Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer Blog

Large trucks are inherently dangerous on the road due to their crushing size and weight in comparison to smaller vehicles, as well their limited maneuverability when fast action is necessary. Add to this equation a larger load than the truck is meant to carry and it becomes increasingly treacherous.

The rules for how much a large commercial truck can weigh and all other Pennsylvania tractor trailer regulations are determined by the Freight Management and Operations arm of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Not only do the laws mandate the total weight of a truck, but they stipulate how that weight must be allotted within the vehicle.

FHWA Rules for Total Maximum Permissible Commercial Truck Weight

• Maximum weight: less than 80,000 pounds
• For single axle commercial vehicles: 20,000 pounds
• For a tandem axle: 34,000 pounds
• Total maximum weight for each wheel load’s distribution is decided based on 620 pounds for every lateral inch of tire girth in combination with the specs issued by the manufacturer of the tire

When a large truck, semi tractor trailer, or 18-wheeler is overloaded with more weight than it can safely and legally accommodate, routine maneuvers like applying the brakes or making a turn can become severely compromised — with severe repercussions. Unfortunately, this practice is often seen as a poor tactic by reckless companies to make botched deadlines or raise profit margins. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Pennsylvania highway accident that you believe was the fault of an overloaded commercial tractor trailer contact the Philadelphia overloaded truck accident lawyers with Anapol Schwartz. Call 1-866-735-2792 for a complimentary case review today.

Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by any substance is both illegal and dangerous under any circumstances. But when the driver is maneuvering a large commercial truck, often at high speeds, the stakes are raised in an already deadly situation.

Tragically, these occurrences still take place, regardless of stringent federal laws mandating substance use for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. All truck drivers who possess a commercial driver license (CDL) and drive CMVs on municipal roadways are subject to alcohol and drug tests by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). CDL drivers are subject to the following tests:

• Pre-employment
• Post-accident
• Random testing
• Reasonable suspicion
• Return-to-duty
• Follow-up testing

In the instance a CDL driver tests positive for substance use, or rejects testing, by federal law they are condemned from operating on public roads. In Pennsylvania, the state DUI punishment scale is:

• General impairment, which is 0.08-0.099 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
• High BAC, which is 0.10-0.159 percent
• Highest BAC, which is 0.16 percent and higher

The higher the BAC level, the more serious the infraction, and previous violations increase penalties exponentially. Any CMV driver involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania found to be impaired at any level may be subject to the “High BAC” punishment, even when their BAC level was not. Refusing testing for substances may also result in “Highest BAC” penalties, regardless of BAC level.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a big rig accident due to an impaired or otherwise negligent driver, call the Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz at 1-866-735-2792 for a free review of your case.

Due to rigorous, and sometimes impractical, production deadlines, long hall and highway truck drivers may be tempted to operate vehicles without sufficient rest or sleep for prolonged intervals in order to make a delivery on schedule.

As a result, truckers who drive while fatigued are significantly less able to operate their large vehicles safely, which greatly increases the risk and incidence of accidents and jeopardizes the safety of all motorists on the highway.

To combat and reduce the number of big rig accidents caused by truck driver fatigue, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, which all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers must comply.

The present Hours of Service limits for property-carrying CMV drivers are as follows:

• The 14-Hour On Duty Limit bans driving after 14 consecutive hours of service until after 10 consecutive hours off the clock.


• The 11-Hour Driving Limit allows drivers to operate their vehicle for a maximum of 11 hours during the 14-hour duty period and they may not resume until taking 10 successive hours off.


• The 60/70-Hour Duty Limit condemns operating a vehicle after 60/70 hours on shift in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may operate when on-duty hours are below the 60/70-hour limit for 7/8 consecutive days, and may also begin a new 7/8 day cycle by taking 34 or more successive hours of off-duty rest.

