Allegheny County, PA – Tractor Trailer Overturns, Spilling Fuel on Route 28
Allegheny County, PA (February 13, 2025) – A tractor trailer overturned on Route 28 in Etna, sending one person to the hospital on February 12.
According to news reports, the truck was driving in the southbound lane of Route 28 when it hit a barrier and overturned, spilling diesel fuel onto the road and the creek below.
Emergency crews said the Department of Environmental Protection had placed a boom at the mouth of the creek so the fuel did not flow into the Allegheny River.
The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital after suffering injuries in the truck crash.
Hazardous Material Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, the Commonwealth’s proximity to major transportation corridors and industrial centers makes it particularly susceptible to hazardous material incidents, with significant cases arising from highway spills, train derailments, and industrial facility accidents.
From a liability standpoint, these cases often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, including transportation companies, chemical manufacturers, facility operators, and sometimes government entities. Pennsylvania courts have consistently held that companies handling hazardous materials owe an elevated duty of care to the public, following the principle that those who engage in inherently dangerous activities must exercise extreme caution.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is generally two years from the date of injury. However, in hazardous material cases, the discovery rule often comes into play, as some injuries or illnesses may not become apparent until years after exposure. Pennsylvania courts have recognized this complexity and may extend the filing deadline based on when the victim reasonably should have discovered their injury.
Damages in hazardous material cases can be particularly complex, encompassing immediate medical expenses, long-term health monitoring, lost wages, property damage, and environmental remediation costs. Our Pittsburgh truck accident lawyers often work with medical experts, environmental specialists, and economic analysts to establish the full scope of damages. Pennsylvania law allows for both compensatory and punitive damages in cases where defendants showed reckless disregard for public safety.
Cases involving hazardous materials frequently require extensive investigation and documentation. Successful litigation typically depends on establishing clear chains of custody for hazardous materials, proper licensing and training of handlers, and compliance with both federal regulations (such as those from the EPA and DOT) and Pennsylvania-specific environmental regulations. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s incident reports and compliance histories often serve as evidence in these cases.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
Disclaimer: The photos used in this post were not taken at this accident scene. All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
