Information on Heavy Truck Accidents and Injuries in the State
Heavy trucks such as tractor-trailers and big rigs are standard on Pennsylvania roadways. The state serves as a major transportation hub for a large percentage of the country’s population.
Its central location connecting the busiest parts of the east coast with the midwest means that thousands of trucks travel along the state’s highways and turnpike. Unfortunately, a large number of heavy trucks on the road also means there is a greater chance of devastating accidents.
At Hagelgans & Veronis, LLP, we provide focused representation for individuals who have been injured in truck accidents throughout Pennsylvania. Our distinguished legal team can help you understand your rights and fight to receive the largest compensation possible based on your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, contact our office at 1-877-454-8529 for a free consultation.
PA Truck Accident Statistics
According to the 2020 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics compiled by the Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there were 6,344 heavy truck crashes resulting in 110 fatal injury accidents. Over half of the crashes occurred on state highways, and hundreds were caused by vehicle failures. The most common vehicle failure was tire or wheel-related, followed by brake failures and unsecured or overloaded trailers.
As reported by the PennDOT::
- Heavy truck accidents accounted for 10.4% of fatal crashes in Pennsylvania;
- There were 2,523 injury crashes involving these large vehicles;
- 872 heavy truck crashes involved a collision with a passenger car;
- 28.1% of the heavy truck accidents occurred on the interstate; and
- Only 1.9% of heavy truck crash fatalities involved an occupant in the truck.
The vast majority of people injured or killed in collisions with tractor-trailers and other heavy trucks are occupants of other vehicles. The truth is that an accident with one of these vehicles is rarely minor, usually resulting in serious injury or death.
What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident
If you are involved in a tractor-trailer accident in Pennsylvania, you need to seek medical attention and consult with a truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Collisions with these large vehicles can happen for a number of reasons, but it may take an independent investigation to determine what caused the impact.
An experienced attorney can help you determine who should be held liable for your injuries and how to pursue a legal claim for damages. It is vital to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit based on personal injury or wrongful death.
Injured in a Tractor-Trailer Accident? Get a Free Consultation.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer accident, contact our office at 1-877-454-8529 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Most truck accidents are caused by negligence, such as operator fatigue, driver inattention, or mechanical failure.
Let us help you determine who should be held responsible for your accident and how much your claim is worth. Call now to get started.
