Most truck accidents in Pennsylvania usually occur on the highways throughout the state. When a truck crash occurs, the impact is significant on the victim. A truck accident can result in severe injuries that can take months, if not years, to recover from. Hiring a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer will give you the compensation you need to cover your expenses.
It’s important to know where most of the truck accidents happen in Pennsylvania and what you should do if you get into a truck crash. The most important thing to remember is to contact Munley Law as soon as possible to speak with our Pennsylvania truck accident attorney.
Where Are the Most Common Places Truck Accidents Occur in PA?
An analysis of the PennDOT crash data reveals several high-risk areas for truck accidents in Pennsylvania. These areas include:
- Interstate 80 (I-80): Stretching from the Ohio state line to the New Jersey state line, I-80 is a major east-west corridor that sees a high volume of truck traffic. The data indicates that a significant number of truck accidents occur on this interstate, particularly in areas where the highway intersects with other major roadways.
- Interstate 81 (I-81): Running from the Maryland state line to the New York state line, I-81 is another heavily trafficked route for trucks. The data reveals a high concentration of truck accidents along this interstate, particularly in urban areas such as Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton.
- Interstate 76 (I-76): Also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76 is a major toll road traversing the state from east to west. The data shows that this highway is another hot spot for truck accidents in Pennsylvania.
- Urban areas and their surrounding regions: Large metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie have been identified as high-risk areas for truck accidents. These cities are characterized by congested roadways, frequent construction zones, and high volumes of traffic, all of which can contribute to an increased likelihood of truck accidents.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents to Occur in Pennsylvania?
The causes of truck accidents vary and can include fatigue, distracted driving, improper vehicle maintenance, and poor weather conditions. Understanding the stats behind truck accidents in Pennsylvania is critical for policymakers, law enforcement, and drivers alike to work together to reduce the risk of these devastating events on our state’s roads.
Several causes of PA truck accidents to happen in these areas include but are not limited to:
- Traffic congestion: Heavy traffic can lead to more frequent lane changes, sudden stops, and other erratic driving behaviors, increasing the risk of collisions involving trucks.
- Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and inadequate signage can contribute to truck accidents by making it more difficult for drivers to navigate safely.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue among truck drivers, impairing their ability to react quickly and make safe driving decisions.
- Distracted driving: Using electronic devices, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving can significantly increase the risk of truck accidents.
What Are the Most Common Types of Trucking Accidents Around Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s extensive network of highways, interstates, and local roads sees a high volume of truck traffic, making truck accidents unfortunate in the state. These accidents can have severe consequences, including fatalities, injuries, and significant property damage. By examining Pennsylvania’s most common types of truck accidents, we can better understand the risks and work towards implementing adequate safety measures. In this article, we will discuss the prevalent types of truck accidents in Pennsylvania and explore the factors contributing to their occurrence.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the tractor, similar to a folding pocket knife. This type of accident is common in Pennsylvania, often resulting from sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or equipment malfunction. Jackknife accidents can be hazardous, as the out-of-control trailer can collide with multiple vehicles and cause severe damage.
Rear-End Truck Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving trucks are another common type of truck accident in Pennsylvania. Due to their size and weight, trucks require a greater stopping distance than smaller vehicles. As a result, if a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or does not react quickly enough to slowing traffic, they may collide with the vehicle in front of them, causing significant damage and potential injuries.
Rollover Accidents
Truck rollovers are a frequent type of truck accident in Pennsylvania, often resulting from factors such as excessive speed, sudden lane changes, or taking sharp turns. Trucks have a higher center of gravity than smaller vehicles, making them more susceptible to rollovers, especially when carrying heavy loads. Rollover accidents can be extremely hazardous, as the truck may collide with other vehicles or obstruct multiple lanes of traffic.
Blind Spot Accidents
Large trucks have significant blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” where smaller vehicles may be invisible to the truck driver. Blind spot accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes or makes a turn without realizing that another vehicle is in their blind spot. These accidents can be particularly dangerous, as the smaller vehicle may be crushed or forced off the road.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are a devastating type of truck accident in which a smaller vehicle becomes trapped underneath the trailer of a larger truck. These accidents can occur when a car stops suddenly or a smaller vehicle fails to maintain a safe following distance. Underride accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, as the weight of the truck trailer may crush the smaller vehicle’s occupants.
Lost Load Truck Crash
Lost load accidents occur when cargo falls off a truck due to improper loading or equipment failure. These accidents can be hazardous for truck drivers, as the falling cargo can strike other vehicles or create hazardous road conditions, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s most common types of truck accidents is crucial for implementing effective safety measures and raising awareness among drivers. By recognizing the risks associated with jackknife accidents, rear-end collisions, rollovers, blind spot accidents, underride accidents, and lost load accidents, we can reduce the number of these incidents on Pennsylvania’s roadways.
How Can Our PA Truck Accident Lawyers Help
For 65 years, the Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers at Munley Law have been helping truck accident victims throughout the Commonwealth. We have been recognized nationwide for our work in truck accident litigation and have achieved multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. We work hard to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you were involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, now is the time to contact an experienced PA trucking accident attorney for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
