Truck Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, PA

Fighting for Victims of Lancaster Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Truck accidents are among the worst events on Pennsylvania highways. PennDOT data shows heavy truck accidents and fatalities are the highest they've been in over five years. With so many commercial vehicles on the roads throughout Lancaster, drivers need to be aware of their rights in the event of an accident, and Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is here to help. We represent motorists, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists who have been injured in truck crashes. We also help truckers injured due to employer negligence. We stand for truck accident victims in Lancaster, helping them find justice.

Victims face a unique set of challenges after 18-wheeler accidents, from dealing with significant injuries to navigating complex insurance claims. Our team has the resources and knowledge to guide plaintiffs through a challenging process, ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable for what our clients lost.

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

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Lancaster?

In 2022, Pennsylvania had a total of 67,030 reported injuries from traffic accidents. Per PennDOT, Lancaster County is one of the most prolific contributors to traffic accidents in the state. Lancaster’s urban areas mean commercial vehicles are a major presence. If you're involved in a truck accident:

• Stay at the scene. If you are able to do so, you must remain at the accident scene until authorities arrive. Leaving the scene can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal hit-and-run charges. Ensure your safety by moving to a secure location away from traffic, if possible.
• Call 911. Immediately call 911 to report the accident. Provide the dispatcher with accurate information about the location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries. Emergency responders will arrive to provide medical assistance, and law enforcement will document the scene.
• Gather evidence and information. This includes taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and obtain contact details from any witnesses. Note the truck’s company name and license plate number.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent, taking hours or even days to show symptoms. Medical documentation is also essential for any insurance claims or legal actions.
• Be careful about what you say. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Refrain from saying things like "I’m sorry" or "It was my fault," as these statements can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police and other parties involved.
• Talk to a Lancaster truck accident lawyer. Consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Lancaster as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Trucking Accidents: Causes & Contributing Factors

Why do truck accidents cause so many more serious injuries than other vehicle accidents? One of the reasons is sheer size. A "heavy truck" weighs 10,000 pounds or more, while a fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—the weight of an empty train car. Impact at any speed from an 18-wheeler is going to cause serious consequences. However, there's more to the story.

The Culture of Hard Driving in the Trucking Industry

The majority of commercial truck drivers are paid by the mile, meaning their entire lives revolve around hauling for as far and as fast as they can. Shipping companies prefer it this way—it ensures that the risks and costs of non-driving work are passed along to the driver, not shouldered by the company.

"Non-driving" work includes:

• Submitting to federally mandated truck inspections
• Waiting for loading and unloading
• Driving empty trailers (flying canaries) to pick up new loads
• Planning routes to save time

The danger of this arrangement is that drivers can spend their entire day in the driver's seat and owe money to shipping companies. As a result, some truckers may feel the need to push themselves to keep longer and longer hours to make ends meet. Some drivers learn from unscrupulous trucking schools to keep two hours-of-service logbooks, so they'll always appear to be complying with federal law.

This behavior results in thousands of exhausted truck drivers operating thousands of pounds of machinery traveling at 60 mph. To call that a deadly combination is not hyperbole—statistics show that about 1 in 4 truck crashes happened when the driver was hauling for longer than 17 hours. At least 13% of truck accidents are caused by fatigue (but traffic collision experts think the real number is higher).

Even beyond individual driver behavior, systemic issues within the industry significantly influence accident rates. Inadequate regulation enforcement and lax supervision from trucking companies can perpetuate unsafe driving practices. Awareness of legal obligations and adherence to professional safety standards by firms are critical to mitigating these risks.

Other Causes of Trucking Accidents

In addition to driver fatigue, there are a host of other factors that can cause truck accidents. Some relate to the loads they carry, the vehicles themselves, or driving behavior. All have one thing in common: they are fully preventable when trucking companies prioritize safety and follow federal regulations.

Improper Loading 
The cargo in large trucks must be properly loaded and secured to prevent shifting during transit. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can become unbalanced, increasing the risk of rollovers and loss of control.

