Truck Accidents Are Increasing in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that there were over 7,000 truck crashes in 2021, making that year the second-highest in almost two decades. No matter how many reports of these deadly accidents are released, they continue to happen in high numbers around our state.

As a matter of fact, one of the most recent truck accidents occurred on Interstate 81 in Tremont Township, less than an hour from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. According to a news report, an SUV collided with a semi-truck, causing the semi-truck to fall off a bridge. The law enforcement officers who responded to the accident stated that the driver of the SUV failed to keep control of their vehicle, causing it to crash into the side of the semi-truck. While the officers mentioned that it was raining and sleeting at the time of the crash, they did not say if that was a potential cause.

Luckily, the truck driver was unharmed, but the SUV driver and passenger were taken to the closest emergency room for their injuries. The SUV driver was also considered at-fault and received a ticket for the accident.

Common types of truck accidents in Lancaster, PA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that truck accidents account for 13% of all fatal crashes in the United States. Here are a few of the most common:

1. Jackknife Accidents: When a truck driver does not brake or turn properly, a jackknife accident may occur. This usually consists of the truck and its trailer going separate ways, which often forms a 90-degree angle.
2. Rollover Accidents: Due to the weight of semi-trucks, they are prone to rolling over on their side or top. This may happen when a truck driver turns or goes around a curve too fast.
3. Head-On Collisions: A head-on collision means that the truck driver collides head-on with an automobile after drifting into another lane, running a stop sign, or not paying attention when passing through a busy intersection.
4. Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end collision is either when a semi-truck collides into the back of an automobile, or an automobile collides into the back of a semi-truck. When an automobile rear-ends a semi-truck, the results are almost always deadly. The reason for this is because the automobile may go under the back of the semi-truck, which can cause it to be crushed upon impact.
5. Wide Turn Accidents: Turning a tractor trailer is one of the most difficult tasks that truck drivers have. If they do not have enough space to maneuver, or if a motorist gets caught in their lane, this can cause an accident very quickly.
6. Sideswipe Accidents: A sideswipe accident usually happens when two semi-trucks or an automobile and semi-truck are traveling in the same direction. If they become too close or drift into one another’s lane, a sideswipe may occur.
7. T-Bone Accidents: When an automobile crashes into a semi-truck’s side, or vice-versa, this is referred to as a T-bone accident. The vehicles usually create a “T” shape.

What injuries result from a truck accident?

Due to the size and weight of tractor trailers, truck accidents usually cause catastrophic injuries. The reason for this is because they weigh a lot more than automobiles, which means they bring a lot more force. Therefore, when an automobile driver collides with a tractor trailer, they often cannot survive the impact. However, if they are lucky enough to survive, they may suffer from the following injuries:

• Broken or crushed bones
• Skull and head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Loss of limbs or amputations
• Paralysis
• Burn injuries
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Disfigurement

Inclement weather driving tips for Lancaster truck drivers

Many truck and automobile drivers have a difficult time controlling their vehicles when it starts raining, snowing, or sleeting. During these times, it is strongly suggested that truckers and motorists drive as carefully as possible and follow these specific inclement weather driving tips:

1. Drive as slowly as possible.
2. Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel.
3. Give other vehicles plenty of space and do not tailgate.
4. Be extra cautious and follow signage on bridges.
5. Try to always keep necessary supplies in your vehicle.
6. Always press on your brakes slowly to avoid sliding or skidding.
7. Stay away from black ice or standing water on the roads.

Determining fault in a truck accident

Many people assume that the truck driver is automatically at fault when an automobile and truck driver collide, but this is not always the case. Therefore, if you want to determine fault in a truck crash, it is important that you hire an experienced and skilled Lancaster truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

At KBG Injury Law, we investigate all the facts of every accident to accurately determine fault. This usually consists of looking at police reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, and even assessing the scene of the accident. In some cases, there are multiple parties to blame, such as:

• The truck driver
• The automobile driver
• The truck driver’s employer
• The truck’s maintenance company
• The truck or automobile’s manufacturer

If you have been involved in a truck accident and it wasn’t your fault, our lawyers at KBG Injury Law are here to assist you. We firmly believe that individuals should never be financially responsible for their injuries and accumulating bills if they did not cause the accident. Therefore, with our team’s help, you can file a truck accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve to recover your losses.

We proudly serve clients in and around Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg. If you are in the area and need professional legal advice, consider calling our office or submitting our contact form to schedule a free consultation. The team at KBG Injury Law looks forward to meeting you soon.