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Our Lancaster Attorneys Advocate for Victims of Truck Accidents and in Their Recovery of Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that 110 fatal and 6,344 injury-causing truck crashes occurred in the state in 2020. Sadly, many of these devastating accidents could have been avoided if commercial drivers and trucking companies had acted responsibly.

Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., P.C. in Lancaster focuses on personal injury recovery. We take on challenging commercial vehicle collisions involving tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, construction equipment, delivery vans and other heavy vehicles. Our family-owned law firm treats you with compassion and respect as we tenaciously pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Causes of Truck Accidents

Driving a commercial vehicle requires training, precision and concentration. One mistake can lead to tragedy. Yet some drivers act negligently by:

  • Speeding
  • Driving recklessly
  • Tailgating
  • Forgoing sleep and rest breaks
  • Driving while sick
  • Using illegal drugs or alcohol
  • Taking prescription medications that cause drowsiness
  • Texting and talking on their mobile phone
  • Eating and engaging in other distracting acts

Because of their size and weight, trucks cause catastrophic accidents that can result in wrongful death and devastating injuries, such as spinal cord damage, crush injuries, amputations and brain damage.

Liability of the Trucking Company

Besides the trucker, others may be liable for your injuries. A legal concept called respondeat superior makes the employer responsible for the actions of employees who cause injuries while performing job duties. Some supervisors may even encourage negligent conduct, such as making business calls while driving. The trucking company may have contributed to the wreck by:

  • Overloading the truck
  • Failing to secure the contents
  • Allowing debris to spill from the bed
  • Skipping needed maintenance on its fleet
  • Hiring unqualified drivers
  • Setting delivery goals that can be achieved only by speeding

Federal Truck Driving Safety Regulations

Several laws and regulations have taken effect in recent years to protect motorists from negligent trucker conduct. The rules govern:

  • Hours and breaks — In an effort to reduce fatigued driving, the laws limit the number of consecutive hours truckers can drive and mandate rest breaks and days off.
  • Cellphone use — Truckers are prohibited from dialing, speaking on, reaching for or otherwise using handheld devices while driving.
  • Texting — Drivers are banned from typing or reading text messages while operating a commercial vehicle.

Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Injuries in a Truck Accident

To learn more about recovering compensation from negligent commercial drivers and trucking companies, call Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. at 717-394-3004 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Because wrecks do not always happen during regular business hours, we make ourselves available in the evenings and on weekends. We also make home, hospital and rehabilitation center visits if your injuries prevent you from coming to us. Free parking is available at our law office.

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Truck Accidents Injury Attorney Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we understand the profound impact a truck accident can have on your life. These are not minor fender-benders. Commercial trucks- often weighing up to 80,000 pounds- can cause catastrophic damage in an instant, leading to severe, life-altering injuries or even fatalities. When you’re up against powerful trucking companies and their insurers, you need a legal team with the experience, grit, and dedication to level the playing field.

For years, we’ve represented Lancaster-area victims of truck crashes involving 18-wheelers, dump trucks, delivery vans, and construction vehicles. Our attorneys are well-versed in the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry, and we know how to investigate and expose the negligence that caused your suffering. From handling complex liability issues to securing top medical experts, we leave no stone unturned in pursuing full and fair compensation for your injuries, losses, and future care needs.

Whether you’ve lost a loved one or are dealing with permanent disability, you deserve justice. And we’re here to get it for you.

Your safety and well-being should be the top priority. After a truck accident, call 911 and report the crash. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first- some injuries may not surface immediately. If you’re able, document the scene: take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.

Get contact information from the truck driver, their employer (usually displayed on the truck), and any witnesses. Refrain from giving detailed statements to insurance representatives or signing any documents without speaking to an attorney.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we urge victims to contact us as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, especially when trucking companies deploy rapid response teams to protect themselves. We’ll take swift action to preserve critical data from the truck’s “black box,” driver logs, maintenance records, and more. Early legal representation can make all the difference in securing a strong claim and ensuring your rights are fully protected.

Determining fault in a truck accident involves a thorough investigation of multiple factors. Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or even truck part manufacturers. We examine driver behavior (speeding, fatigue, substance use), company policies (delivery pressure, inadequate training), vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with federal trucking regulations.

Our legal team utilizes accident reconstruction experts, forensic analysts, and trucking safety professionals to establish exactly what happened and who is liable. We also retrieve critical evidence such as logbooks, dash cam footage, GPS data, and event data recorder (black box) information. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve successfully held not just reckless drivers accountable, but also negligent companies that put profit over public safety. Our experience ensures that all responsible parties are brought to light and held liable for the harm they’ve caused.

In a truck accident case, liability can extend beyond just the driver. In many cases, multiple entities share responsibility for the crash. Here are the most common liable parties:

  • Truck driver – for negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
  • Trucking company – for poor hiring practices, failure to train drivers, unrealistic delivery schedules, or vehicle neglect.
  • Cargo loaders – for improperly loading or securing freight, which can shift and cause rollovers or jackknifes.
  • Truck maintenance companies – if faulty repairs or lack of inspections played a role.
  • Vehicle or parts manufacturers – in cases involving defective brakes, tires, or other components.

