Introduction
Truck accidents rarely involve a single defendant. The driver, the trucking company, the maintenance provider, the cargo loader, the leasing company, even the parts manufacturer may all bear responsibility when an 18-wheeler causes catastrophic injuries. Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP, operating from their Wilmington, Delaware office, focuses on untangling these complex liability questions for victims of trucking and motor vehicle accidents across Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Practice Areas
Trucking Accidents
The firm’s core strength lies in trucking accident litigation. Their attorneys understand that commercial truck cases differ fundamentally from passenger vehicle accidents in their complexity, the number of potentially liable parties, and the severity of injuries. The firm identifies and pursues claims against truck drivers, commercial trucking businesses, truck owners, leasing companies, loading companies, certified inspectors, maintenance providers, and manufacturers of defective parts.
Truck Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents, which occur when trucks turn onto their sides or roofs, are among the most dangerous types of trucking incidents. Common on highways like I-95 and I-295, these accidents fall into two categories: tripped rollovers caused by hitting objects and untripped rollovers caused by evasive maneuvers. Contributing factors include driver negligence, the vehicle’s high center of gravity, distracted driving, speeding, poor weather, substance abuse, and drowsy driving.
Trucking Liability Analysis
Determining who bears responsibility for a trucking accident requires knowledge of both state and federal regulations. The firm’s attorneys understand the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence, strengthening victims’ claims for compensation.
Car Accidents
The firm also represents victims of passenger vehicle accidents involving reckless driving, drunk driving, head-on collisions, rear-end impacts, side crashes, texting while driving, hit-and-runs, parking lot incidents, turnpike accidents, and collisions caused by poor road conditions or negligent speeding. The attorneys guide clients through every litigation step from investigating claims and documenting injuries to negotiating settlements and providing court representation. For catastrophic injuries or fatalities, the firm pursues maximum compensation through aggressive litigation when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements.
Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Accidents
Vulnerable road users involved in collisions with motor vehicles receive representation from the firm. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians lack the protective structures that shield occupants of cars and trucks, which means injuries in these collisions tend to be more severe, often including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ injuries. The firm pursues compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and diminished quality of life.
Catastrophic Injury Representation
Trucking accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, burns, and internal organ damage. The force involved in a collision between a fully loaded commercial truck and a passenger vehicle can be devastating. The firm pursues compensation for medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. These cases often require expert testimony from medical professionals, economists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to establish the full scope of the victim’s damages and future needs.
Wrongful Death in Trucking Accidents
When a trucking accident results in a fatality, the firm represents surviving family members in wrongful death claims. These cases require establishing that the death was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, or another party. Compensation may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future income and benefits, and the emotional loss suffered by surviving family members. The firm pursues these cases with an understanding of the devastating impact a fatal trucking accident has on families.
Attorney Profile
Peter Janczyk leads the firm’s trucking accident practice, bringing thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. His approach emphasizes identifying all potentially liable parties and using regulatory violations to strengthen clients’ claims.
Location and Contact
- Address: 222 Delaware Ave, Suite 1615, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Phone: 302-504-4815
- Toll-Free: 888-208-8864 / 800-300-0909
- Philadelphia Office Phone: 215-731-9900
- Website: delaware-trucking-lawyer.com/
- Consultation: Free and confidential
- Fees: Contingency basis; no fees unless compensation is recovered
- Service Area: Delaware and Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held responsible in a trucking accident?
Multiple parties may bear liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, leasing companies, cargo loading companies, maintenance providers, certified inspectors, and manufacturers of defective parts. The firm investigates each case to identify all responsible parties.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Call 911, gather information from all parties at the scene, avoid giving statements to insurance representatives, seek medical treatment promptly, contact a lawyer as soon as possible, report the accident to your own insurance company, and refrain from posting about the accident on social media.
Does the firm handle cases in both Delaware and Pennsylvania?
Yes. Edelstein Martin & Nelson represents truck accident and car accident victims throughout both Delaware and Pennsylvania, with offices in Wilmington, Delaware.
How are federal trucking regulations relevant to my case?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules governing driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and other aspects of commercial trucking. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence, which strengthens the case for compensation.