When a commercial truck driver fails to follow these rules and causes a crash due to fatigue, he or she may be held accountable for the resulting damages and/or wrongful deaths. If you or a family member has been injured in a Pennsylvania semi truck crash due to a fatigued truck driver, contact the Scranton, PA truck accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz at 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation of your case.

The Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act (SHIPA) is legislation that restricts the size and weight of trucks traveling on U.S. highways. When trucks are overloaded, there is the potential for road damage and an increased chance of the vehicle veering out of control. An out-of-control truck can not only cause significant damage to property, but also catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Anyone injured in a Pennsylvania truck accident would be well-advised to speak with a skilled attorney who understands the rules and regulations that every trucking company and truck driver must follow.

Under H.R. 1574 Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act, no vehicle longer than 53 feet will be allowed to operate on the National Highway System. This new bill will also reduce each state's ability to allow large and heavy trucks on their roadways. The damage that these large trucks can do to the roadways puts every motorist at risk. Oversized and overloaded trucks have a greater chance of causing uneven surfaces and potholes and they are much more difficult to operate than normal size tractor-trailers.

When a shipping company, truck owner, or truck driver bends the rules and regulations and their negligence results in an injury accident, they may be held liable for the damages suffered by the victim. Injured victims of truck crash in Pennsylvania may pursue financial compensation for damages including medical bills, past and future suffering, and lost wages.

The Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz understand how to hold truck companies liable for a serious injury accident. To discuss whether you might be able to pursue compensation for the injuries and related losses you have suffered due to an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

PennLive.com reports that a 24-year-old male Northern York County police officer from Harrisburg, PA, was seriously injured in a truck accident on Interstate 83 on Monday morning, April 18, when he rear-ended a truck and then was rear-ended by a big rig.

According to the article, the officer was transporting a 22-year-old male DUI suspect to a local hospital for blood testing when he rear-ended a box truck close to the Locust Lane overpass in Manchester Township, PA, at approximately 2:30 a.m. About one minute later, the police cruiser was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler whose driver did not see the box truck and police cruiser accident. The cruiser was pushed underneath the box truck, trapping both the officer and the suspect inside. Both men were taken to a local hospital and were reported to have sustained serious injuries in the Pennsylvania truck crash. Neither the driver of the box truck nor the 18-wheeler was injured in the collision. At the time the article was written, the police officer remained at the hospital for treatment of his injuries. The truck accident is under investigation by Pennsylvania state police.

In Pennsylvania, there are many reasons why a big rig accident can occur. One of the most common reasons is that many truck operators drive while fatigued, which often happens if they are rushing to meet a tight delivery deadline and have been driving for a long period of time without intermission. While there are Pennsylvania big rig regulations in place that limit the number of hours a truck operator can drive cumulatively, oftentimes these rules are broken, putting all motorists on the road at risk of an accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, contact the Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz. For many years, we have helped injured victims recover the compensation they need from negligent parties following a serious truck accident. Call 1-866-735-2792 to learn more.

The driver of a semi-truck was killed in an accident on the New Jersey Turnpike when he lost control of the vehicle and hit a wall, which caused the truck to catch fire. The crash happened in Bordenton Township at about 3:00 on September 15th, according to a report from ABC 6. There were no other vehicles involved.

While it is unclear as to what caused the truck driver to lose control, an investigation will be able to determine whether or not the truck accident occurred due to driver error, speeding, dangerous road conditions, a defective or faulty truck component, or a plethora of other possibilities. It is the responsibility of trucking companies to ensure that the trucks operated by their drivers are properly maintained and free of defects that could lead to potentially deadly accidents like this one. If it is found that negligence of the trucking company, the municipal agency, the truck manufacturer or another party contributed to this fatal trucking accident, the family of the wrongful death victim may be able to hold that party liable.

If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a Pennsylvania trucking accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to know your rights. The experienced Philadelphia injury attorneys at Anapol Schwartz have handled a wide array of truck accident wrongful death cases and have the resources necessary to hold negligent parties responsible. While no amount of monetary compensation will bring a loved one back, it can help lift the burden of funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, loss of consortium and other damages. Contact the Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys at Anapol Schwartz at (866) 735-2792 for a free consultation of your case.

