When passenger vehicles, like cars and motorcycles, are struck by large tractor-trailers and big rig trucks, the result is often devastating. Unfortunately, passenger vehicle drivers and their occupants often suffer the greatest degree of injury, sometimes even death. What many people fail to realize is that collisions of such magnitude aren’t rare. The reality is that they happen every single day, and in Pennsylvania, truck accidents are an all-too-common occurrence.
Whether due to fatigued driving, speeding, or simply a lack of regard for the safety of others, any form of dereliction or lapse from standard truck operating procedures may prove deadly for residents or visitors in Pennsylvania. This was true for the 118 people killed in truck accidents between 2015 and 2017—ranking Pennsylvania as the top state for fatal underride truck accidents in the nation.
Top States with Fatal Truck Accidents
Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of truck accidents in the country. In 2015, over 7,465 truck accidents occurred. Of those, 130 were fatal, and thousands of others resulted in catastrophic damages to victims, including traumatic brain injuries, permanent disability, and physical disfigurement. More than 50 percent of all truck accidents occur in only ten states: Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida—Texas is the leader, followed by California then Pennsylvania.
The Sobering Reality of Truck Accidents and Passenger Vehicle Occupants
Sadly, most fatalities in truck accidents are passenger vehicle occupants. The primary reason is simple: those traveling in smaller cars are more vulnerable to sustaining catastrophic injuries. Compared to the average vehicle weight, trucks weigh nearly 20 times as much as cars and sit much higher off the ground. Because trucks have a greater ride height, smaller vehicles have a higher chance of getting trapped under the back of a truck and suffering irreparable injuries and damages.
National data from a 2018 U.S. Department of Transportation report revealed that 4,136 people were killed in truck accidents that year. Passenger vehicle inhabitants made up 67 percent of these deaths, and the remaining 31 percent were truck occupants, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.
Roads and Highways in Pennsylvania Prone to Accidents
Pennsylvania is crisscrossed by hundreds of roads and highways that truckers, commuters, and residents travel on every day. At some point, you’ll end up sharing the road with a truck driver, and for most, driving next to large trucks can be an intimidating experience. With roadways spanning hundreds of thousands of miles and trucks passing through the state, it’s inevitable that truck accidents will occur. By knowing dangerous roads and highways in Pennsylvania, you may be able to lower your risk of being involved in a crash.
Highways and roads are dangerous for several reasons, including design, traffic, and negligent drivers. The most dangerous highway in Pennsylvania is Interstate 81, a north-south road that borders the northern part of the state and New York. US-30, also called the Lincoln Highway, runs through Southeastern Pennsylvania and is the second-most dangerous in the state. Other roads that see many accidents are Interstate 83, Interstate 80, and Interstate 95/76 Interchange.
Choose Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford for Effective Representation
The statistics of truck accident fatalities in Pennsylvania is overwhelming. Those who have been wrongfully injured or killed by a truck driver’s negligent misconduct or other related parties deserve to fight back with a strong and reliable legal team. The truck accident lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. will review the details of your case and inform you of potential monetary benefits that may be available to you. All over Southeastern Pennsylvania, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients attain the compensation they are rightfully owed.
Drawing on nearly 270 years of combined experience and a significant track record of success, our army of accident and personal injury attorneys work collectively to provide our clients with compassionate advice and high-quality services. Until you have a reputable lawyer working on your side, you may never get the fair settlement you deserve. Speak to a Southeastern Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer today by calling (215) 822-7575 or completing a confidential contact form to schedule a consultation.
