I-78’s Stretch Through Lehigh County: Why Truck Accidents Cluster Here

For drivers in Allentown and across the Lehigh Valley, Interstate 78 is a vital part of everyday travel. The highway connects Harrisburg to New York City, making it one of the most important transportation corridors in the Northeast.

Unfortunately, the stretch of interstate that runs through Lehigh County, particularly near Allentown, has become known for serious accidents involving tractor-trailers. Catastrophic collisions along this route can leave victims with life-changing injuries.

Lehigh County saw 4,698 collisions in 2024, and 32 of those resulted in fatalities, while 123 resulted in serious injury, according to PennDOT. Statewide, 98,529 light trucks, vans, and SUVs, and 7,312 heavy trucks were involved in crashes.

The experienced Allentown truck accident attorneys at Munley Law help crash victims and their families pursue compensation after serious accidents. Munley Law is the only firm in Pennsylvania with three board-certified truck accident lawyers. Our Allentown truck accident lawyers frequently handle tractor-trailer collisions. We are familiar with the local trucking regulations, shipping routes, and delivery times. This knowledge has enabled us to secure millions for truck accident victims.

A Major Freight Corridor Runs Through Allentown

Allentown sits at the center of one of the country’s fastest-growing logistics hubs. Located within a few hours of major metropolitan markets like New York City, Philadelphia, and northern New Jersey, the Lehigh Valley has become a prime location for warehouses and distribution centers.

Over the past decade, millions of square feet of industrial development have been built across the region to serve the growing e-commerce economy. With that growth, there has come a dramatic increase in tractor-trailer traffic on I-78.

Many trucks using the interstate are transporting goods between:

• Regional distribution centers in the Lehigh Valley
• Ports in New Jersey and New York
• Major East Coast markets

As a result, large commercial trucks make up a significant portion of the traffic traveling through Lehigh County each day.

Heavy Traffic Around Allentown Increases Crash Risk

Traffic congestion is another major factor contributing to accidents along I-78 near Allentown.

The interstate intersects with several major routes in the area, including U.S. Route 309 and Route 222. These interchanges bring together commuters, commercial vehicles, and long-distance travelers, creating some of the busiest sections of highway in the Lehigh Valley.

Near the Route 309 interchange, for example, traffic volumes can reach tens of thousands of vehicles per day, with tractor-trailers accounting for a significant share of total traffic.

When traffic slows suddenly, as it often does during rush hour or after a crash, large trucks require far more time and distance to stop than passenger cars. This difference can lead to dangerous rear-end collisions and chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.

Road Design and Infrastructure Challenges on I-78

Another reason truck accidents occur along I-78 near Allentown is that portions of the highway were built decades ago, before the region experienced its current population growth and logistics boom.

While the interstate has undergone improvements over the years, some stretches still face infrastructure challenges that can contribute to crashes.

Potential hazards include:

• Congested merging areas near interchanges
• Limited shoulder space
• Short acceleration lanes
• Steep grades that slow heavy trucks

These design issues can create dangerous situations when traffic is dense or when drivers are traveling at highway speeds. For large commercial trucks, navigating sudden merges, slowdowns, and steep terrain can be especially difficult.

Who May Be Liable After an I-78 Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident is often more complicated than in a standard car crash. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on how the accident occurred.

The Truck Driver

Truck drivers can be held liable if their negligent actions contributed to the crash. Examples include:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigue from exceeding federal driving limits
• Unsafe lane changes

Federal trucking regulations limit the number of hours drivers can remain on the road without rest, but violations of these rules still occur.

The Trucking Company

A trucking company may be liable for direct negligence in a number of scenarios.

These can include:

• Failing to properly train drivers
• Encouraging drivers to violate federal safety regulations
• Failing to inspect or maintain their vehicles
• Hiring drivers with poor safety records

Under Pennsylvania law, employers can also be held accountable for their employees’ actions when those actions occur during the course of employment. This is called vicarious liability.

Cargo Loading Companies

Some truck accidents occur because the cargo inside the trailer was improperly loaded. If freight shifts during transit, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle or increase the risk of a rollover.

In these situations, the third-party company responsible for loading the cargo may be liable.

Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers

Mechanical failures, such as defective brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, can also lead to truck accidents. When defective equipment is involved in a crash, manufacturers or maintenance providers may be responsible.

Munley Law Truck Accident Verdicts

Munley Law’s Allentown truck accident attorneys have a proven track record of holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable.

In one notable case, Daniel W. Munley and Marion Munley obtained a $26 million settlement for a single mother of three who was critically injured when a tractor-trailer collided with her car, causing a chain-reaction crash.

In another tragic case, a distracted truck driver rear-ended a family of three while they were stopped in traffic, resulting in $19.8 million in a settlement/jury verdict.

Both Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are board-certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys  (ATAA). The ATAA is an invitation-only organization of truck accident lawyers. The organization provides specialized training and education. Members of ATAA are recognized for their skill, knowledge, and proven results in handling commercial motor vehicle crash cases.

How Munley Law Helps Truck Accident Victims in Allentown

Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and legal resources. Evidence such as driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and accident reconstruction reports may all be necessary to determine what happened and who is responsible.

For decades, Munley Law has represented injured victims across Pennsylvania, including those hurt in serious truck accidents in Allentown and throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The firm’s personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges involved in trucking litigation and work to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on I-78 near Allentown, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Allentown
609 Hamilton St
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424