Do you remember the accident that shutdown part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike a few weeks ago? We do, and we want to talk about it and how it relates to major problems we have on the roadway.
This was more than just a regular vehicle accident. This crash involved a bus and a tractor-trailer. There were 36 people on the bus at the time and 19 of them had to be hospitalized. Thankfully, nobody was killed, but the situation could have been worse.
When it comes to buses and large trucks, any crash has the potential to be devastating. Both types of vehicles weigh tens of thousands of pounds and have the potential to hurt dozens of people at once.
If you need a truck accident attorney in Pittsburgh, turn to the SMA Law Group for help. We will work with you to get the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents
We want to focus today on truck accidents and how deadly they can be. When we talk about trucks, we generally mean heavier, commercial style vehicles.
- Delivery trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Garbage trucks
- Cement trucks
- And others
These trucks all weigh more than regular passenger vehicles, especially if they have cargo on board. It is not uncommon to see a truck barreling down the road that weighs more than 90,000 pounds.
In Pennsylvania, there were 6,807 heavy truck accidents in 2017. The majority of these crashes can be attributed to vehicle failure or driver negligence.
When it comes to vehicle failure, we commonly see problems arise in the following:
- Tires and wheels
- Brake-related
- Powertrain
- Unsecured trailer
- Overloaded trailer
- Steering system
- Suspension
- Lighting
If one of these systems fail, the driver can lose control of the truck and end up crashing.
All drivers should be properly trained for each vehicle they are asked to operate. They should not driver while distracted by their phones or other devices. They should not operate the vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Bus drivers are much more likely to crash when they ignore laws and regulations regarding how many hours they are allowed to driver in a single day. These laws are put into place to prevent drivers from operating while exhausted.
Injuries from truck crashes can be serious, leading to very high medical costs.
Will your insurance cover all of your expenses?
What Happens Now?
If you believe someone else’s negligence has caused you or a loved one to be hurt in a truck accident, then you should seek legal assistance. You may be entitled to more compensation than the insurance companies are offering.
At the SMA Law Group, you can count on our knowledgeable and experienced team to investigate your case thoroughly so we can work on getting you compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages
Do not waste another minute wondering how you can pay your bills. You need to focus on healing. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 412-744-8341.