Harrisburg Truck Accident Lawyer
Because of Harrisburg’s proximity to Interstates 76, 81, and 83 as well as numerous state highways, there is a significant amount of commercial truck traffic in and around the city. Any type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause life-changing injuries and even death, however, collisions involving a large commercial trucks can be particularly devastating. This is the case whether the accident involves two large trucks or a truck and a smaller passenger vehicle. Contact our experienced Harrisburg truck accident lawyers for more information.
Truck drivers and other motorists who sustain injuries in truck accidents have the right to financial recovery if the accident occurred due to the negligence of another unsafe truck driver, a trucking company, or another party. If you have been injured in a commercial truck collision in the Harrisburg area, the truck accident lawyers at the law office of Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. are here to help you. Our Harrisburg commercial truck accident lawyers have over 40 years of experience representing the rights of union truckers and non-commercial drivers who have been injured by negligent commercial drivers and their companies, so please call today for help.
The Prevalence of Truck Accidents
As reported by the FMCSA, nearly 3 million individuals sustain injuries in large truck crashes on an annual basis. Additionally, the 2014 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics booklet indicates that 6,596 crashes involving large trucks occurred in PA that year, 2,863 of which resulted in injuries and 136 that led to fatalities. Truck accidents affect thousands of people and families every year and can involve semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, tanker trucks, garbage trucks, and other vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania
Commercial truck drivers require specialized licenses and are expected to follow all regulations enacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as regular traffic laws. These regulations also apply to trucking companies to maintain safe practices among their drivers and maintain their vehicles. These regulations are necessary because when a truck driver or company makes a mistake, other motorists can sustain catastrophic or fatal injuries.
While there is a large number of safe truckers on the road who follow the rules, many truck accidents result from non-union truck drivers choosing not to follow important safety regulations. Specifically, many sole proprietors or non-union drivers decide to exceed the hours allowed on the road in order to make their deliveries in a shorter period of time. The FMCSA hours of service regulations are in place to ensure drivers are alert behind the wheel and whenever a non-union driver drives in excess of the allowable time, the risk of fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel is extremely high. In addition, the use of stimulants to stay awake or speeding to make better time can both increase the risks already present with fatigue and can lead to serious collisions. Unsafe drivers who choose to ignore such safety rules should be held accountable for any injuries caused to other truck drivers or motorists.
In addition to unsafe drivers, other parties can be negligent and cause accidents including trucking companies, maintenance crews, cargo loading crews, among others. The following are some examples of common causes of truck accidents:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol;
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel;
- Texting, using a smartphone, or other forms of distracted driving;
- Reckless or aggressive driving;
- Speeding;
- Inexperienced or unlicensed truck drivers;
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers;
- Failure to properly load or balance cargo;
- Tire failure; and
- Brake failure.
Find Out How An Experienced Harrisburg Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you have been injured in a Harribsurg truck accident, you are likely facing substantial losses including lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. While there are different ways to seek compensation for your losses through insurance companies or the courts, large trucking corporations have many resources in place to fight against liability in accidents, including legal teams, investigators, and insurers. It is critical to have a Harrisburg truck accident lawyer representing you who has the skill and resources necessary to take on an unsafe trucking company in court.
At the law office of Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., our Harrisburg truck accident lawyers have the experience and ability needed to stand up for the rights of injured union truck drivers and other accident victims and their families. Please call for a free consultation at 717-238-1657 today.
