How Common Are Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania?
When a truck collides with a private vehicle, this usually spells deadly and devastating outcomes for the passengers of that smaller, private vehicle. In fact, in deadly truck accidents, only 2.2% of the deaths are occupants inside the truck. Individuals in other private vehicles like motorcycles, passenger vehicles, and even pedestrians make up 97.8% of the deaths that result from fatal truck accidents in Pennsylvania.
Severe injuries and death are a common outcome of truck accidents. Pennsylvania certainly has its fair share of deadly large truck accidents that are reported every year. Examining the statistics shows that these incidents could be on the rise throughout the state.
Truck accident injury claims are some of the more intricate and complicated to take on. If you were involved in a truck crash in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia truck accident attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can help you with your truck accident injury claim.
Truck Accidents In the State of Pennsylvania
It is particularly concerning that when looking at statistics comparing truck accidents from 2017 through 2021 the number appears to be on the rise. There were 7,244 truck accidents in Pennsylvania in 2021. This made 2021 the year with the highest number of truck accidents since 2018. Not only this, but of those truck accidents that were reported in 2021, 144 were deadly making 2021 a particularly tragic year for victims of truck accidents.
Some of the most frequently reported issues that contributed to truck incidents in 2021 included:
- Brake failure, brake issues
- Problems with truck wheels/tires
- Steering system failure
- Overloaded trailers
- Improperly secured trailers
- Powertrain failures
- Truck suspension failure
- Hitch failures
One of the reasons why truck accident injury claims can be so complicated is the number of potentially liable parties involved. Additionally, the trucking industry must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines. Any party who violates these FMCSA rules can be held liable for paying damages that result from a truck accident. Understanding FMCSA rules is yet another factor that can make filing a truck accident injury claim challenging.
For example, it is not only the truck driver that can be liable in a truck accident. A truck that has parts or systems that malfunction could be due to a failure to stay up to date on truck maintenance. This may mean that a truck company is liable for damages. Or, maybe a truck manufacturer is liable if they produce a truck with defective parts. Potentially a truck driver, a truck manufacturer, and the trucking company could have some amount of responsibility for an accident happening.
Speak to an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP Today
Truck accidents can cause serious physical bodily harm and death. Pennsylvania is a state with heavy truck traffic, making the risk of being in a truck accident in The Keystone State significant.
After a truck accident, connecting with an attorney can be advantageous. For more information and to have your truck accident claim reviewed by a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP please call (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free, initial consultation.
