Truck Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, PA

Fighting for Victims of Lancaster Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Truck accidents remain some of the most serious incidents on Pennsylvania highways. PennDOT data shows heavy truck accidents and fatalities are at historically high levels, with only minor improvement from year to year. With many commercial vehicles on Lancaster roads, drivers need to know their rights after an accident. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC can help. We represent motorists, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists injured in truck crashes, as well as truckers harmed by employer negligence. 

Plaintiffs in trucking cases face unique challenges after 18-wheeler accidents, including significant injuries and complex insurance claims. Our team has the resources and knowledge to guide clients through these challenges, working to hold negligent parties accountable for what our clients have lost.

Unlike smaller vehicle collisions, truck accidents in Lancaster often involve large commercial carriers and interstate travel. Because these cases may cross state lines or involve federal trucking regulations, each matter requires a clear understanding of both state and federal law to secure a successful resolution. Our attorneys are well-versed in these regulations, as well as local considerations within Lancaster County courts, so we can tailor our approach based on the specifics of each client’s situation.

If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, speak with a Lancaster trucking attorney at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC to learn about your legal options. Call (717) 775-7579 today.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Lancaster?

In 2024, Pennsylvania reported 1,330 truck accident injuries and 124 fatal crashes. PennDOT identifies Lancaster County as a leading contributor to statewide accident rates, with commercial vehicles a major presence in urban areas. If you’re involved in a truck accident:

• Stay at the scene. If able, remain at the accident scene until authorities arrive. Leaving can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal hit-and-run charges. Move to a secure location off the road if possible to ensure safety.
• Call 911. Call 911 immediately to report the accident. Provide accurate details about the location, number of vehicles, and any injuries. Emergency responders will assist medically, and law enforcement will document the incident.
• Gather evidence and information. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved drivers, and gather witness contact details. Note the truck’s company name and license plate number.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may show symptoms hours or days later. Medical documentation is crucial for your insurance claim or any legal action.
• Be careful about what you say. Avoid statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Refrain from apologizing or taking blame, as these comments might be used against you later. Stick to the facts when talking to the police and others.
• Talk to a Lancaster truck accident lawyer. Consult an experienced truck accident lawyer in Lancaster as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and work to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Taking prompt action could strengthen your claim and protect your rights after a . For incidents happening on high-traffic Lancaster routes like Route 30 or the US-222 corridor, documenting specific road conditions and gathering relevant witness accounts can make a significant difference during claims or litigation. These roadways often see heavy commercial traffic, so collision details may involve complex factors not seen with smaller vehicle crashes. After securing medical treatment and police assistance, store all records and correspondence in a safe place for your attorney to review.

Trucking Accidents: Causes & Contributing Factors

Why do truck accidents cause far more serious injuries than other motor vehicle crashes? Size is a major factor. A “heavy truck” weighs 10,000 pounds or more, and a fully loaded tractor-trailer can reach up to 80,000 pounds—the same weight as an empty train car. Collisions at any speed with an 18-wheeler can have devastating consequences. However, size is only one aspect of these accidents.

The Culture of Hard Driving in the Trucking Industry

Many commercial truck drivers are paid by the mile, shaping a work environment focused on driving as far and fast as possible. Shipping companies often structure pay this way to shift costs and risks away from themselves and onto drivers.

“Non-driving” work includes:

• Complying with federally mandated truck inspections
• Waiting for loading and unloading
• Driving empty trailers to pick up new loads
• Planning routes for efficiency

This arrangement can leave drivers owing money to shipping companies, compelling them to work longer hours. Some may resort to keeping two sets of hours-of-service logbooks to appear compliant with federal law.

This leads to thousands of fatigued truck drivers operating heavy machinery at highway speeds. Statistics reveal that about one in four truck crashes happen after a driver has been hauling for over 17 hours. At least 13% of truck accidents are caused by fatigue, though actual figures could be higher.

Beyond individual choices, systemic industry issues—such as inadequate oversight and weak enforcement of safety regulations—raise accident rates. Adhering to legal obligations and industry safety standards helps reduce risks.

Across Lancaster County and throughout Pennsylvania, local enforcement agencies perform regular inspections at commercial vehicle weigh stations, including those near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, to spot compliance issues and unsafe driving practices. These stops aim to hold both drivers and companies accountable for staying within vehicle weight limits and following rest requirement rules. Firms that disregard these standards face penalties and can increase the risk of serious accidents on local roadways. For residents and businesses in Lancaster, knowing that these safety checks happen frequently is a key part of maintaining safer highways for everyone.

Other Causes of Trucking Accidents

Alongside driver fatigue, other factors contribute to truck accidents. Some involve cargo, others relate to the vehicle or driver behavior. All are preventable when trucking companies prioritize safety and follow federal rules.

Improper Loading 
The cargo in large trucks must be properly loaded and secured to stay balanced in transit. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can lose balance, increasing rollover risks and loss of control.

Mechanical Failures  
Due to frequent use and size, large trucks face issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering problems. Routine maintenance is necessary to prevent crashes caused by poorly maintained trucks unable to stop or maneuver safely.

Blind Spots  
Large trucks have wide blind spots on all four sides, also called “no-zones.” Vehicles in these areas are at higher risk, as truck drivers may not see them when turning or changing lanes. Drivers and other road users must remain aware of these blind spots.

Wide Turns  
Commercial trucks require extra room for wide turns. Misjudging space or failing to signal can lead to collisions with cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Speed and Stopping Distance  
Because of their size, commercial trucks need much more distance to stop compared to cars. High speeds magnify this issue, making it difficult for truck drivers to halt in time to avoid crashes.

