Carbon Co, PA (November 7, 2024) – A fatal tractor-trailer crash occurred on Wednesday, November 6, along Interstate 476 in Carbon County, resulting in the tragic death of a Luzerne County man. The collision, reported by the Pennsylvania State Police, took place around 8:45 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-476, near mile marker 84, in Penn Forest Township, just south of the Hickory Run Service Plaza.

According to Cpl. Richard Levan, a state police spokesman, said the incident began when a tractor-trailer was traveling uphill at approximately 35 mph in the right lane. The vehicle was moving at a reduced speed due to the incline when an SUV, following closely behind, failed to slow down in time. The SUV rear-ended the tractor-trailer, causing the smaller vehicle to become lodged under the back of the large truck. The collision caused the SUV to burst into flames, leaving little time for escape.

The driver of the SUV, identified as Paul Schweizer, 68, of Harveys Lake, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The Carbon County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was thermal burns and smoke inhalation, with the manner of death ruled as accidental. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 25-year-old man from Georgia, was unharmed in the crash.

Our condolences to the family and loved ones of Paul Schweizer during this challenging time. 

Fatal Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Carbon County: A Growing Concern

Fatal tractor-trailer accidents remain a significant concern in Carbon County, where busy highways, such as Interstate 476, experience a high volume of commercial vehicle traffic. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), large truck crashes account for over 10% of all traffic fatalities in the state in recent years. Although commercial trucks make up only a small percentage of vehicles on the road, they are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal accidents due to their size, weight, and the potential for devastating collisions.

 In Carbon County, like many rural areas, the risk of fatal crashes is heightened by narrow roads, steep inclines, and limited visibility on certain stretches of highway. In 2022 alone, Pennsylvania recorded over 150 fatal crashes involving large trucks, with a significant number occurring on major routes like I-476.

As tractor-trailer accidents continue to rise, drivers must exercise extra caution when sharing the road with large trucks. These vehicles require longer stopping distances and have blind spots that make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles. Additionally, accidents often occur in high-risk situations, such as rear-end collisions, where a smaller vehicle traveling at high speeds crashes into the back of a slower-moving truck. For families affected by fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles, understanding their legal rights and options is essential.

When a fatal tractor-trailer accident occurs, it may qualify as a wrongful death. A wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence or misconduct. In truck accidents, wrongful death claims can arise when a truck driver, trucking company, or other parties involved in the operation of the vehicle were negligent or violated safety regulations, leading to a fatality. In Pennsylvania, immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents of the deceased, have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. In some cases, other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be eligible for compensation.

In wrongful death cases resulting from tractor-trailer accidents, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for various damages, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

Families must act quickly, as the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania is generally two years from the date of death. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that all legal deadlines are met and vital evidence is preserved. Understanding the legal process can help grieving families navigate the complexities of their case and pursue justice for their loss.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Carbon County tractor-trailer accident, our Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney at The Slocum Law Firm will handle your case with relentless determination. With an unwavering commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, our law firm provides compassionate legal representation to bereaved families after the sudden loss of a loved one in a crash.

To speak with our lawyers about your fatal Carbon County tractor-trailer accident, call The Slocum Law Firm at (570) 209-7376 to arrange a free consultation. Our legal team is ready to guide you through the wrongful death process and ensure that your rights and interests are fiercely defended.