Skip to content 
You guys have been more than kind and understanding and respectful to me. For that I am greatly appreciative. Thank you for everything you did and are doing.
Donna S.
Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorneys
Serving Our Community for Over 135 Years
Collisions between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks on Pennsylvania highways can be devastating, often leading to severe injuries and major property loss. Whether your accident happened on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-81, or another busy state route, our roads see challenging weather and heavy truck traffic year-round—raising the stakes for everyone. These accidents stem from causes like distracted or fatigued drivers, poor truck maintenance, or negligent practices by trucking companies. Navigating the aftermath is overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Metzger Wickersham, our experienced Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover. For more than 135 years, we’ve earned the trust of local families by providing skilled, compassionate advocacy—always with professionalism and care. Let us put our experience to work for you. Call 717-921-5113 to schedule your free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Why Choose a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident claims are complex, involving federal regulations, multiple at-fault parties, and high-stakes insurance negotiations. A thorough investigation is vital—reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, hiring practices, and more—to build a strong case and maximize your recovery. Our proven track record includes:- $1.6 million for the family of a deceased truck driver
- $950,000 for a truck accident victim
- $700,000 settlement for a truck accident victim
- $525,000 for a truck accident victim
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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.
- Infrastructure Protection: Overweight trucks can cause significant damage to roads and bridges. Adhering to weight restrictions helps preserve public infrastructure.
- Efficient Transport: Trucks within the legal weight limit can travel more efficiently. Enhanced handling and braking capabilities lead to safer and smoother transit.
- Legal Compliance: Abiding by these regulations avoids hefty fines and penalties. Trucking companies must comply to operate legally and maintain their reputation.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions- Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorneys
1. Do I have a potential personal injury case after a truck accident in Pennsylvania?
If you were injured in a truck accident, there is a good chance you have grounds for a claim — but the specifics matter. The severity of your injuries, whether the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence or a violation of federal trucking regulations, and the evidence available all play a significant role. Pennsylvania also imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, so timely action is critical.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, the safest step you can take is to reach out for a free consultation. We will give you an honest assessment of your options with no pressure and no obligation.
2. What steps should I take immediately after a truck accident in Pennsylvania?
The moments after a truck accident are chaotic — but the actions you take right away can make a significant difference in your case. Move to safety if you are able, call 911, and request medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Not all injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, are immediately apparent. Photograph everything at the scene — vehicle positions, license plates, road conditions, damage, and the truck’s DOT number.
Exchange information with all parties involved but avoid discussing fault or accepting blame at the scene. Then contact a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney as soon as possible. The trucking company and its insurer will begin their own investigation immediately — you need someone in your corner from day one.
3. How do Pennsylvania truck accident laws and regulations affect my ability to recover compensation?
Pennsylvania law shapes your claim in several important ways. First, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit — and because critical evidence like black box data can disappear quickly, acting fast matters. Second, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault — though your award will be reduced proportionally by your share of blame.
Commercial trucking companies must also comply with strict state and federal regulations covering driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, maximum driving hours, and cargo loading. When these rules are violated, it often establishes negligence — and strengthens your case significantly. An experienced Pennsylvania truck accident attorney knows exactly where to look.
4. What documentation should I collect at the scene of a truck accident in Pennsylvania?
Thorough documentation at the scene can be the difference between a strong claim and a weak one. If you are able, photograph all vehicles and their positions, close-ups of license plates and damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Note the trucking company’s name, logo, and the truck’s USDOT number — typically found on the cab or trailer. Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers and any independent witnesses.
If hazardous materials or unusual cargo were involved, document those details too. The more you capture early, the harder it becomes for the insurance company to dispute what happened.
5. How does Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law impact my truck accident compensation?
Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, your compensation is directly tied to your percentage of fault. If you are found 20% responsible for the accident and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. But if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering anything at all.
This is why insurance companies work so hard to shift blame onto victims — even a small increase in your assigned fault percentage can meaningfully reduce their payout. Having an experienced attorney by your side ensures fault is assigned fairly and that you are not held responsible for more than your actual share of what happened.
6. Why should I avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurer will often reach out quickly — sometimes within hours — asking for a recorded statement. Do not give one without speaking to an attorney first. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws mean that even an innocent comment can be used to argue that you share responsibility for the crash. Well-intentioned statements can be taken out of context and used against you to reduce your compensation.
Stick to exchanging basic information at the scene and let your attorney handle all communications with insurance representatives. Protecting what you say early on is one of the most important things you can do to protect your claim.
7. What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Missing this deadline almost always means permanently forfeiting your right to seek compensation — regardless of how strong your case may be. And in truck accident cases, waiting even a few weeks can be costly, as critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can be altered, lost, or destroyed.
Do not wait to reach out. The sooner you contact a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney, the better your chances of preserving the evidence needed to build a compelling case.
8. How do insurance negotiations differ in truck accident cases compared to regular car accidents?
Truck accident insurance negotiations are significantly more complex than standard car accident claims — and the other side knows it. Commercial trucking insurers have entire departments dedicated to minimizing payouts, and they are far more aggressive than typical car insurance adjusters. Multiple parties may be involved — the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo owners, and their respective insurers — each with their own coverage and their own incentive to minimize liability.
