Tractor-Trailer Wrecks

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 Injury Law Firm, 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.

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 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.