If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Pennsylvania, call The Slocum Firm to schedule a free consultation today. Our Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Have you or a loved one been involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania? If so, you know how devastating these events can be. Truck accidents often involve large, heavy vehicles that can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help you stay safe on the road and protect yourself in case of an accident.

This page will explore the most frequent reasons for truck accidents in Pennsylvania. By understanding these factors, you can take steps to avoid becoming involved in a crash and know what to do if you find yourself in a difficult situation.

The Slocum Firm is here to help you if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Our experienced Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers deeply understand the local laws and regulations governing these cases. We’re committed to helping victims recover the maximum compensation possible.

Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or a major collision, we’re here to provide the legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Driver Error

Driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Whether it’s due to distracted driving, impaired driving, or aggressive driving, mistakes made by truck drivers can have catastrophic outcomes. 

Trucks, huge ones like tractor-trailers, require significant control and attention to avoid accidents. Some common examples of driver error include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or using navigation systems can divert attention from the road.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs a truck driver’s ability to make quick decisions, increasing the likelihood of trucking accidents.
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, frequent lane changes, or ignoring speed limits can easily cause accidents, especially with large trucks that take longer to stop or maneuver.

Even minor errors in judgment can result in severe truck crashes involving smaller vehicles, particularly on Pennsylvania state highways. This is why truck drivers are required to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and follow federal regulations to minimize these risks.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another significant cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers often work long hours and cover great distances, which can lead to exhaustion. The demanding schedules of trucking companies, especially in the delivery of goods, can push drivers beyond their limits. Despite federal regulations like the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit how long a driver can be on the road without a break, many drivers still experience fatigue.

Key issues related to driver fatigue:

• Extended driving hours: Even with breaks, long stretches behind the wheel can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times.
• Night driving: Driving late at night or in the early morning hours when the body naturally wants to rest can exacerbate fatigue.
• Monotonous routes: Long, straight highways can make it difficult for drivers to stay alert.

Driver fatigue increases the risk of heavy truck accidents, and when combined with other factors like speeding or overloaded trailers, it can result in fatal crashes. Truck accident victims often suffer from serious injuries that could have been avoided if proper rest was taken.

Speeding

Speeding is a major factor in truck accidents in Pennsylvania. Given the size and weight of large trucks, the impact of speeding can be devastating. Speed limits are set to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, but when truck drivers exceed these limits, the potential for accidents grows.

Here’s why speeding can be so dangerous for large truck drivers:

• Longer stopping distance: Large trucks take longer to stop than light trucks or smaller vehicles, and speeding increases that distance even more.
• Loss of control: The faster a truck goes, the harder it becomes to control, particularly when turning or avoiding obstacles.
• Increased damage: The force of a speeding truck in an accident can result in more severe injuries and greater property damage, especially in tractor-trailer accidents.

Speeding is illegal and a common factor in trucking accidents that lead to truck accident fatalities. Unfortunately, truck accident victims often find themselves facing serious injuries due to a truck driver’s failure to obey the speed limit. 

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident caused by speeding, an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation.

Improper Loading

Improperly loaded or overloaded trailers are another cause of truck accidents in Pennsylvania. When a truck is not loaded correctly, it can become unstable, making it difficult for the driver to control it. Overloaded trucks can strain the vehicle’s tires, brakes, and suspension systems, leading to equipment failure.

Common issues with improper loading:

• Overloaded trailers: Exceeding the weight limits set by federal and state regulations can cause a truck to tip over or lead to tire blowouts.
• Unbalanced cargo: If the load is unevenly distributed, it can cause the truck to sway or make sharp turns difficult.
• Faulty securing: Cargo that is not properly secured can shift during transit, leading to total steering system failure or vehicle failure, which can cause a truck accident.

Improperly loaded trucks are hazardous on busy highways, where sudden loss of control can lead to multi-vehicle collisions. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are correctly loaded and regularly maintained to prevent accidents. When accidents do happen, trucking accident victims must consult with experienced attorneys who can help establish liability and recover compensation for injuries sustained.

Mechanical Failures

Mechanical failures are one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Large trucks, such as tractor-trailers, require regular maintenance to function properly. 

Without consistent upkeep, mechanical issues like faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and total steering system failure can occur, leading to severe accidents on the road.

Common mechanical failures in trucking accidents include:

• Faulty Brakes: A common cause of trucking accidents is brake failure. When a heavy truck’s brakes don’t function, stopping quickly becomes nearly impossible, especially when traveling at highway speeds.
• Tire Blowouts: Overloaded trailers or under-maintained tires can cause blowouts, which make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle, leading to severe injuries for truck accident victims.
• Steering System Failure: Total steering system failure can result in a truck driver losing control of the vehicle, especially on sharp turns or state highways, often leading to heavy truck accidents.
• Equipment Failure: Federal regulations require that trucking companies inspect their vehicles regularly. However, equipment failure still occurs due to negligence, leading to truck accidents.