Weather Conditions  
Poor weather in the Lancaster area—including rain, snow, ice, and fog—creates hazards for all road users, especially truck drivers. Reduced traction and visibility demand slower, more careful driving to prevent accidents.

Inexperienced Truck Drivers  
Operating a commercial truck requires specific training. Inexperienced drivers may not have the skill set to handle challenging conditions safely. Trucking companies must ensure proper training and consistent safety enforcement.

Proactive steps by both drivers and trucking companies reduce these risks. Better training, compliance with regulations, and use of electronic logging devices help lower accident rates. Public education about safe driving near trucks also helps protect everyone on the road.

Our Lancaster truck accident law firm understands the factors that cause collisions with 18-wheelers, tankers, tractor-trailers, and other large trucks. We work with accident reconstruction specialists and area experts to determine the cause of each crash, pursuing fair compensation from all responsible parties—trucking companies, drivers, or others.

In addition to federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Pennsylvania law outlines liability and mandatory inspections for trucks on state roads. When crashes happen in Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule can impact financial recovery for those involved. Understanding the interplay between state and federal guidelines is crucial for presenting a clear claim to insurers or in court. Our knowledge of these rules provides valuable perspective for clients navigating this challenging process.

Understanding Pennsylvania Truck Accident Laws & Liability

Pennsylvania uses a comparative negligence system for personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents in Lancaster County. Under this law, courts reduce compensation in proportion to the claimant’s degree of fault. If you are less than 51% responsible, you can recover damages; if your share of fault is higher, recovery may not be possible. Determining fault often requires reviewing police reports, physical evidence, and testimony to assess the actions of every party, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and other motorists.

The state requires commercial carriers in Lancaster to adhere to strict registration and insurance standards, and mandates regular inspections and compliance with operational safety rules. State and local officials conduct roadside inspections and truck weigh-ins across Lancaster County. Violations—such as exceeding company logbook limits or not maintaining brake systems—can significantly impact liability in a crash. Pennsylvania civil law can evolve through local court decisions, so working with legal teams who understand Lancaster County’s practices is an essential advantage for your case.

Claims filed in Lancaster County follow Pennsylvania’s statewide civil process, which has established timelines for personal injury cases. Filing before key deadlines is critical after a semi-truck accident. Assessing every legal angle and gathering timely evidence help position your legal claim for success. Our team considers all available information so Lancaster accident victims can confidently move forward with their cases.

What Sets Our Lancaster Truck Accident Attorneys Apart?

Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC brings more than a century of service to clients across Central Pennsylvania, with a reputation built on trust, proven results, and accessible support. Our team has handled thousands of personal injury matters for clients throughout Lancaster County, and our long-standing presence in the region means we have a firm grasp of local court procedures as well as relationships with area investigators and support staff.

Our attorneys have received recognition such as inclusion in Best Lawyers® and the Super Lawyers® list, and they have been honored by organizations like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” We take a collaborative approach, ensuring clients always receive personal attention and clear communication. When you contact us after a truck accident in Lancaster, you’ll find our team is available to meet at a local office—or, if needed, at your home or hospital room. We offer compassionate guidance, explain every step of your legal process, and prioritize your recovery from the beginning of your case through resolution.

We are committed to transparent, fee-free representation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. This approach has helped us serve more than 40,000 clients and secure millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. With a full-time investigator on staff and attorneys familiar with both Pennsylvania and federal trucking regulations, we deliver the resources needed for tough, complex cases without sacrificing the personal connection that comes from a regional law practice.

Steps in the Truck Accident Claims Process 

Pursuing a truck accident claim involves specific steps that help build a compelling case and move it through Pennsylvania’s civil courts. The process generally starts with an initial consultation, during which your attorney listens to your experience, reviews available evidence, and explains what to expect. After agreeing to move forward, your legal team may conduct an independent investigation, which can include gathering police records, medical documentation, and any available witness statements.

Once evidence is assembled, the attorney reviews truck inspection and driver logbook records, working to establish exactly how the accident happened and who shares responsibility. This phase may also involve consulting accident reconstruction professionals and assessing whether any violations of state or federal trucking laws played a part in the collision. Armed with this case foundation, your representative communicates directly with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement based on medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and future care needs.

If negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory result, the next step is pursuing your claim through Lancaster County’s civil court system. Court cases follow a structured timeline guided by Pennsylvania’s personal injury laws, and your attorney provides updates and helps you prepare for each stage. Throughout the claims process, open communication and regular check-ins give you clarity while helping guide important decisions. Our commitment to clear explanations and diligent advocacy has shaped our client-focused approach for more than a century.

Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, PA for Help

Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has advocated for the injured. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers have helped many people recover compensation for medical care, lost income, and financial security. If you want to understand why your collision occurred—and your options moving forward—share your story with us. If we take your case, we work without upfront costs. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we secure a settlement or award for you.

Getting legal help provides the skill and support needed to navigate legal and insurance matters, lessening recovery burdens. Choosing a lawyer with experience handling truck accident cases in Lancaster can make a significant difference in your results.

Our longstanding presence in Central Pennsylvania means we understand both the county’s civil courts and the unique aspects of Lancaster’s community. We’re familiar with local insurance adjusters, judges, and the legal climate that shapes personal injury claims. This regional knowledge helps us tailor our case strategy—not just for the legal issues, but for the real-life circumstances our clients face as they recover.

Schedule your consultation with a Lancaster 18-wheeler accident firm today. Call (717) 775-7579 or contact us online!