As your legal advocates, we’ll investigate all potential sources of liability and identify every avenue of compensation. Trucking companies and insurers will try to minimize their exposure- we won’t let them. With our extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania trucking laws and federal regulations, we fight relentlessly to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Victims of truck accidents are often entitled to substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries and losses. You may be eligible for:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death damages (for families who’ve lost a loved one)

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we build every claim with future recovery in mind- especially for those facing long-term disabilities or the need for ongoing care. We work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and life care planners to fully assess your financial and emotional damages. Our goal is to ensure you and your family are financially secure and have access to the best resources to aid in your recovery and well-being.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims- including those arising from truck accidents- is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions and nuances depending on the details of your case. For instance, if a government entity is involved, the deadline may be shorter, and if the victim is a minor, the timeline may be extended.

Time is of the essence. Critical evidence- like driver logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements- can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we encourage accident victims to consult with us right away. We’ll ensure all deadlines are met, and all legal filings are timely and strategic. Acting fast also protects you from insurance company tactics designed to reduce or deny your rightful compensation.

Yes, it is still possible to hold the trucking company accountable even if the driver is labeled an independent contractor. In the trucking industry, companies often misclassify drivers to avoid liability. However, courts and experienced attorneys like us look beyond labels and examine the working relationship. If the company exerts significant control over the driver’s work- such as setting routes, schedules, or requiring the use of company equipment- they may still be legally responsible.

We’ve successfully pierced through these misclassifications to ensure victims receive full compensation. Through diligent investigation, we uncover the nature of the relationship between the driver and the company. When negligence stems from company practices, such as poor training or unrealistic deadlines, the company can- and should- be held accountable. Our firm doesn’t back down from complex cases. We thrive on them.

Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accidents in terms of complexity, severity, and legal strategy. Trucks are governed by strict federal and state regulations, and violations can be a key factor in proving negligence. The injuries involved are often more catastrophic, and the number of potentially liable parties is higher.

Moreover, trucking companies and their insurers have deep resources and aggressive legal teams. They often respond immediately after a crash to control the narrative and limit their liability. Victims must have equally aggressive representation. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we are equipped with decades of legal experience and the technical knowledge to take on major commercial insurers.

We also understand the trucking industry’s operational and regulatory landscape. From hours-of-service violations to logbook fraud and improper cargo handling, we know what to look for and how to prove fault. These aren’t just accident claims- they are complex cases that require skilled litigation and a track record of success.

The truck’s black box- also known as the event data recorder (EDR)- can provide critical evidence in your case. This device records data such as vehicle speed, brake application, throttle usage, engine performance, and seatbelt status in the moments leading up to a crash. It may also store information about the driver’s hours of operation and driving patterns over time.

Our team acts quickly to obtain and preserve black box data before it’s deleted or overwritten. This digital evidence can corroborate witness statements, expose driver fatigue, or confirm that the truck was speeding or failed to brake. When paired with GPS tracking and maintenance logs, the black box can provide a detailed picture of what really happened.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we work with top accident reconstruction experts to interpret this data and use it to strengthen your claim. It’s a key part of building a solid, evidence-backed case against powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

Most truck accident claims are resolved through settlements, but some do proceed to trial, especially when the at-fault parties dispute liability or offer inadequate compensation. At our firm, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This approach strengthens your negotiating power and signals to the opposition that we are serious, seasoned trial attorneys who won’t settle for less than you deserve.

Our litigation team has years of courtroom experience handling high-stakes personal injury trials throughout Pennsylvania. We know how to present compelling evidence to judges and juries, and we’ve built a strong reputation for success in and out of the courtroom. If trial becomes necessary, rest assured- we are ready to fight with precision and passion to get you the justice you deserve.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so you never have to worry about hourly charges or out-of-pocket legal costs during your case.

We also offer free consultations, during which we assess your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in clear, honest terms. We believe that every accident victim deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Our firm invests the time and resources, and has the knowledge to build a winning case, and we don’t stop until justice is served.

Reviewed by Anthony M. Georgelis, Attorney at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, on May 20th 2025.

Reviewed by Anthony M. Georgelis, Attorney at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, on May 20th 2025.

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Get The Maximum Compensation for Your Auto Accident Claim

1

Call Georgelis First!

We can be reached through our website or by phone at 717-394-3004.

2

Free, No-Obligation Consultation

We will take as long as you need to explain the process, answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you!

3

Focus on Your Recovery

Let Georgelis handle everything else. Your peace-of-mind is our priority. While we work our hardest to get you every penny you deserve, relax knowing that Georgelis has your back.

© 2025. Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. Personal Injury, Workers’ Comp, Auto Accident, Slip and Fall and Dog Bite Lawyers Lancaster, PA. All Rights Reserved.