These cases also involve detailed investigations including accident reconstruction, review of driver logs and maintenance records, and black box data analysis. Insurance companies take truck accident cases seriously — and so do we. MWKE Law brings the knowledge, preparation, and strategic approach needed to match them at the negotiating table and in the courtroom if necessary.
9. When are punitive damages awarded in Pennsylvania truck accident cases?
Punitive damages go beyond compensating you for your losses — they are designed to punish defendants for especially reckless or outrageous conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. In Pennsylvania truck accident cases, punitive damages may be awarded when a trucking company or driver demonstrated a willful disregard for the safety of others — such as intentionally ignoring federal safety regulations, falsifying driver logs, or operating a vehicle under the influence.
They are not awarded in every case, but when the facts support them, they can significantly increase your total recovery. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate whether punitive damages are appropriate in your situation.
10. What are the most dangerous highways and regions for truck accidents in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s highway network is one of the busiest commercial corridors in the country — and that comes with real risk. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-80, I-81, and I-76 see a constant flow of tractor-trailers and report a significant number of truck accidents each year. The mountainous corridors through the Alleghenies create particularly hazardous conditions in winter, when steep grades and sharp curves become treacherous for large vehicles.
Urban areas like Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Lehigh Counties present dangers from dense traffic and confined streets, while rural regions including Potter County, the Bloomsburg-Berwick corridor, and the Poconos pose risks from narrow roads and limited emergency services. Wherever your accident occurred in Pennsylvania, our team knows the local roads, the regional risks, and the legal landscape — and we are ready to fight for you.
Were You Injured in a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania? MWKE Law Is Ready to Fight for You.
Truck accidents are among the most serious and legally complex cases on the road. The medical bills, the time away from work, the physical and emotional toll — none of it should fall on your shoulders when someone else’s negligence caused the crash.
At MWKE Law, our Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to go up against powerful trucking companies and their insurers — and to pursue every dollar of compensation you deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
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.
Practice Areas
Demand Your Justice
Free & Confidential Consultation
$2.25 Million Recovered
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accidents
$2.25 million recovered for a motorcycle operator involved in a collision.
Success Stories
A History of Happy Clients
“Thank you for everything you did and are doing.”
“Stress and anxiety levels were 100% gone.”
My wife had been fighting SSI for over three years. Since working with Metzger Wickersham her stress and anxiety levels were 100% gone. They were always in communication with us, guiding us through the process. We’re so glad we chose this firm. Thank you for all you’ve done!
Carlos B.
Carlos B.
“Helpful and always informed”
Everyone here was very helpful and worked very hard. I have nothing but good things to say about Metzger Wickersham. The team kept me well informed and updated at all times!
Thomas C.
Thomas C.
“Exceeded my expectations”
Being in an accident is overwhelming with injuries, loss of property, medical bills, and insurance hassles. I’m grateful for Metzger Wickersham’s help during this trying time. The settlement results far exceeded my expectations, and I can’t express my gratitude enough.
Tanya W.
Tanya W.
“A great experience throughout.”
Metzger Wickersham is the best. They helped us a lot and we made some great friends along the way. If you need a great group of lawyers, these are the people you want. They got all our medical bills paid. It was a great experience throughout the 3 years. All was settled and ended great for us.
Kathy S.
Kathy S.
“Extremely pleased with my services!”
I was hurt in a bad accident and called Metzger Wickersham. Thankfully I did! They have been great, on top of things, and always doing their job well. Extremely pleased with my experience!
Kristen H.
Kristen H.
“Highly recommend Metzger Wickersham!”
If you need help to right a wrong, I strongly recommend calling Metzger Wickersham. They took my case when others said I had none and found those responsible for my injury even after the moving company went out of business. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I received a $30,000 settlement.
Tim K.
Tim K.
“Highly recommend!”
I used Metzger Wickersham for a personal injury dog bite case. Attorney Love was great to work with and made the whole process smooth and painless. Everything was explained with detail, the team was there to assist with any questions I had, and I was very happy with the results. Highly recommend!
“You are a very honest person.”
I thank you, Mr. Craig Love. You are a very honest person and explained every detail of my case.
Elsie J.
Elsie J.
“I would recommend you to everyone.”
You all did a great job for me. You kept in contact with me through everything. I would recommend you to everyone.
Ruth M.
Ruth M.
Demand the Justice You Deserve
We Are Here to Help
Request a Free Consultation
Client-Focused & Results Driven
You are more than just a case number. At our firm, we treat our clients like family and ensure you get the recovery you deserve.
24/7
Representation
The minute you need us, we are here to help. When you can't visit us, we'll visit you, and when you need answers, we'll give you solutions.
Dedicated Team
When you trust us with your case, you get a FULL team of dedicated and experienced attorneys working to solve your case.
Decades of
Experience
Our team has had our doors open for over 135 years and we have roots dating back to 1888.