The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a major trucking hub, with thousands of trucks on its roads each year. With increased truck traffic comes a higher risk of truck accidents. If you are in a truck accident, it’s important to understand what caused the crash. You’ll need the help of an experienced Pennsylvania truck crash attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys.
For nearly seven decades, Munley Law has represented truck accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and built a national reputation in trucking litigation. All our attorneys are members of the American Association for Justice, and we are the only firm in Pennsylvania with three board-certified Truck Accident Law attorneys with the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Truck accidents often leave families facing catastrophic injuries, lost income, and overwhelming medical expenses. However, Munley Law has a reputation for securing record-setting truck accident verdicts and settlements for injured clients.
Our Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers investigate every factor behind a crash, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation available under state and federal law. Contact us for a free consultation.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania?
There are several different reasons that truck accidents occur. Bad weather in Pennsylvania, road hazards, blind-spot accidents, and nighttime driving can contribute to a truck wreck. However, the leading causes of truck accidents are:
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical defects
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Improper training
- Speeding and aggressive driving
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a huge problem among truck drivers in Pennsylvania and across the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces strict regulations regarding the number of consecutive hours a trucker can drive without a break. However, many trucking companies pressure their drivers to forego those rules in order to speed up delivery times. Therefore, Pennsylvania roadways are often packed with extremely fatigued truck drivers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compares drowsy driving to drunk driving, stating that a driver who has been awake for at least 18 hours has the same reaction time as a driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. The CDC further found that if a driver has been awake for at least 24 hours, it is equal to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, which is over the legal limit.
Drowsy driving lowers reaction times, makes drivers less attentive to the road, affects their ability to make quick decisions, and can make them fully fall asleep at the wheel. If you are tired behind the wheel, the best thing to do is find a safe spot to pull over and rest.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is, unfortunately, becoming the norm with many drivers. Distracted driving is anything that takes your focus and eyes off the road. To combat the increasing number of distracted drivers, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation implemented a strict law that prohibits texting while a driver is behind the wheel. There is no text message, email, or phone call that is worth the risk of getting into a truck crash. Drivers should put their phones down and focus solely on the road.
Other forms of distracted driving are:
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Adjusting the radio
- Talking, texting, or emailing on your phone
- Interacting with other passengers
- Searching for anything in your vehicle while driving
- Reading or writing
- Grooming (putting on makeup, doing your hair, etc.)
Mechanical Defects
According to PennDOT’s Crash Facts and Statistics report for 2024, faulty brakes and tires accounted for two-thirds of mechanical failures that led to crashes. Although faulty brakes or tires can result from a poor manufacturing design, most faulty equipment is due to a lack of maintenance. The trucking company or vehicle owner is responsible for keeping their trucks in pristine condition before sending them on the road.
If you were involved in a truck accident due to mechanical failure, contact the Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. They will determine which parties were at fault for the accident and ensure each party is held accountable.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
A cargo loader’s job is to ensure the truck’s cargo is evenly spread out so the truck’s trailer doesn’t tip over. Many Pennsylvania truck accidents are caused by unbalanced trailers tipping over, creating road hazards for other drivers. In some of the worst cases, the trailer of a truck can roll over onto another vehicle. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the manufacturer, cargo loaders, trucking company, and truck driver to ensure your compensation comes from every party responsible for the accident.
Improper Training
Driving a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds with cargo is a huge responsibility. It is up to the truck companies to make sure their drivers are fully and adequately trained before they make solo trips. Truck driving training has to include how to brake properly and drive defensively, including learning to anticipate road hazards and avoid collisions with other vehicles. When a new truck driver isn’t adequately trained, they are a hazard to everyone else on the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speeding, weaving between lanes, tailgating, and disregarding traffic signals are all aggressive driving. Aggressive driving is dangerous regardless of the vehicle or driver. However, it is especially risky when a trucker drives recklessly. Because of the weight of a commercial truck, it can take several seconds for the truck to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is tailgating or speeding and has to stop suddenly, they run the risk of being unable to slow down in time and crashing into another vehicle from behind.
What Happens If I Am at Fault for the Truck Accident?
There are times when multiple parties can be held responsible for a truck crash. The truck driver, trucking company, and shipping carrier may all bear some responsibility for the accident. And sometimes, the injury victim could be found partially at fault. If that happens, can you still collect compensation?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. This means that after any motor vehicle accident, the victim must file a claim with their insurance company to cover medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs. If the other driver is found at fault for the accident and you do not have enough insurance to cover your costs, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver.