In Pennsylvania, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their trucks operate safely. Failing to perform regular maintenance increases the likelihood of truck crashes, putting both truck drivers and other drivers at risk of fatal crashes. Experienced personal injury attorneys often work with truck accident victims to recover compensation for injuries caused by mechanical failures.

Weather Conditions

Pennsylvania experiences various weather conditions throughout the year, from heavy snow in the winter to rain and fog at other times. Weather can play a significant role in causing truck accidents, especially when truck drivers don’t adjust their driving to the conditions.

Weather-Related Causes of Truck Accidents:

• Snow and Ice: Slippery roads are a leading cause of large truck accidents in the winter months. When roads are covered in snow and ice, it becomes difficult for heavy trucks to stop or turn quickly, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Fog: Limited visibility due to fog can result in truck accidents. When truck drivers cannot see other vehicles on the road, they may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision.
• Rain: Wet roads reduce tire traction, making it more likely for a truck to skid, especially if it is speeding or carrying an overloaded trailer.
• High Winds: High winds can cause issues for large trucks, especially those with tall trailers. Sudden gusts can make it difficult for truck drivers to keep their vehicles in their lane, increasing the chance of trucking accidents.

Truck drivers must follow speed limits and adjust their driving habits based on weather conditions to avoid accidents. Unfortunately, many truck drivers fail to take these precautions, which can lead to serious injuries or even truck accident fatalities. Victims of weather-related accidents often seek help from experienced attorneys to recover compensation for their sustained injuries.

Infrastructure Issues

Another common cause of truck accidents in Pennsylvania is the state’s aging infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and highways that are in poor condition make it difficult for trucks to navigate safely, contributing to accidents.

Infrastructure-Related Causes of Truck Accidents:

• Potholes: Potholes are dangerous for light trucks and smaller vehicles and can cause even more damage when a heavy truck hits them. Large trucks can lose control or suffer tire damage, leading to trucking accidents.
• Narrow Roads: Many of Pennsylvania’s state highways are narrow and were not designed to accommodate the size of modern trucks. These roads can make it difficult for truck drivers to maneuver, especially when passing other vehicles or making sharp turns.
• Bridge Weight Limits: Trucking companies must comply with bridge weight limits, but overloaded trailers are common. A truck exceeding the weight limit can put excessive strain on the bridge, potentially leading to structural failure or truck crashes.
• Inadequate Signage: Poor signage on highways can confuse, especially for out-of-state truck drivers unfamiliar with the area. Missed exits, sudden stops, and lane changes due to lack of clear direction can lead to trucking accidents.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety. However, when infrastructure issues are not addressed, they can contribute to fatal crashes and other serious accidents. Victims of infrastructure-related truck accidents often consult experienced attorneys to hold negligent parties accountable.

Benefits of Hiring a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents involving large trucks, such as tractor-trailers and heavy trucks, often result in serious injuries and fatalities. A skilled truck accident lawyer understands the complexities of these cases and can help you navigate the legal process.

Here are some key benefits of hiring a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer:

Expertise in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of the specific laws and regulations for trucking accidents. These cases differ from regular car accidents because they often involve large trucks, trucking companies, and commercial drivers. 

Pennsylvania truck accidents may stem from driver fatigue, distracted driving, or equipment failures, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts. An experienced attorney can identify the most common causes of truck accidents and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Investigating the Causes of Truck Accidents

An attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine the exact cause. This might include reviewing federal regulations, state laws, and the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license requirements. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Overloaded trailers
• Total steering system failure
• Mechanical failures
• Faulty brakes
• Tire blowouts
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Speed limit violations
• Regular maintenance issues

Truck accident lawyers work with experts to reconstruct accidents and gather evidence from trucking companies, such as maintenance records, driver logs, and vehicle inspection reports. This ensures that no detail is overlooked in proving negligence.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in trucking accident cases involving serious injuries. A truck accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with these companies to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. 

Whether the accident occurred on state highways or smaller roads, having an attorney by your side can prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of truck accident victims.

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

Multiple parties could be responsible for a truck accident, including the truck driver, trucking company, or even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part. 

An attorney will identify every liable party to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. This is crucial in heavy truck accidents or cases where truck accident fatalities have occurred.

Free Consultation and No Upfront Fees

Most Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. They typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. This makes it easier for truck accident victims to get the legal representation they need without worrying about upfront costs.

Contact a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, we at The Slocum Firm  are here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process, help you navigate federal regulations, and work to recover the compensation you deserve.

• Free consultation available
• We represent truck accident victims against trucking companies
• We handle trucking accidents, equipment failures, and impaired driving cases

Let us fight for you—contact us at 570-209-7376 today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your truck accident case.