Common Causes of Pennsylvania Truck Accidents

The challenges of Pennsylvania roads, negligence, and vehicle defects are common reasons for Pennsylvania truck accidents. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one, call the experienced Erie truck accident lawyers of Purchase, George and Murphey, P.C. today at 814-273-2010 for a free consultation.

In March 2010, Reader’s Digest listed the “7 Worst Roads in America.” Not surprisingly, two of the five worst roads are located in Pennsylvania.* Many of the interstate, state, county, and local roads in our Commonwealth are dangerous, particularly for commercial truckers.

The Erie truck accident lawyers of Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. are committed to helping victims of Pennsylvania commercial truck accidents. Tim George and Eric Purchase have more than 35 years of combined legal experience and are dedicated to helping accident victims recover fair damages.

Roads Contribute to Pennsylvania Trucking Accidents

Many of the trucking accidents on Pennsylvania highways could be prevented if truckers recognized and accounted for actual road conditions. For example:

• Many of Pennsylvania’s highway exit ramps curve sharply and the posted speed limits are often greatly reduced. When the speed limit is obeyed and care is taken coming around the curves, the likelihood of a tragic accident occurring is greatly reduced.
• Many of the Commonwealth’s highway on-ramps are short. Truckers must carefully allow themselves enough time to merge onto the highway in order to prevent an accident. If there is not enough space to merge, then the truck should put on its hazards to alert traffic to the problem while waiting for a safe time to enter the highway.
• The Commonwealth has many narrow roads that were built for cars and trucks of a different era. Truckers must exercise care around other vehicles and allow sufficient space between vehicles to avoid crashes.

Negligence and Vehicle Defects Commonly Cause Truck Accidents in PA

While these known defects make truck driving more challenging, they do not in and of themselves make trucking dangerous. Truckers who exercise a reasonable degree of care can still maneuver these difficult roads safely. Those who do not exercise reasonable care, however, may cause accidents and be liable for the injuries that they cause.

Additionally, many truck accidents are caused by vehicle defects. Truck manufacturers and trucking companies may be liable for injuries caused by vehicle defects.

If you have been hurt, or a loved one has been killed, in a Pennsylvania truck accident, then you may be entitled to damages. The lawyers of Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. will thoroughly investigate your case, enthusiastically represent you in negotiations, and zealously represent you in court proceedings to help you recover the damages to which you are legally entitled. Contact us at 814-273-2010 or via our online contact form for a free consultation.

*Source: Reader’s Digest Magazine, March 24, 2010: “7 Worst Roads in America.”