Truck accident claims can be far more complex than they first appear. In Pennsylvania, victims often face obstacles that make it difficult to recover fair compensation, especially when dealing with large trucking companies and layered insurance policies. Here are some of the most common challenges:

• Multiple Liable Parties: Responsibility might fall on more than just the driver. The trucking company, a third-party contractor, the company that loaded the cargo, or even a vehicle maintenance provider could all be involved. Failing to identify every liable party could limit your recovery.
• Complex Insurance Structures: Commercial trucks are typically covered by multiple insurance policies with high limits—and strong legal teams behind them. Navigating these layers of coverage can be difficult without legal representation.
• Federal and State Regulations: Trucking companies are subject to strict safety rules, including hours-of-service limits, inspection requirements, and more. Proving a violation requires in-depth knowledge of both federal and Pennsylvania law.
• Disappearing Evidence: Critical data—like driver logs, black box records, and maintenance histories—may be altered or lost if not secured quickly. Delays can seriously weaken a case.
• Independent Contractor Defense: Some companies try to distance themselves from liability by claiming the driver was an independent contractor. This tactic doesn’t always hold up under scrutiny, but it’s often used to delay or reduce payouts.
• Pressure to Settle Early: Insurers may offer fast settlements before the full extent of injuries or losses is known. These offers are often far below what a claim is truly worth.

Each of these challenges can affect the outcome of your case. Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC works to anticipate and overcome these obstacles early so you can focus on your recovery, not the red tape.