A motorist ran out of gas on Tuesday, September 14th in the center lane of Route 287 and was then rear-ended by a tractor-trailer, according to an article on NorthJersey.com. The accident occurred near the NY state border at around 6:30pm. When the tractor-trailer struck the vehicle, it sent the car into the center guardrail. Additionally, the large truck struck the guardrail and then a pole which split the gas tank and leaked nearly 50 gallons of fuel. The truck’s cargo, which consisted of 300-pound rolls of paper rolled out onto the highway. Both the driver of the truck and the passenger vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries.

It is the responsibility of all motorists to obey all traffic rules and pay attention while driving. It is especially important for truck drivers to pay close attention to their surroundings since it takes a truck longer to stop. It is unclear as to why the truck driver in this particular accident was unable to avoid the crash. Investigators may check to see if alcohol or fatigue played a role in causing the New Jersey tractor trailer accident. If it is found that some form of negligence on the part of the truck driver contributed to the crash, the woman in the passenger car may be able to seek compensation for damages.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, the experienced Pennsylvania truck crash attorneys at Anapol Schwartz can help. Our lawyers have the skill and tenacity to successfully handle personal injury cases and have garnered millions of dollars in verdicts for clients. Injured individuals have valid legal rights and should not have to fight insurance companies alone. At Anapol Schwartz, we will ensure that your rights are never violated and will work hard to earn you the compensation you deserve. For more information, call 1(866) 735-2792 today.

Many Americans hit the road during the summer holidays, taking a car trip to visit family and friends or to tour a new part of the country. Inevitably, taking the highway means sharing the road with large trucks. Although not every truck accident in Harrisburg can be prevented, motorists can help protect themselves and their families by practicing these top three safe-driving tips.

• Stay out of the driver's blind spots. Because tractor-trailers are so large, a truck driver's “blind spots” are significantly larger than those experienced by the driver of a passenger car. Particularly bad spots to avoid include directly behind the truck, alongside the left and right sides, and directly in front of the truck. If you are passing a truck, do so quickly and leave plenty of space between your car and the truck when you pull into the lane ahead of the truck. Remember that if you cannot see the driver or the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• Avoid swerving or cutting in front of a truck. Large trucks need significantly more space than cars to stop. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer traveling at 45 mph needs almost 300 feet – the length of a football field – to stop completely. Stay aware of the road ahead and leave ample space between you and any trucks behind you.
• When traveling near large trucks on city streets, give the truck ample room to turn. Many large trucks make “wide right turns,” or turns that require that the truck use multiple lanes to navigate the turn. Stay well behind the truck until you are sure the driver has cleared the intersection.

Although practicing safe driving can reduce the risk of a Pennsylvania trucking accident, motorists may still find themselves involved in a truck crash that is not their fault. Motorists who are injured by a truck driver's negligence may be entitled to compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and other damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, please don't hesitate to contact the experienced Harrisburg truck accident attorneys at Anapol Schwartz. Our attorneys will review the details of your case and help you understand and protect your legal rights. Call Anapol Schwartz today at 1-866-735-2792 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Truck accidents are often caused by driver mistakes and inattention, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)'s Large Truck Crash Causation Study. The study reviewed data from truck crashes that caused death or injury between 2001 and 2003.

The study found that brake problems in trucks accounted for nearly one-third of truck crashes during those years. Following close behind were speeding drivers, who were responsible for 23 percent of the crashes. Drivers who were unfamiliar with upcoming road conditions accounted for 20 percent of the total, and drivers using over-the-counter drugs made up another 17 percent. Drivers' failure to pay proper attention to the road, fatigue, and feeling under pressure from their employers, all accounted for another large share of big rig crashes. FMCSA notes that many truck crashes may have had multiple causes.

