Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorneys

Serving Our Community for Over 135 Years

Accidents between passenger cars and tractor-trailer trucks on Pennsylvania roads and highways can be catastrophic events, resulting in severe injuries and property loss. Truck accidents result from any number of factors, including driver distraction, drowsy driving, and sometimes even unethical or negligent practices by the trucking company. At Metzger Wickersham, our skilled Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys may be able to assist you with your case. With over 135 years of continuous legal service to Pennsylvania residents, our firm’s experience speaks for itself. If we represent you, you can rest assured that our team will handle your case with unmatched dedication, compassion, and professionalism every step of the way. Let us put our experience to work for you. Call (888) 707-7704 to begin a free case evaluation. If we take on your case, you won’t owe us any legal fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.

Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania?

Truck accident cases are typically marked by many complex issues such as federal regulations and multiple liable parties. A thorough investigation must be done in order to analyze driving records, background checks, hiring practices, driver logs, and truck maintenance to determine the source of negligence. Metzger Wickersham has handled many complicated truck accident cases over the years, and our knowledgeable Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers hold a track record of achieving successful results for injured clients. Our top results for truck accident clients include:

• $1.6 million recovered for the family of a deceased truck driver
• $950,000 recovered for a truck accident victim
• $700,000 settlement for a truck accident victim
• $525,000 recovered for a truck accident victim

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What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents may occur for any number of reasons. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a multi-year study which highlights some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in the US. According to the study, truck driver error was one of the top contributing factors in truck crashes. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs
• Driver fatigue/falling asleep at the wheel
• Texting while driving
• Alcohol or illegal drug use
• Unfamiliarity with the roadway
• External distractions
• Inattention to the road/distracted driving
• Breaking traffic laws/illegal maneuvers

Vehicle factors (such as improper maintenance, failed brakes or tires, lighting deficiencies, and improperly loaded trailers) also play a significant role in causing two-vehicle truck crashes. Other contributing factors include environmental and weather issues, like slick roadways and poor visibility due to rain, snow, or fog . In some cases, third-party negligence contributes to or causes commercial vehicle accidents. Examples include other drivers on the road acting negligently or unlawfully, as well as vehicle defects and defective truck parts. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, there are several types of compensation you might be entitled to pursue. These can help you manage both current needs and future challenges associated with your injuries:

• Medical Expenses: This covers the costs of your current medical treatments, including hospital bills and any necessary surgeries.
• Future Medical Costs: Some injuries require ongoing care, so you may be compensated for anticipated future medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation Services: If you need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation to regain mobility or functionality, these costs can be included.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries have forced you to miss work, you could receive compensation for the income you’ve lost.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: In cases where your ability to earn a living is permanently affected, you might be entitled to compensation for this diminished capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: If the accident results in permanent scars or disfigurement, you could also be eligible for compensation.

Each of these elements addresses a different aspect of the impact a truck accident can have on your life, both immediately and in the long term. Seeking the guidance of a legal professional can be beneficial in accurately valuing and pursuing these claims. In Pennsylvania, truck accidents often involve a diverse range of heavy-duty vehicles, which significantly vary in size and function. Key types include:

• Tractor-Trailers: These massive vehicles are a common sight on highways, hauling everything from consumer goods to industrial equipment.
• Coal Trucks: Especially prevalent in areas rich in natural resources, these trucks transport coal from mines to various processing sites.
• Natural Gas and Brine Water Tankers: With the state’s active energy sector, these tankers are frequently on the roads, moving essential materials for natural gas extraction.
• Box Trucks: Utilized widely for local deliveries, these trucks navigate both urban and rural roads, increasing their involvement in accidents.
• Commercial Pickup Trucks: Often used in construction and related industries, these vehicles are crucial to the local economy yet contribute to traffic incidents.

Each type presents unique risks due to their size, load, and operational routes, often leading to severe injuries in the event of an accident.

Understanding Weight Limits for Tractor-Trailers

Tractor-trailers must adhere to specific weight regulations, essential for ensuring road safety. Typically, the maximum weight for a fully loaded tractor-trailer is 80,000 pounds, as regulated by the Federal Highway Administration in the United States. This limit includes both the weight of the cargo and the vehicle itself.

Why These Limits Matter

1. Safety on the Roads: Exceeding weight limits can lead to dangerous situations like rollover or jackknife accidents. These incidents are more likely when a truck is too heavy, making it difficult to control.
2. Infrastructure Protection: Overweight trucks can cause significant damage to roads and bridges. Adhering to weight restrictions helps preserve public infrastructure.
3. Efficient Transport: Trucks within the legal weight limit can travel more efficiently. Enhanced handling and braking capabilities lead to safer and smoother transit.
4. Legal Compliance: Abiding by these regulations avoids hefty fines and penalties. Trucking companies must comply to operate legally and maintain their reputation.

In summary, these weight limits are crucial for maintaining safety, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring legal compliance in the trucking industry.

Why Are Truck Accidents Often More Severe Than Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Truck accidents frequently result in more severe outcomes compared to typical car collisions, primarily due to the immense size and weight of these vehicles. When you consider vehicles like tractor-trailers, commercial pickups, and tankers, their sheer mass plays a critical role. This disparity means that the force generated during a collision is significantly higher, leading to more substantial damage to smaller vehicles.

Factors Contributing to Severe Truck Accidents:

• Size and Weight: Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, dwarfing the average car. This difference affects how the impact force is distributed, often causing critical damage.
• Height Discrepancies: The elevated position of truck cabs increases the risk of smaller vehicles sliding underneath during a collision, resulting in devastating underride accidents.
• Stopping Distance: Trucks need a much longer distance to come to a complete stop, making it harder for them to avoid collisions in emergencies.
• Cargo Load: The nature of a truck’s cargo—be it hazardous materials or loose goods—can contribute to the severity of an accident when that cargo shifts or is released during a crash.

While these factors contribute to the increased severity of truck accidents, it’s essential for all drivers to understand these risks to enhance road safety. Awareness and proactive driving can help mitigate these dangers.

Helpful Resources

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Offers resources on vehicle safety, including statistics and studies related to truck accidents.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Contains regulations, research, and safety information specifically for commercial motor vehicles, including trucks.