Truck Crashes on the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Pennsylvania Turnpike Truck Accidents Are Especially Dangerous

An accident between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle on the Pennsylvania Turnpike can have catastrophic results, especially for the smaller vehicle. Due to the size and weight of large commercial trucks, as well as the rate of speed on the Turnpike, these collisions can lead to significant property damage, severe injuries and even fatalities. If you have been involved in a truck crash on the Turnpike, the experienced Allentown personal injury attorneys at Metzger & Kleiner can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation.

Why Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania Are Dangerous

While both car accidents and truck crashes are types of motor vehicle collisions, truck crashes are often far more dangerous and even deadly, and different parties may be held responsible for several types of accidents.

Driving a semitruck or other large commercial vehicle can be dangerous and requires additional skill, which is why truck drivers need a commercial license to perform their jobs. Truck drivers must receive medical certifications, and truck driving is subjected to federal and state regulations about hours of operation, cargo weight and maintenance.

All these factors reflect the added danger that comes along with the additional weight and size of the commercial vehicle. A large truck can cause serious damage in any crash and affect multiple cars and drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Truck accidents are more likely to lead to serious or fatal consequences for all parties involved.

Causes of Pennsylvania Turnpike Truck Collisions

Trucking accidents in Pennsylvania have a number of causes. Some of the more common include:

• Driver impairment, including due to medical conditions
• Fatigued driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or violating the rules of the road
• Tailgating or following too closely
• Vehicle failures or poor maintenance
• Dangerous roadway conditions
• Negligence of another driver

Major trucking companies generally own their vehicles, so they have a serious financial investment. Trucking companies are likely to have lawyers on their side to represent their interests in the case of a crash. If you have been harmed in a trucking collision, it is important that you are not left to deal alone with a trucking company’s lawyers and insurers. An Allentown personal injury attorney can help you to protect your interests and your rights after a truck crash.

Fatigued driving is a major concern when it comes to truck collisions. While truck drivers’ hours are subject to regulations, in some cases, these regulations may be ignored or violated. Driving for hours on end can be monotonous and tiring, and the effects on safety can be significant. Fatigued driving is very similar to impaired driving in how much it undermines drivers’ ability to remain in control of their vehicles.

Poor maintenance is another specific risk for truck crashes. Large trucks require ongoing maintenance and care. For example, poorly maintained brakes or tires can quickly lead to a serious accident. However, some trucking companies may look to save on costs by cutting maintenance with the results posing a risk to everyone else on the road.

Other types of driver negligence are much more serious when a truck is involved. Speeding, tailgating and failure to follow the rules of the road can all too easily lead to a severe accident when a commercial truck is involved.

Of course, truck crashes can also be caused by the negligence of other drivers, who may cut off a truck, engage in unsafe driving or stop directly in front of a commercial vehicle.

An Allentown personal injury attorney can work hard to uncover the real causes of a trucking accident and seek compensation from all those responsible.

Weather and Truck Crashes in Pennsylvania

Truckers must also be prepared for poor weather in Pennsylvania. If truck drivers do not take proper care in case of ice, rain and snow, trucks can cause serious accidents involving multiple vehicles, jackknifes, rollovers and other dangerous incidents.

Some of the more common dangerous weather conditions in Pennsylvania include high winds, rain, sleet, snow and fog. High winds can hinder visibility by kicking up clouds of dust or blowing snow across the lanes. Your truck accident lawyer can help you understand the role of negligence and bad weather in causing a serious collision.

Contact a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a trucking crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, turn to the experienced personal injury attorneys at Metzger & Kleiner. We are committed to working to pursue our clients’ interests and holding the negligent parties accountable for the damage they cause. Contact our Philadelphia or Lehigh Valley offices by calling us at 610-435-7400, or use our secure contact form to request an initial consultation with our experienced team.