FMCSA also compared the truck driver data with information about passenger cars that had collided with the trucks in the study. The data showed that alcohol use, fatigue, and illness on the part of the cars' drivers made collisions with an improperly operated truck even more likely, since such drivers were less able to drive defensively to protect themselves from the accident.
Federal regulations make it clear that truck drivers should not drive when they are fatigued, sick, or under the influence of drugs. Nevertheless, some drivers operate large trucks under these conditions, and sometimes, tragedy results.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a collision with a large truck, you need to stay informed of your legal rights. A skilled Harrisburg truck accident attorney at Anapol Schwartz is prepared to help. Our experienced injury attorneys will review the details of your case and fight to protect your legal rights after a tractor-trailer accident in Pennsylvania. Call Anapol Schwartz today at 1-866-735-2792 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

The Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was tied up recently as two tractor-trailers crashed into one another, resulting in a fire and a complete blocking of the roadway between Lansdale and Quakertown. Based on an nbcphiladelphia.com article, the Turnpike was blocked completely for about three hours, after which police and fire crews managed to open one lane to allow traffic that had been trapped for the entire three hours to squeeze through and exit the Turnpike.

The accident in Pennsylvania occurred as one tractor-trailer rear-ended the other. One of the two trucks was carrying a load of lumber, which caught fire and scattered across all lanes of the Turnpike. The driver of the truck carrying the lumber was injured in the accident.

On average, automobile accidents involving large trucks account for over 100,000 injuries on United States roadways each year. About 35% of these injuries are severe and life-altering. Approximately 5,000 deaths occur each year in tractor-trailer crashes. Although large trucks make up only three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, they are responsible for over one-quarter of all vehicle-related deaths. The size and weight of large trucks increases the danger to other motorists who must share the roadways with them. This is particularly true when truck drivers are driving while fatigued, driving in unsafe ways, or hauling oversized loads, all of which may be negligent behavior.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, the lawyers at Anapol Schwartz may be able to help you. Anapol Schwartz's skilled Philadelphia truck accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to hold negligent truck drivers responsible for their actions and secure the compensation you need to pay medical bills, lost wages, and other losses the accident may have caused. If you've been injured by a truck driver's negligence, call the experienced attorneys at Anapol Schwartz today at 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

It was reported on the website sfexaminer.com that families of the 10 people killed when a semi truck smashed into stopped cars on the Will Rogers Turnpike in Oklahoma have decided to file a joint lawsuit against several defendants. The defendants mentioned in the lawsuit are the driver of the truck, his employer, Associated Wholesale Grocers, ACE American Insurance located in Pennsylvania, G.D. Transport out of California, their insurer National Liability and Fire Insurance Co. located in Nebraska, Rajeev Sharma a resident of California, and Erin Alf who is from Texas.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., the 73-year-old truck driver slammed his big rig into the cars while cruising at 70 miles per hour. Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that the driver made no attempt to avoid the devastating collision. The lawsuit contends that the driver was rushed by his employer Associated Wholesale Grocers to make a delivery and forced him to work beyond what is deemed safe and lawful. The two residents mentioned in the lawsuit were the drivers of another tractor trailer involved in the collision that had stopped traffic on the turnpike when unfortunately the worst case scenario occurred. G.D. Transport is their employer and they are accused of not training their drivers properly.

A lawyer for the plaintiffs said the grieving families acted this way as “a means of obtaining efficiency and economy in the administration and handling of the case, and demonstrates the enormity and gravity of the loss, and harm caused.”

Continue reading "Family Members File Joint Suit In Tragic Truck Accident That Killed 10 People" »

The website post-gazette.com reported that another big rig accident on route 22 in West Wheatfield claimed the life of an 82 year old man from Apollo, in Armstrong County. The man suffered serious injuries according to the authorities. He was immediately taken to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, where he was later pronounced dead of multiple traumatic injuries according to the Cambria Country Deputy Coroner. State police said the 82 year old man crossed over to oncoming traffic and hit the semi truck. The man stood no chance of surviving the impact, and there was a third vehicle involved which ran over a tire that became loose from the truck accident in Pennsylvania. That driver suffered minor injuries.

