly provided answers, ensuring I had the information I needed when I needed it. Working with Fellerman & Ciarimboli was a positive experience given the circumstances I was facing. I highly recommend Attorney Molly and the firm to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate assistance during challenging times.
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Molly thank you for everything you’ve done for Terry and me. You went above and beyond. You are like family to us and will always love you!- Arlene P.
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I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been! I'm not kidding when I say that both you and the entire firm are I think the best around. Once get things settled around here, I would like to make an appointment to come up to talk about some other issues, but I have been doing nothing, but singing the praises of you The entire organization to everyone that I speak with.- R.R.
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- Client
There are no adequate words to convey to you, Mike, and Ed how grateful our family is for all of your hard work in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives. Your commitment to justice is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Our tragedy became your tragedy. The three of you have become part of our family.
Harry, you explained everything necessary in terms which were comprehensible and helpful to us to better understand all that was presented. We are so grateful for that.
The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.
We will grieve our profound loss for the rest of our lives, but all of you helped to make it a bit easier, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
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Molly, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you mean to me, throughout this process, you have always been there and helped me through. I am glad it all came to a good ending and that it is over. But, I will miss you and you will always be referred to anyone that ever asks me for an amazing lawyer! Keep fighting for the people who need you! You are amazing at what you do, you're professional and genuine! I wish you all the best in your career and am happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!- Nicole W.
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“Happy that the night that ruined a lot in my life was finally over. If you want a great firm, get things done right and efficiently, and have a team supporting you along your journey, I suggest F&C to be your choice!”- Nicole W.
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I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm. My attorney Myer Messinger was very compassionate and offered empathy with helping me and my daughter with the mental agony we experienced after the accident. Mr Messinger is very professional and knowledgeable. We sat for hours for the mediation and he fought to get me the best settlement- Enide Jerome
