Truck Accidents

Shrewsbury Truck Accident Lawyers

Respected advocacy when negligent truck drivers and trucking companies cause accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. At KBG Injury Law, our dedicated team of Shrewsbury truck accident lawyers is committed to providing respected advocacy for victims of negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. Whether you’ve been injured in a collision involving semis, rigs, 18-wheelers, or other commercial vehicles, we are here to hold responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us for help today.

How common are truck accidents?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 5,900 large trucks and buses were involved in deadly accidents in 2021. Nearly 120,000 large trucks and buses were involved in accidents that injured at least one person.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 45 people died in heavy truck accidents in 2022, and 332 people died in state accidents involving light trucks, SUVs, and vans.

Truck accidents usually cause more deaths and more severe injuries than car accidents because:

  • Trucks require special skills to drive. Drivers of commercial trucks must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  • Trucks need more time and more distance to stop.
  • A truck’s blind spots make it hard for the driver to see to either side or the rear of a truck.
  • The weight and dimensions of a truck make them difficult to control – and cause more impact on collision.
  • Many truck drivers drive while tired or distracted.

Common causes of truck accidents in Pennsylvania

At KBG Injury Law, we have the experience, skills, and relationships to show how truck accidents happen. Some of the common causes of Shrewsbury truck accidents include:

  • Driving while tired or in noncompliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Hours of Service Rules
  • Driving while distracted including texting, talking on a smartphone, using a GPS, eating, or drinking while driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding or violating a Pennsylvania traffic law
  • Backing out into traffic improperly
  • Failing to manage the truck’s blind spots
  • Improper loading of the truck cargo

Trucking companies and truck manufacturers may cause truck accidents if they fail to:

  • Vet their driver’s driving records and credentials
  • Inspect, maintain, and repair their trucks
  • Educate their drivers about safe driving protocols
  • Maintain electronic driving records
  • Design or use defective truck parts including hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, and tires

Trucking companies are generally liable for the negligence of their employees.

What types of accidents do your Shrewsbury truck accident lawyers handle?

KBG Injury Law handles all types of accidents including:

  • Head-on accidents
  • Rear-end accidents
  • Intersection crashes
  • T-bone/broadside accidents
  • Merging and passing accidents
  • Single-vehicle accidents
  • Multiple-vehicle accidents

Accidents that are generally unique to trucks include:

  • Rollover accidents. Trucks are more likely to roll over because of the location of their center of gravity. Speeding, sharp turns, and shifting cargo increase the odds of a truck rollover. Truck rollovers endanger everyone in the truck and near the truck.
  • Jackknife accidents. Tractor-trailers are prone to jackknife if the driver speeds, takes curves too quickly, the cargo moves, or the truck skids, A jackknife occurs when the tractor and trailer move in separate directions – ultimately folding together like the blades of a knife.
  • Blind-spot accidents. Most trucks don’t have rear windows. The windows on the sides don’t extend the length of the truck. Truck drivers need to be extra cautious when turning, passing, or merging. Drivers generally rely on their mirrors and any assistive technology like video cameras and software to manage their blind spots.
  • Wide-turn accidents. Long trucks often use another lane of travel to complete their turn. Any cars to the right or left of the truck can be crushed if the truck driver fails to see these cars.
  • Underride accidents. Federal laws mandate that truck companies install rear guards to prevent small vehicles from sliding underneath – crushing the occupants. Front and side guards also save lives.
  • Cargo accidents. Federal laws and truck industry standards govern how to load and secure the cargo for each type of cargo. Truck drivers can lose control of their trucks if the cargo moves. Many car accidents occur as the drivers try to evade the cargo spills or if the cargo falls onto their cars.
  • Backing-out accidents. Truck drivers should try to park their trucks so the drivers don’t have to back out into traffic. When Shrewsbury truck drivers need to back out from loading docks, driveways, or parking lots, the drivers should use spotters, digital technology, and other precautions.
  • Tire blowouts. Most trucks have many more tires than cars which increases the chances of a tire blowout. A tire blowout can cause the driver to lose control of their truck. Drivers and truck owners should inspect the tread, tire pressure, and other conditions of each tire before each trip.

Who is liable for injuries resulting from truck accidents?

Our Shrewsbury truck accident lawyers file claims against all responsible defendants. These defendants may include:

  • The truck driver
  • The truck driver’s employer
  • The truck owners
  • The broker that arranged the shipment
  • The companies involved in the shipment
  • The manufacturers of any defective truck parts
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
  • Truck maintenance and repair business
  • A seller of alcohol if a hotel, tavern, or other business served the driver who caused your accident when that driver was visibly intoxicated
  • Other negligent drivers

What kinds of injuries do truck accidents cause?

KBG Injury Law represents truck accident victims who have lifetime injuries and injuries that require extensive medical care. We handle the following types of injuries:

  • Head trauma including traumatic brain injuries and concussions
  • Spinal cord injuries including paralysis
  • Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
  • Simple, compound, multiple, and complex fractures
  • Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
  • Third-degree burns
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Internal bleeding, broken ribs, and organ damage
  • Muscle and nerve damage
  • Tendon, tissue, and ligament damage
  • Vision or hearing loss
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Wrongful death

What compensation can I receive for my Shrewsbury truck accident claim?

Our Shrewsbury personal injury lawyers are skilled at determining all your economic damages and placing a value on your non-economic damages.

Your economic damages include:

  • All your medical expenses including ER care, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, therapy visits, medications, and the cost of assistive devices
  • Your income losses including lost benefits
  • Your property damage

Your non-economic damages include:

  • Your daily physical pain and emotional suffering
  • The inability to use any body part
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Scarring and disfigurement

Our Shrewsbury truck accident lawyers also seek the following wrongful death damages for the death of a close family member:

  • The funeral and burial costs
  • Any outstanding medical expenses
  • The income your loved one would have provided each family member
  • The value of the loss of guidance, comfort, support, and household services for each family member

Do you have a Shrewsbury truck accident lawyer near me?

KBG Injury Law meets injury victims and the families of anyone tragically killed in a truck accident at our York office located at 2121 S Queen Street, right off 83. We make alternate arrangements when injury victims cannot physically come to our office. Our attorneys also conduct consultations by phone and through online conferences.

Speak with an accomplished Shrewsbury truck accident lawyer now

Truck accidents usually cause severe injuries due to their size and weight. Many victims need emergency care, surgery, and long-term rehabilitative care. At KBG Injury Law, we understand the unique challenges in showing how truck accidents happen and who is liable. We work with your doctors to show just how devastating your injuries are. To speak with a seasoned trial lawyer, please call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. KBG Injury Law maintains offices in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Harrisburg, and Gettysburg for your convenience.