Tractor trailers are behemoths on the roadway, whizzing by everything in sight, barreling down the interstate at terrific speeds, unstoppable. Because of their sheer size, big rigs and tractor trailers are often at the center of some of the most brutal and violent accidents on Pennsylvania’s roadways. The destruction they cause is due in part to the fact that they are 40 or more times larger by weight than any other vehicle, and anything that gets in their past is subject to obliteration, or at very least, significant catastrophic injury. Many people find themselves disabled permanently from the injuries sustained in a tractor trailer accident, and sadly, some die as a result. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the injuries sustained in these types of accidents, contact SMA Law Group to speak to our Westmoreland County tractor trailer accident attorney right away.
Liability
A thorough investigation will need to be conducted following a tractor-trailer accident in order to determine who is liable for the accident. This should be done immediately to ensure no critical evidence is lost. Liability often falls to one of the following:
- Negligent drivers – including:
- Distracted drivers
- Drivers who are physically or mentally impaired by the use of substances such as alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications)
- Drivers who have not obtained enough sleep before getting behind the wheel
- Drivers who fail to look when merging or switching lanes
- Drivers who are aggressive on the road
- Negligent Tractor-Trailer company – including:
- Companies that employ inexperienced or unlicensed drivers
- Companies requiring drivers spend too many hours on the road without a proper resting period
- Companies that fail to maintain their vehicles
- Companies that overload their tractor-trailers with cargo
- Companies that load cargo into the tractor-trailers improperly
- Negligent Repair/Maintenance Shops – including:
- Shops that perform faulty brake jobs
- Shops that perform negligent transmission repairs
- Shops responsible for improper tire inflation
- Negligent Road Construction Crews – including:
- Construction crews that leave debris on the roadway
- Cities failing to fix potholes, low shoulders, inadequate safety barriers, or clearing ice and snow from the road
- Negligent Passenger Vehicle Drivers – including:
- Drivers distracted by texting or otherwise using their cellphone or other device
- Drivers distracted by putting on makeup or eating
- Drivers distracted by other passengers such as children in the vehicle
- Or drivers who otherwise put a tractor-trailer driver in a situation where a collision is unavoidable
Statute of Limitations
No matter how severe your injuries may be following your crash with a tractor-trailer, the state of Pennsylvania only allots you two years to file a claim against the at-fault party in your case. After two years have passed, you can no longer collect damages for your injury. It is imperative that you contact an experienced lawyer to get your claim filed as soon as possible, or risk losing out on being compensated for damages, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from your injury.
