Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents involving commercial semi-trucks are among the most catastrophic collisions on Pennsylvania roads. Because these vehicles are large, heavy, and operated under unique regulatory burdens, the consequences of an accident can be serious, not only for injured victims but also for their families. Here are some of the frequently asked questions to help you understand when you should act and how a personal injury attorney can help you.

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, which can cause them to injure someone in a crash. 
• Distracted Driver: A truck driver who is trying to eat, talk on the phone, text, adjust the radio, or engage in 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: Regulations require semi-trucks to be maintained in good operating condition. However, each year, accidents involving commercial trucks occur due to improper maintenance. Proper maintenance helps detect various defects and malfunctioning parts, including faulty brake systems, worn tires, engine problems, and unsafe trailers.

Where And When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur In Pennsylvania?

According to the most recent data, large-truck crashes are more common on state highways than other road types, reflecting the heavy large-truck traffic in Pennsylvania. Crash frequency varies by month and by conditions, such as traffic volume, weather, daylight, and freight patterns.

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

In the latest reporting from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were more than 6,800 semi-truck crashes in Pennsylvania, with 124 fatalities in 2024. 

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)

Why truck cases often differ from other motor vehicle claims: 

• Multiple liable parties: not just the driver, but also the carrier, shipper, broker, or equipment manufacturer may be involved.
• Regulatory violations or outright negligence can increase potential awards.
• Serious injuries often require long-term care or rehabilitation, which increases future damages.
• Insurance coverage for trucking accidents tends to be far greater than for standard passenger vehicles.

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. Overall, in the last four years alone, our lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients, including numerous multimillion-dollar cases involving large truck crashes.

Some of our many truck accident case results include:

• $13 million recovered for a man who suffered brain damage as 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

How Long Does A Truck Accident Lawsuit Take In Pennsylvania?

Victims of semi-truck accidents are often left with serious injuries. They are likely facing mounting 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 cases involving regular cars. Some factors impact how long this type of lawsuit will take. They include:

• How involved is the investigation in determining 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’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck, immediate steps matter for your health and future legal rights. Here’s what to do:

• Seek medical attention first: Your health and safety come first. Call 911 or go to the hospital if needed.
• Report the crash: Ensure law enforcement arrives and an official report is made.
• Document the scene: Take photos and/or videos of the truck, damage, skid-marks, driver info, company identifiers, weather and road conditions, and anything else you think is relevant.
• Preserve evidence: See the next section below.
• Keep records: Hospital records, medical bills, lost-wage documentation, your own notes of pain and suffering, and how injuries affect life.
• Do not sign any release or speak at length to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters without your attorney present.
• Contact a truck-accident attorney: A lawyer can guide you through regulatory investigation, liability issues, and timeline issues.

How To Preserve Evidence Immediately After A Truck Accident In Pennsylvania

Because commercial truck cases involve multiple parties and regulatory compliance issues, evidence preservation is key. Any delay can significantly weaken a case.

Why evidence preservation matters

• Carrier logbooks, driver hours-of-service records, black-box or electronic control module (ECM) data may be erased or overwritten if not secured promptly.
• Maintenance and inspection records may be lost or destroyed.
• Witness memories fade; vehicles may be repaired or altered; trailers repositioned.
• If records are lost, insurance companies will argue you cannot prove your claim.

What you and your attorney should do right away

• Identify and photograph the truck’s DOT number, company name, license plate, and trailer number.
• Request and secure driver logbooks (hours of service) and ECM/black-box data.
• Obtain maintenance and inspection records from the carrier (this might include brakes, tires, steering, load, and securing records).
• Preserve the truck’s appearance: photograph its condition, take measurements, and note defects or damage.
• Identify and interview witnesses while memories are fresh. Get contact info.
• Do not allow the trucking company or its insurer to alter the truck, dispose of parts, or record over data before your attorney reviews it.
• Keep your own written notes: time of crash, location, lane positions, weather, lighting, traffic conditions, and driver behavior.
• Consult an attorney early. The earlier they are involved, the better they can issue preservation letters and protect your rights.

Additional Legal Considerations In Pennsylvania Truck Accident Claims

Statute Of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit arising from a truck collision. It’s important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand how much time you have. 

Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Pennsylvania applies a “modified comparative negligence” rule. The rule says that you may recover damages only if you are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you will be barred from recovery. 

No-Fault Insurance Clarification

Pennsylvania has a limited no-fault system for auto accidents. However, in serious trucking accident cases where fault, negligence, or product defect issues come into play, victims usually step outside the no-fault framework and pursue full tort (liability) claims. 

Regulatory And Liability Complexity

Truck-accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties. The driver, the carrier, the cargo broker or shipper, equipment manufacturer, maintenance company, and even those responsible for loading and unloading may have some liability. Additionally, federal trucking regulations often play a central role in establishing liability. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will understand those regulations and know how they are connected. 

Why Choosing An Experienced Pennsylvania Truck-Accident Lawyer Makes A Difference

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.