But if you are found partially at fault for the accident, the comparative negligence law will come into play. Comparative negligence is when both parties involved in the accident are at fault. In these cases, if the judge finds that the plaintiff (the truck accident victim making the claim) is at least 50% responsible for the accident, the claim is thrown out. However, if the defendant (in this case, the truck driver or trucking company that caused the accident) is found to be at least 51% responsible, the claim can proceed to resolution.
If the claim is found in favor of the plaintiff, they will receive less compensation depending on how much at fault they were found to be in the accident. For example, if the injury victim were found 20 percent at fault for the accident and was rewarded $100,000 for their injuries, they would receive $80,000.
Comparative negligence is one of the many reasons it is beneficial to have an experienced Pennsylvania semi truck accident lawyer by your side. Your lawyer will navigate you through the complexity of your Pennsylvania truck accident. They will investigate the accident scene, use expert witness testimony, and determine all the parties at fault for the accident to prove complete negligence on their part.
What Injuries Are Common in Pennsylvania Tractor-Trailer Accidents?
Injuries sustained from truck accidents are often catastrophic and can take years for the injury victim to recover from. Some common injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Disfigurement or amputation
- Emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
When these injuries occur, it is not just the victim who suffers. Families can be devastated when their loved one is involved in a semi truck crash. For survivors of truck accidents, their lives are often never the same. Loved ones are left to become full-time caregivers, which adds enormous financial stress to the family. If you are a truck accident victim and can no longer work, your family must learn to live on one income. Victims of traumatic brain injuries suffer personality and behavioral changes that their family members have to navigate through. In the worst cases, the family suffers the loss of a loved one and will be grieving while going through the claims process.
The truck accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys deeply understand the consequences of truck accidents. They have worked with countless clients who have faced similar situations. Call the truck accident lawyers today to speak with a compassionate attorney who will gently guide you through the claims process.
How Can a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer Help After a Serious Crash?
The statute of limitations to file a claim for a truck accident is two years. Though this may seem like a long time, medical expenses pile up quickly. So the sooner you contact a truck accident attorney from Munley Law, the easier it will be to discover the causes of the truck crash and get you the compensation needed to recover from such a horrible accident.
Munley Law has a national reputation for excellence in truck accident litigation and secured some of the largest truck accident recoveries in Pennsylvania. Since 1959, our lawyers have received multiple awards and served in leadership roles in trucking litigation organizations. Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are both board-certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA), while Marion Munley was the first woman to lead the Trucking Litigation Group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Causes in Pennsylvania
What Federal Regulations Apply to Pennsylvania Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules govern hours-of-service limits, truck maintenance, cargo securement, inspections, and driver qualifications.
Violations of federal regulations can become critical evidence in a Pennsylvania truck accident claim and may help to establish negligence.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Investigation Take?
Truck accident investigations can take weeks or months, depending on the crash’s complexity. Investigators often review black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and witness statements. Because evidence can disappear quickly, it is important to begin an investigation as soon as possible after a collision.
Can Bad Weather Make Trucking Accidents More Dangerous in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Snow, ice, heavy rain, fog, and mountainous terrain can significantly increase the risk of tractor-trailer accidents throughout Pennsylvania. Poor weather reduces visibility and increases stopping distances for large trucks.
Truck drivers are expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior to match road conditions. Failure to do so may constitute negligence.
Why Do Truck Accident Cases Require Specialized Legal Experience?
Truck accident litigation is far more complex than ordinary car accident claims because it involves federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, corporate defendants, and technical evidence. A lawyer experienced in trucking litigation understands how to investigate FMCSA violations, preserve evidence, and identify every potentially liable party.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Severe Than Regular Car Accidents?
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making collisions far more destructive than passenger vehicle accidents. The size and weight of tractor-trailers increase their stopping distance and the force of impact during a crash.
Victims of truck accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability. Even low-speed truck crashes can result in life-changing consequences for motorists in smaller vehicles.
How Is Fault Determined in a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Case?
Fault is determined through evidence such as police reports, electronic logging devices, black box data, witness testimony, accident reconstruction, and trucking company records. Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule allows victims to claim compensation as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident
Contact a Pennsylvania Truck Crash Attorney at Munley Law
If you’ve been in an accident with a truck, it’s important you have a lawyer by your side to help you navigate your case.
The sooner you hire a Munley Law PA tractor trailer accident lawyer, the sooner you can receive proper compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
Contact Munley today for a free consultation with our experienced truck accident attorneys.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley is one of the nation’s most decorated and respected truck accident lawyers. Having contributed to numerous publications and spoken at numerous conferences, she has advocated for truck accident victims nationwide. Marion is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the NBTA and is the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 – additionally, she was named “Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Marion has assisted in several landmark truck accident settlements, including a $26 million settlement for a single mother of three who was critically injured when a tractor trailer collided with her car.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on June 9, 2026.
