Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorneys

Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorneys

Pennsylvania’s blue-collar economy and its roots in the steel industry go hand-in-hand with the state’s trucking industry. Trucking companies have a significant presence in the state in order to transport the variety of goods produced in the Keystone state. As a result, it is unsurprising to see the numerous 18-wheelers that make their ways across Pennsylvania on a regular basis.

Pennsylvania Specific Trucking Laws

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation helps enforce the federal and state laws governing trucking. The Pennsylvania Code has codified the laws which govern the requirements and qualifications for all 18-wheelers and truckers operating in the state. These laws are designed to increase safety on Pennsylvania’s roadways, protecting all drivers and not just truckers. These laws include specific regulations regarding topics such as emissions and even the amount a truck driver may drive according to different scenarios.

Types of Truck Accidents

Pennsylvania’s heavy truck traffic can result in truck-related accidents. In 2014, there were approximately 6,600 accidents on Pennsylvania roadways which involved heavy trucks. These accidents can result in serious injury or even death. 2014 statistics show truck-related accidents resulted in 27 deaths. Some of the common types of accidents include:

• Jackknife: A truck driver can slam on his or her brakes and cause the trailer skid outward in a direction different from the cab.
• T-Bone: Truck drivers that do not properly switch lanes, fail to make required stops, or are careless in while driving can strike another vehicle.
• Head-on Collisions: If a driver is not focused, he or she may drift into another lane or may not see oncoming traffic altogether. These accidents, especially at high speeds, can have dire consequences.
• Underride: If a vehicle following behind a truck does not have a reasonable opportunity to stop, it runs the risk of colliding with the truck and even being wedged under the trailer. This can lead to serious injury or death.

Causes of Truck Accidents

One of the most common causes of truck collisions is driver negligence. Truck drivers can often be negligent by engaging in the following:

• Drunk or drugged driving
• Fatigued driving
• Aggressive driving
• Violating traffic laws
• Texting or using a cell phone

Truck Accident Checklist

If you are involved in a trucking-related accident, you should be sure to do the following things:

• Obtain immediate medical attention if necessary.
• Call the police or highway patrol.
• Collect evidence including names, driving license numbers, and
• insurance numbers of the parties involved in the collision.
• Take photographs of the accident.
• Obtain a copy of the official accident report.
• Never admit fault.
• Retain an attorney.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking accidents happen. You may be entitled to recovery of damages for those expenses you incur as a result of truck accidents caused by a truck driver’s negligence. Retaining a knowledgeable and experienced Pennsylvania truck accident attorney can make all of the difference. Truck Accident attorneys focus on the litigating these types of cases. As such, a truck accident attorney is better suited to zealously represent you and address the important matters which make up your case.