When life takes a sudden turn, especially due to a truck accident, it can be mentally exhausting. Accepting the insurance company’s first settlement offer is a mistake. While victims are struggling physically, emotionally, and financially, many insurance companies will try to persuade them to accept a settlement that fails to cover the full extent of injuries, long-term medical needs, or emotional trauma. Without even realizing what they are losing, truck accident victims are giving up their rights with just a signature.
Have you ever wondered what could happen if you choose not to accept the initial settlement? A Philadelphia truck accident lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim can secure you a fair amount of compensation. This firm knows why the early settlements should be avoided and will provide the assistance you need throughout the case. If you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer today for the justice, compensation, and support you deserve.
Types of Truck Accident Claims in Philadelphia, PA
Truck accidents in Philadelphia can take many forms, and each one carries unique legal and emotional consequences. Whether it happens on I-95, Roosevelt Boulevard, or any local road, the outcome is rarely simple, and the path to justice is never one-size-fits-all.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, clients receive the benefit of in-depth experience with all types of commercial vehicle collisions. Their legal team brings not just knowledge but also determination to investigate every detail, ensuring no factor is overlooked in your pursuit of compensation.
Here are some of the most common truck accident claims their firm routinely handles:
- Rear-End Collisions:
These often occur when a distracted or fatigued truck driver slams into a smaller vehicle. Victims may suffer from whiplash, spinal injuries, or worse, and the true consequences of the injury may not surface until weeks later.
- Jackknife Accidents:
When a truck’s trailer swings out at a sharp angle, it can block multiple lanes and trap other vehicles. These accidents are frequently caused by abrupt braking or poor road conditions and usually result in severe injuries.
- Underride Collisions:
Among the most fatal types of truck crashes, these happen when a smaller car becomes lodged under the truck’s trailer. Even at moderate speeds, the results can be catastrophic.
- Rollover Accidents:
High speeds, unsecured loads, or sudden maneuvers can cause trucks to roll over, posing a life-threatening danger to everyone nearby.
- Blind Spot Crashes:
A truck’s large blind zones can hide entire vehicles. Failure to properly check these areas before lane changes can cause violent sideswipes or forced-off-road incidents.
- Lost Load or Cargo Spills:
If a truck’s cargo isn’t properly secured, it can fall onto the roadway and create instant hazards. On highways, this often leads to chain-reaction crashes.
These accidents aren’t just complex but also life-altering. That’s why van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim dedicate personalized attention to every case. Their attorneys dig deep, analyzing evidence that ranges from black box data to maintenance records, to protect your rights and ensure no insurance company gets away with offering less than you deserve.
The Real Price of Settling Too Soon
It often begins with a calm, polite, and oddly reassuring phone call. An insurance adjuster offers what sounds like a lifeline: a fast settlement. No need to involve lawyers, no drawn-out process. Just sign, and it’s over.
But is it?
For many truck accident victims, that signature becomes a turning point—not toward healing, but toward hardship. What seemed like a solution became the start of a quiet struggle. Medical bills continue piling up. Pain lingers. Missed work turns into lost income. And because the settlement was final, the chance to ask for more is gone.
Quick settlements don’t account for delayed symptoms or long-term treatments. They rarely consider the cost of emotional distress or chronic conditions that show up after the adrenaline fades. Once accepted, there’s little room left to seek the full cost of what the accident took from you.
This is where a truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia becomes not just helpful but essential. The attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim understand the real value of your case, not just what’s written on a form. They ensure your future isn’t decided in a moment of pressure but instead with clarity, evidence, and care. Justice shouldn’t be rushed, and neither should your recovery.
What Victims Often Don’t Know About Their Rights
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, one of the most common things the legal team hears from new clients is: “I didn’t know I could do that.” It’s true that most accident victims simply aren’t told their rights. In the fog of recovery, crucial protections often go unnoticed, and that’s where things start to go wrong.
Here’s what many victims don’t realize in the aftermath of a truck accident:
- You have the right to say no to the first settlement offer.
That initial number is designed for speed, not fairness. You’re never obligated to accept it on the spot.
- You have the right to a complete medical evaluation—even if you feel “fine.”
Symptoms can appear days or weeks later. Delayed pain doesn’t mean your injury isn’t real.
- You can seek compensation beyond just hospital bills.
Missed paychecks, sleepless nights, emotional trauma—these losses matter too, even if they aren’t listed on an invoice.
- You have the right to take your time.
You don’t need to be rushed into a decision that affects your future. Slow down, ask questions, and seek the support you need.
- You are allowed to speak to professionals before signing anything.
A strong legal team exists to protect you from pressure, manipulation, or underpayment.
Rights are only powerful if you know they exist—and even more so when you choose to use them. Awareness is the first line of defense against being pushed into something you’ll regret.
Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim as Your Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer?
Partnering with the right legal team after a truck accident isn’t just a detail—it’s a decision that can shape your recovery, finances, and future. Here’s why so many individuals turn to this firm when the stakes are high:
- National Recognition with Local Roots:
The firm has been honored with numerous legal awards and accolades, and their work has been featured in national media, proof of their respected reputation both in Philadelphia and across the country.
- Proven, Results-Driven Advocacy:
Their attorneys have secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements, showing their unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful results for clients who have suffered life-changing injuries.
- Track Record of Favorable Outcomes:
Known for its strategic approach, the firm has a long-standing record of achieving the most favorable results possible, whether through settlement or in court.
- Personalized and Relentless Support:
Beyond accolades and outcomes, what truly sets them apart is their personal dedication. Clients aren’t treated like cases—they’re treated like people whose stories deserve to be heard and fought for.
In moments of crisis, experience and heart matter. This firm provides both at every step of the way.
Contact a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Taking quick legal action can make all the difference after a truck accident. Victims are encouraged to contact a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to understand their rights and explore their options. The firm offers free consultations and works tirelessly to protect those harmed by negligence. Their compassionate legal team is ready to help you move forward with clarity and strength.
For help from a truck accident attorney in the Philadelphia Office — 1219 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, contact them online or call 215-486-0123 today.
Philadelphia Truck Accident FAQ: What You Need to Know
1. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Pennsylvania?
Victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, delays can affect evidence quality and case strength, so it’s best to act quickly.
2. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially responsible for the fault?
Yes. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re less than 51% responsible, you may still recover compensation, though it may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
3. What damages can I claim after a truck accident?
You may claim medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, compensation for future care or emotional distress may also apply.
4. Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?
Absolutely. Truck accident cases are complex as they often involve multiple parties. A lawyer ensures your rights are secured and helps maximize the compensation you’re legally entitled to.
