Truck Accident Lawyer Pennsylvania

Truck accidents can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, Porta-Clark & Ward is here to help. Our skilled truck accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle complex cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation, and we will guide you through the process every step of the way.

How Trucking Company Negligence Can Lead to Serious Accidents

Commercial trucks are some of the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. When operated safely, they are an essential part of the economy. When trucking companies fail to follow safety regulations, the consequences can be devastating. Accidents involving large trucks often result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.

Many people assume that truck accidents are caused solely by driver error. While driver mistakes do contribute to crashes, the responsibility often extends beyond the person behind the wheel. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe, their drivers are properly trained, and federal regulations are followed. When they cut corners to save time or money, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Failure to Maintain Trucks Properly

Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles every month. With constant use, parts wear down, and mechanical failures become more likely. That is why federal regulations require trucking companies to conduct routine inspections and repairs.

Some companies ignore these rules to keep trucks on the road longer. They may skip necessary maintenance or delay fixing known issues. This negligence can lead to dangerous mechanical failures such as:

Brake malfunctions that make it impossible for a truck to stop in time
Tire blowouts that cause a driver to lose control
Faulty lights or turn signals that reduce visibility for other motorists
Steering system failures that prevent a driver from maintaining control

When a trucking company fails to keep its fleet in safe operating condition, serious accidents can happen.

Hiring Unqualified or Inexperienced Drivers

Operating an 80,000-pound truck requires skill and training. Federal regulations set strict requirements for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and providing additional training when necessary.

Some companies ignore these standards. They may hire drivers with poor driving records, limited experience, or a history of substance abuse. Others fail to provide proper training on handling large trucks in hazardous conditions.

When an inexperienced or unqualified driver is put behind the wheel of a semi-truck, the risk of an accident increases. These drivers may struggle with:

Braking properly to avoid rear-end collisions
Navigating turns safely without cutting off other vehicles
Controlling the truck in bad weather
Following hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue-related crashes

A trucking company that prioritizes profits over safety by hiring unqualified drivers can be held responsible when accidents occur.

Encouraging Drivers to Violate Hours-of-Service Rules

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Federal hours-of-service regulations limit how long a truck driver can be on the road before taking a mandatory break. These rules are designed to prevent crashes caused by drowsy driving.

Some trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed legal driving limits. They may set unrealistic delivery schedules, offer bonuses for early deliveries, or look the other way when drivers manipulate logbooks. In some cases, companies may even falsify records to hide violations.

When a truck driver is fatigued, their reaction time slows, and their ability to make safe decisions is impaired. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. If a trucking company forces drivers to stay on the road longer than the law allows, they can be held accountable for the consequences.

Overloading Trucks Beyond Legal Limits

Federal law limits the weight of commercial trucks to prevent accidents caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. Trucks that carry too much weight are harder to stop and more difficult to control. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.

Some trucking companies violate these weight restrictions to transport more goods in fewer trips. This increases the risk of:

Tire blowouts due to excessive pressure
Brake failures from the added strain
Rollover accidents caused by unbalanced loads
Lost cargo that falls onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers

When an overloaded truck is involved in a crash, the company that allowed the violation can be held responsible.

Failing to Conduct Drug and Alcohol Testing

Federal law requires trucking companies to conduct drug and alcohol testing on their drivers. This includes pre-employment screening, random tests, and post-accident testing.

Some companies fail to enforce these policies. They may neglect to test drivers regularly or ignore warning signs of substance abuse. If a company allows a driver with a history of drug or alcohol use to stay on the road, they are putting the public in danger.

Impaired truck drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher likelihood of causing serious accidents. A trucking company that fails to remove unsafe drivers from service can be held liable for the damage they cause.

Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation can place a heavy financial burden on accident victims and their families.

When trucking company negligence is a factor, injured victims have the right to seek compensation. Holding a trucking company accountable requires strong evidence, including:

Maintenance records to show whether the truck was properly inspected
Driver logs and electronic tracking data to identify hours-of-service violations
Hiring records to determine if an unqualified driver was employed
Accident reconstruction reports to establish the cause of the crash

An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the trucking company’s role in the accident and fight for the compensation victims deserve.

Your Trusted Truck Accident Attorney is Here to Help

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and financial burdens, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Porta-Clark & Ward has the experience and dedication to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. Our truck accident attorneys will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Call (412) 921-7350 today for a free consultation and let us start working on your case Pursuing a claim can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. More importantly, it can prevent negligent trucking companies from continuing unsafe practices that put lives at risk.