You may have missed this story at the end of last month, but we want to bring it to your attention because it highlights some safety concerns for large trucks.
It happened near Lowe Saucon Township when a tractor-trailer lost control on Interstate 78 during heavy rain. The truck crossed the median and entered oncoming traffic where it struck another truck and then rolled onto a car.
Two people inside of the car were trapped for nearly three hours before firefighters could extricate them. Both suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital.
The truck that the tractor-trailer truck jackknifed, slammed into the median, and nearly slid down an embankment.
While we are thankful that nobody was killed, we know this could have been much worse. We do not know the exact cause of this accident, but we do know that truck accident are often caused because of someone else’s negligence.
If you need a Pittsburgh truck accident attorney, you can count on Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to be by your side, working to secure the compensation you deserve.
What Can Happen?
For the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, there were 6,807 total crashes involving heavy trucks. Out of those, 145 were fatal.
Why do these crashes happen?
Most large truck crashes involve vehicle failures. It is up to truck companies and owners to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. A failure to do so can lead to catastrophic crashes. The main culprits when it comes to vehicle failure are:
- Tire and wheels
- Brakes
- Powertrain
- Unsecured or overloaded vehicles
- Steering systems
Other problems occur when drivers are irresponsible or negligent. There are strict state and federal laws regarding how many hours a truck driver can operate in a day. A failure to adhere to these laws can result in drivers operating while fatigued.
Truck drivers should never operate while impaired by drugs or alcohol and they should never be distracted by their phones or other devices. Distracted and impaired driving can have deadly consequences for others on or around the roadway.
Injuries from large truck crashes can be devastating. Fully loaded trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and they have the potential to create a mass casualty event if they crash. If a truck is transporting hazardous materials, the potential for disaster is significantly increased.
Moving Forward From Here
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, seek legal assistance. This kind of accident can leave you dealing with many parties, from insurance companies to truck companies. It can get confusing.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we want to help you handle this so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will work to secure compensation for all of your accident-related expenses. When you need a truck accident attorney in Pittsburgh, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-98-TWINS(89467).