Every year, there are hundreds of tractor-trailer accidents in Allentown, PA. These massive commercial vehicles—often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—create unique dangers and complex legal challenges when involved in crashes.
At Munley Law, our Allentown truck accident lawyers have spent almost seven decades investigating these accidents and helping victims understand their rights. Our firm is the only one in Pennsylvania with the honor of having three attorneys board-certified in truck accident law, and our expertise has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Irish Legal 100, Lawdragon, and Martindale-Hubbell, among others. Our groundbreaking client victories include a $26 million truck accident settlement and a $20 million commercial vehicle accident settlement.
If you were involved in a tractor-trailer accident in Allentown, PA, you need to know your next steps and why these cases are more complex than a typical auto accident case. If you were involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer in Allentown, do not wait. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation.
What is a Tractor-Trailer?
Tractor-trailers, often called 18-wheelers or semi-trucks, consist of two separate units: the “tractor” (the front power unit with the engine and cab where the driver sits) and the “trailer” (the detachable cargo-carrying unit). This articulated design distinguishes tractor-trailers from straight trucks, box trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
The standard configuration includes:
- A three-axle tractor unit with 10 wheels
- A two-axle trailer with 8 wheels
- Hence the term “18-wheeler”
Most tractor-trailers on Pennsylvania highways feature 53-foot trailers, though specialized configurations exist for different cargo types. The tractor and trailer connect via a “fifth wheel” coupling system, creating a pivot point that allows the vehicle to articulate when turning.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
Call us at (844) 686-5397 How are Tractor-Trailer Accidents Different from Other Crashes?
Tractor-trailer accidents differ significantly from standard passenger vehicle crashes in several important ways:
- Size and Weight Disparity: An 18-wheeler can weigh 20-30 times more than a passenger car, creating devastating force during impact. This extreme weight difference often results in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles, even in relatively low-speed collisions.
- Complex Mechanical Systems: Tractor-trailers contain specialized components—including air brake systems, fifth wheels, kingpins, and articulation points—that can malfunction in ways passenger vehicles cannot. These unique mechanical elements require specialized investigation after crashes.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike other auto accidents, tractor-trailer crashes often involve numerous potentially responsible parties beyond just the driver. These may include the trucking company, the trailer owner, cargo loading companies, maintenance contractors, manufacturers, and leasing companies.
- Extensive Regulatory Framework: Interstate tractor-trailers operate under federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), creating additional compliance issues that can affect liability.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that 7,312 heavy trucks were involved in accidents in 2024. Although the department did not specify how many of these were tractor-trailer trucks, it’s reasonable to believe that many were. Tractor-trailer accident cases can be challenging for most attorneys. That’s why hiring an experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyer is always best after a trucking accident. Contact Munley Law today to start your claim.
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Federal Trucking Regulations in Allentown Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Federal regulations govern nearly every aspect of tractor-trailer operations, creating a complex framework that carriers and drivers must navigate. The FMCSA strictly limits driving time to prevent fatigue through hours-of-service regulations. These rules establish:
- An 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A 14-hour on-duty limit after coming on duty following 10 hours off
- Required 30-minute breaks after eight cumulative hours of driving
- A 60/70-hour limit on duty in seven or eight consecutive days, respectively
Since December 2017, most commercial trucks must use electronic logging devices instead of paper logs to track driving hours. These ELDs create verifiable records that can be vital evidence after accidents, making it harder for drivers or companies to falsify driving hours.
Tractor-trailer operators must meet stringent qualification requirements, including:
- Holding a valid Commercial Driver’s License with proper endorsements
- Passing medical examinations every two years
- Undergoing pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing
- Completing specific training for specialized cargo, such as hazardous materials
Commercial carriers also face strict vehicle maintenance standards. They must conduct systematic inspections, repairs, and maintenance, complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, maintain detailed maintenance records, and remove unsafe vehicles from service. Federal regulations also specify exactly how different types of cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling.
Violations of these regulations often provide critical evidence in establishing liability after a tractor-trailer crash. When companies or drivers cut corners on these requirements, they create foreseeable risks that can lead to catastrophic accidents.
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Where are the High-Risk Locations for Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Allentown?
Certain areas in and around Allentown see higher concentrations of tractor-trailer accidents. These include:
- The I-78/Route 22 interchange: This area experiences frequent tractor-trailer accidents due to merging traffic, construction zones, and congestion during peak hours. This area’s complex traffic patterns and limited sight lines create particular challenges for large commercial vehicles.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension: This area presents different dangers. Its mountainous terrain, tight curves, and frequently adverse weather conditions make this stretch challenging for heavily loaded trucks. Brake failures on downhill sections have resulted in several serious accidents in recent years. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 8% of all accidents in 2024 occurred on the Turnpike.
- Route 309 near Tilghman Street: This section of road combines heavy commercial traffic with multiple access points to retail areas, creating conflict points between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles. The stop-and-go traffic pattern in this corridor increases the risk of rear-end collisions involving commercial vehicles.