Mechanical Failures  
Due to their extensive use, size, and weight, large trucks are prone to mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent accidents caused by negligently maintained trucks that cannot stop in time, break down, or are difficult to maneuver.

Blind Spots  
Large trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, known as “no-zones.” Smaller vehicles traveling in these blind spots are at a higher risk of collision because the truck driver may not see them when changing lanes or turning. Truckers and motorists must be aware of these blind spots.

Wide Turns  
Large trucks require more space to make wide turns. Misjudgment of the space needed or failure to signal adequately can result in collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. 

Speed and Stopping Distance  
Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks take longer to stop compared to smaller vehicles. High speeds exacerbate this issue, making it difficult for truck drivers to stop in time to avoid collisions.

Weather Conditions  
Adverse weather conditions in the Lancaster area, such as rain, snow, ice, and fog, can be particularly hazardous for all motor vehicles, especially large trucks. Reduced traction and visibility increase the risk of trucking accidents, especially if the driver does not adjust their speed and driving style accordingly.

Inexperienced Truck Drivers  
Operating a large truck requires specialized training and experience. Inexperienced drivers may lack the skills needed to handle these vehicles safely, particularly in challenging driving conditions. Trucking companies must properly hire and train their drivers and enforce stringent road safety measures.

Addressing these causes involves proactive measures by both drivers and trucking companies. Enhanced training, adherence to safety regulations, and the use of technology such as electronic logging devices to monitor driving hours can play significant roles in reducing accident rates. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns about sharing the road safely with trucks can help in decreasing potential risks.

Our Lancaster truck accident law firm understands the unique factors that can cause accidents involving 18-wheelers, tankers, tractor-trailers, and other commercial trucks. We work with accident reconstruction specialists and experts in various fields to correctly identify the cause of each client's collision so we can pursue fair compensation from all at-fault parties: trucking companies, drivers, truckers, and others.

Let Lancaster 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Handle Your Insurance

Dealing with insurance claims after a truck accident can be daunting due to the involvement of multiple parties. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve the trucking company, the driver's insurance, and potentially even manufacturers of trucking parts. Each party may try to minimize their financial responsibility, complicating the claims process for victims.

Our Lancaster 18-wheeler accident lawyers can effectively use the terms of your insurance coverage to maximize your recovery. It's not uncommon for initial offers made by insurance companies to fall short of covering the true cost of your damages. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and any lost income due to the inability to work. 

Hiring a seasoned Lancaster truck accident attorney frees you from navigating the complex web of insurance claims and procedures. Our team at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC knows the tactics insurers might use to reduce payouts and can counteract these effectively. From gathering the necessary documents to liaising with insurance adjusters, our firm ensures that your rights are protected and that any settlement reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.

Injuries Caused by Lancaster Truck Accidents

The injuries caused by commercial vehicle accidents will vary depending on the force and location of impact, whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt, or other factors. However, each can potentially alter the victim's life. When these truck accident injuries happen, survivors and families have the right to file claims against carriers and their insurers for the losses they incur.

Injuries caused by trucking accidents in Lancaster include the following:

Recovering from these injuries takes extensive treatment and support. Our team is committed to maximizing our clients' recoveries so they can rebuild and move on with their lives.

The path to recovery often involves physical rehabilitation and emotional or psychological support. Understanding the long-term impacts of these injuries is crucial, as they can affect the victim's ability to work, perform daily tasks, and engage in activities they once enjoyed. We strive to provide holistic support, connecting clients with resources and professionals who can help them get back on their feet.

Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, PA for Help

Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has stood up for the injured. Our team of Lancaster truck accident lawyers has helped countless people get the money they need for medical care, replacement income, and financial stability. If you want to know why your collision happened—and what you can do about it—share your story with our team. If we take your case, we'll do it without any upfront cost to you. We also work on a contingent fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win a settlement or award on your behalf.

Securing legal assistance not only equips you with the expertise necessary to handle complex legal and insurance matters, but also provides a support system that helps alleviate the burdens of recovery. Choosing an attorney who comprehends the intricate details of truck accident litigation can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your dispute resolution.

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