Media Truck Accident Lawyers

Representing Victims of Tractor Trailer Accidents

For the average motorist, there are probably few things more intimidating than a tractor-trailer barreling down the road. Weighing thousands of pounds and often carrying heavy or dangerous cargo, these vehicles are difficult to drive even in the best conditions. The length of big rigs limits visibility, making it tricky for truck drivers to spot smaller vehicles. Their bulk makes them harder to stop. So when accidents happen, they are often disastrous. At McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC our Media truck accident lawyers have the courage, grit and ability necessary to pursue a settlement or take your tractor-trailer accident case to trial.

Common causes of tractor trailer crashes in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the legal definition of a “heavy truck” is one with a gross weight totaling more than 17,000 pounds or a “truck tractor.” Depending on their weight, configuration and use, tractor-trailers can also be classified as large or heavy vehicles, commercial vehicles or motor carrier vehicles. In 2014, heavy vehicles were involved in more than 6,700 accidents throughout the state. Of those, 139 resulted in fatalities. The reasons for the crashes included mechanical deficiencies and/or human negligence or error. Common causes of tractor trailer accidents include:

• Defective steering mechanisms or engines
• Faulty tires
• Faulty wheels
• Flawed brakes

Some of the circumstances that could be considered human negligence or error include:

• Loads that weren’t properly secured
• Overloaded trailers
• Trailers that were not properly attached to the cab

Where and when do most 18-wheeler accidents happen?

One would think that most accidents involving heavy trucks happen on the Interstate. But a statewide assessment showed that wasn’t the case in 2016. Instead, the majority of heavy truck crashes (more than 3,700) happened on other Pennsylvania state roads. Roughly 10 percent happened on local roads and approximately 7 percent occurred on roads designated as turnpikes. National statistics for 2014 reflected similar trends. Specifically:

• More than half of the fatal accidents (2,159) involving large trucks happened on significant roadways not designated as interstates or freeways.
• Of the total number of large truck accidents resulting in deaths in the United States 31 percent (1,125) happened on interstates and freeways.
• Nearly half of the deaths stemming from large truck accidents occurred in wrecks that happened during the day.
• Most lethal large truck accidents happened during the week.

National statistics compiled by federal agencies also reflected the following:

• Most of the people killed in large truck accidents were drivers and/or occupants in smaller vehicles.
• Head-on collisions between cars and large trucks resulted in the most fatalities for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles
• A significant number of the large truck drivers and or passengers died in single-vehicle or rollover accidents.
• Tractor-trailers were more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than other large trucks.

Contact the skilled Media Truck Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC for a Free Consultation

At McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC the comprehensive evaluation of your tractor-trailer accident case begins with a free consultation. During your initial meeting, a dedicated Media personal injury lawyer takes the time to hear your case. If you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer accident contact us online today. We represent clients in Delaware, New Jersey and throughout Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County, Delaware County and Chester County. We can also be reached at 215-569-8488 or 302-888-1221.