- The American Parkway Bridge: This bridge has been the scene of several serious tractor-trailer accidents, including a fatal 2023 collision involving a young motorist. The bridge’s design and approaches create visibility challenges for large vehicles, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
- The Airport Road industrial corridor: With its high concentration of warehouses and distribution centers, this corridor leads to frequent truck traffic on roads not always designed for heavy commercial vehicles. This area’s mix of commercial and passenger traffic creates numerous conflict points, especially during shift changes at the various facilities.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in Allentown Tractor-Trailer Cases
Insurance for commercial tractor-trailers differs significantly from personal auto insurance, creating additional complexities for accident victims. Federal regulations require interstate commercial carriers to maintain substantial minimum liability coverage. This includes $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil transportation, and $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. However, these minimums often prove inadequate for catastrophic injury cases.
A single tractor-trailer may be covered by several policies, including:
- Primary liability coverage
- Excess or umbrella policies
- Bobtail insurance (when operating without a trailer)
- Non-trucking-use coverage
- Cargo insurance
- Physical damage coverage
Identifying all applicable policies requires detailed investigation and knowledge of the industry’s insurance practices.
The federally mandated MCS-90 endorsement ensures minimum compensation for accident victims even when the specific activity causing the accident might otherwise be excluded from coverage. This endorsement can provide crucial protection when insurance companies attempt to deny coverage based on policy exclusions.
Victims often face significant challenges with insurance companies after tractor-trailer accidents. Multiple adjusters from different companies may contact you. Early settlement offers typically fall far below actual case value, requests for recorded statements can damage your claim, and insurance representatives often attempt to shift blame to other parties. You also need to ensure your claim is filed before the two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2) expires. Understanding this complex insurance landscape is essential for securing fair compensation.
What Resources are Available for Tractor-Trailer Accident Victims in Allentown, PA?
Recovering from a tractor-trailer accident often requires specialized care and support. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest’s Level I Trauma Center and St. Luke’s University Hospital-Bethlehem Trauma Center provide advanced care for serious injuries. For ongoing support, organizations like the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation offer resources for those with catastrophic injuries.
Government resources can also provide helpful information. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration all offer educational materials about commercial vehicle safety and accident prevention.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Allentown Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer?
You cannot afford to leave anything to chance in a tractor-trailer crash case, which is why you need Munley Law’s Allentown tractor-trailer accident lawyers on your side. We have protected victims’ rights and fought for justice on their behalf since 1959. Over the decades, we’ve helped recover more than $1 billion in damages through client victories such as an $11 million truck accident settlement, a $9.95 million settlement for a woman hit head-on by a tractor-trailer, and an $8 million truck accident settlement.
Three of our attorneys, including Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon, hold board certifications in truck accident law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In addition, Marion and Daniel are board certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. They’re also members of the academy’s Board of Regents. All our attorneys have been honored by Best Lawyers, and all five of our partners received AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating offered by the respected legal directory.
Several of our attorneys have been honored with awards by the American Association of Justice (AAJ), of which Marion is currently the Vice President. She formerly chaired the AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group, being the first woman to do so. Daniel also is a former chair of the group. When you choose Munley Law for your Allentown tractor-trailer accident lawyer, you know you’re choosing the best trucking accident law firm in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Allentown
What Should I Do Immediately After a Tractor-Trailer Accident in Allentown?
Immediately after a tractor-trailer accident in Allentown, PA, you should seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Call law enforcement to document the crash and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance. Contact an experienced Allentown tractor-trailer accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Why are Tractor-Trailer Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accidents?
Tractor-trailer accidents are more complex than car accidents because they often involve complex mechanical systems and severe injuries due to the truck’s size and weight. These cases may include multiple liable parties, such as the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or maintenance contractor. Federal and state trucking regulations also play a major role in determining liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Allentown Tractor-Trailer Accident?
Several parties can be held liable in an Allentown tractor-trailer accident. Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, trailer owner, cargo loading company, maintenance providers, and the vehicle and/or parts manufacturers. Identifying all responsible parties requires a detailed investigation of contracts, maintenance records, federal compliance, and other evidence. This is why experienced legal representation is essential in these cases.
How Do Federal Trucking Regulations Affect My Tractor-Trailer Accident Claim?
Federal trucking regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and driver qualifications. Violations of these rules, such as exceeding hours-of-service limits or failing to maintain the truck, can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. An attorney can obtain and analyze electronic logging data and inspection records to support your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Tractor-Trailer Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a tractor-trailer accident claim in Pennsylvania. Missing the two-year deadline under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2) can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Hiring an Allentown tractor-trailer accident lawyer at Munley Law as soon as possible helps ensure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our Allentown Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your specific rights and options. For personalized guidance about your situation, contact our Allentown tractor-trailer accident attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help you understand the specific circumstances of your case and the potential paths to recovery.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on January 20, 2026.
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609 Hamilton St.
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424
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