Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Trucking Accidents

What Causes Most Truck Accidents In Pennsylvania?

There are various reasons for semi-truck accidents, some of which are the truck driver’s fault. Semi-trucks are typically driven on highways at high speeds. That means that even the smallest driving mistake has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and even death when a semi is involved.

Some of the common causes of trucking accidents are:

• Driver Fatigue – There are limitations on the number of hours a semi-truck driver is allowed to drive in a day, but driver fatigue is still the number one cause of large truck collisions.
• Driver Inexperience – All commercial truck drivers must have a special license to drive 18-wheelers. However, that doesn’t mean that they are all experienced drivers. A new truck driver may not yet be completely comfortable driving a semi-truck, and that can cause them to injure someone in a crash inadvertently. 
• Distracted Driver – A truck driver that is trying to eat, talk on the phone, text, adjust the radio, or any other type of distraction, is a risk to other vehicles on the road.
• Improper Loading – When the cargo that a truck is carrying isn’t loaded in a balanced manner, it can cause an accident when the truck makes a turn or there is strong wind.
• Vehicle Defect or Improper Maintenance – Some regulations require semi-trucks to be maintained in good operating condition. However, each year there are accidents involving commercial trucks caused by improper maintenance. Proper maintenance helps detect various defects and malfunctioning parts, including faulty brake systems, worn tires, engine problems, and unsafe trailers.

Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur In Pennsylvania?

There are far more large truck accidents on Pennsylvania state highways than on any other roadways, at just over 55 percent. Interstate highways, at nearly 28 percent, are in the second position.

How Many Semi Truck Accidents Are There Per Year In Pennsylvania?

In the latest reporting from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 7,336 crashes with 118 fatalities in 2018 – the most in 5 years.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive From A Semi-Truck Accident In Pennsylvania?

While it’s true that many accidents involving large trucks result in bigger settlements than other vehicle accidents, it’s important to remember that each situation is unique. That means that each trucking accident lawsuit is unique, as well.

The goal of compensation in a semi-truck claim is to make the victim, or the victim’s family in the event of a fatality, whole financially. Damages that can be sued for include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death (in the event of a fatality)

You must obtain an attorney who is experienced in truck accident lawsuits, which are often highly complicated. At Ross Feller Casey, we have a long record of representing individuals and families who have suffered injuries in semi-truck accidents, winning them millions of dollars in damages. Some of our many truck accident case results include:

• $13 million recovered for a man who suffered brain damages a result of a truck crash
• $7 million settlement for the family of a man who was killed as a result of a truck defect
• $5.25 million settlement for a man who was injured in an accident involving a truck

Overall, in the last five years alone, our lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients.

How Long Does A Truck Accident Lawsuit Take In Pennsylvania?

Victims of semi-truck accidents are often left with serious injuries. There are likely growing medical bills and expenses, along with the inability to work or to work full time. That’s why people often want to know how long a truck accident lawsuit will take.

Every semi-truck accident case is unique, so it’s impossible to answer this question with a specific amount of time. It’s generally accepted that most commercial truck accident cases take longer than a case involving regular cars. Some factors impact how long this type of lawsuit will take. They include:

• how involved the investigation is to determine fault
• what is involved in insurance negotiations
• the extent of the damage and injuries that resulted from the accident
• determining the medical expenses, lost wages, and future expenses (serious injuries can take a long time to resolve)
• whether there is a settlement, or the case goes to trial

What Should I Do In Case Of A Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a semi-truck accident, you should always seek medical attention first. Your health and that of any of the other people involved come first. Call 911 or have someone else do so immediately and accept whatever medical treatment is needed.

In the days and weeks after the accident, you must keep detailed records of any doctors you see, documents from the hospital, and any ongoing treatment you receive. File a police report if it hasn’t already been done, and do not talk to the insurance company or sign any documents from them. The most important thing you can do following an accident involving a commercial truck is to contact a truck accident attorney and obtain legal representation.

At Ross Feller Casey, our commercial truck accident attorneys have experience working with victims who have been seriously injured or whose family member has died as a result of a semi-truck crash. We fight for the compensation that you and your family deserve.

If you need a semi-truck accident attorney, Pennsylvania’s top-rated law firm is here to help. At Ross Feller Casey, we handle commercial truck cases on a contingency basis, which means there is no charge to you until there is a financial recovery in your case.

Contact the offices of Ross Feller Casey today for your free consultation and case review.