Accidents involving trucks account for over 130,000 injuries in the United States. There are 5,000 deaths each year and close to 35% of the injuries are catastrophic. Trucks over 10,000 pounds (semis and tractor-trailer) represent only 3% of all registered vehicles but are responsible for over 25% of vehicle related deaths. The most common causes of truck accidents are unsafe driving, driver fatigue, oversized loads and mechanical negligence.

Continue reading "PA Trucking Accident Kills Senior Citizen" »

The website philly.com reported in an article on March 17, 2009 that a semi truck had been cited time and time again for faulty brakes and operating with a falsified inspection sticker purchased at a Philadelphia shop. This truck crashed into stopped traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway in Janury, killing David Schreffler, father of three. The investigation of the Pennsylvania truck accident lasted seven weeks and now the driver Valerijs Belovs, 55, of Northeast Philadelphia is being charged with vehicular homicide.

Along with Belovs, the co-owner of the 18 wheeler and a garage owner were charged with vehicular homicide, which authorities say is rare in these cases but shows how seriously they are taking the case. All three are now sitting in jail.

Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County District Attorney, stated that the auto accident in Philadelphia should serve as a wake-up call. She said, “It’s a death machine. The take-away is that these machines are all over the road, and people are going to get killed.”

Ferman added that the 18 wheelers worn-out brakes were unable to slow down the truck in time before it crashed into traffic.

Accidents involving trucks account for over 130,000 injuries in the United States. There are 5,000 deaths each year and close to 35% of the injuries are catastrophic. Trucks over 10,000 pounds (semis and tractor-trailer) represent only 3% of all registered vehicles but are responsible for over 25% of vehicle related deaths. The most common causes of truck accidents are unsafe driving, driver fatigue, oversized loads and mechanical negligence.

If you have suffered serious injury or lost a loved one due to a truck accident in Pennsylvania, the lawyers at Anapol Schwartz can help you. The skilled Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz handle a multitude of cases involving automobile and truck accidents. They have the experience and knowledge in personal injury claims to help you get the maximum compensation possible. Please call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

The dailyamerican.com website reported in a story on March 22, 2009 that in Wind Gap Pennsylvania a big rig transporting hazardous chemicals overturned causing the authorities to order an evacuation of the potentially affected area. Raymond LeBlanc, 54 of Ontario told investigators that he swerved in an attempt to not hit a deer, which he avoided, but the end result was the overturned truck.

The truck accident in Pennsylvania happened while the truck was going downhill and going through a modest curve on Route 33. LeBlanc and his co-driver were treated for minor injuries.

State police stated the chemical truck was on its way to Philadelphia from Ontario and that its load consisted of 33,000 pounds of corrosive hydrofluoric acid used for home detergents.

Robert Mahady, Captain stated that no material had spilled from the self-contained tank, although a little did manage to drip from a vent, evaporating into the air.

Mahady said, “There was no actual spill; it was a leak within the valve, and it never made it to the ground.”

Investigators samples from the drip showed that no measurements of more than 2 parts per million were recorded. Mahady said, “And a person can actually work unprotected in 3 ppm.”

To be safe, authorities ordered the evacuation of 944 homes, approximately 5,000 for nine hours. The local high school served as an evacuation center and about 200 people went there.

Lack of proper road signals or un-kept roads can contribute to accidents like this one. While there is no evidence of that in this particular instance, it is an overlooked possibility for many serious auto accidents in Pennsylvania. State and government officials have to maintain all roads in safe and working conditions.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury in an auto accident in Pennsylvania please contact the skilled Pennsylvania auto accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz. They have over 30 years of experience, and can help you protect your rights. Please call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.