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Pennsylvania 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello – Federal Court Admitted Trial Attorney with Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Their Denial Tactics, FMCSA 49 CFR 390-399 Regulation Masters, Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure & All Crash Types Covered, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation & Wrongful Death Advocates – $50+ Million Recovered for Families, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, 1-888-ATTY-911, The Firm Insurers Fear in Pennsylvania Courts

February 4, 2026 29 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Pennsylvania: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of devastating 18-wheeler accidents occur on Pennsylvania’s highways, leaving families shattered and lives forever changed. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Pennsylvania, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the complex federal trucking regulations and Pennsylvania’s unique legal landscape.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Pennsylvania for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. We know Pennsylvania’s trucking corridors, from the busy I-81 corridor that runs through Scranton and Harrisburg to the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike that connects Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why Pennsylvania Trucking Accidents Are Different

Pennsylvania presents unique challenges for truck accident victims:

  • Complex road networks: Pennsylvania’s mix of urban highways (like I-95 through Philadelphia), rural interstates (I-80 across the northern tier), and mountainous terrain (I-70 through the Alleghenies) creates diverse accident scenarios
  • Lehigh Valley logistics hub: The growing warehouse and distribution industry in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton means more commercial truck traffic than ever before
  • No cap on punitive damages: Unlike some states, Pennsylvania doesn’t limit punitive damage awards, allowing juries to fully punish trucking companies that act with gross negligence
  • Comparative negligence rules: Pennsylvania follows a 51% bar rule – if you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
  • 2-year statute of limitations: You have exactly two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania

The Devastating Reality of Pennsylvania Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Pennsylvania:

  • Size disparity: A fully loaded truck can weigh 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than the average passenger car
  • Stopping distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
  • Height difference: The average trailer floor height is 48 inches, creating deadly underride risks for smaller vehicles
  • Cargo dangers: Improperly secured loads can shift or spill, causing rollovers or hazardous material incidents

Common injuries we see in Pennsylvania trucking accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Severe burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Wrongful death

Pennsylvania’s Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors

Our attorneys are intimately familiar with Pennsylvania’s most hazardous trucking routes:

I-81 Corridor (Scranton to Harrisburg)

This north-south route carries massive freight volume between the Canadian border and the Mid-Atlantic. The mountainous terrain in central Pennsylvania creates challenging driving conditions, especially during winter months. The corridor is notorious for:

  • Runaway truck accidents on steep grades
  • Chain reaction crashes in poor visibility
  • Cargo shift accidents from improperly secured loads
  • Fatigue-related accidents from long-haul drivers

I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike

Connecting Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, this historic toll road sees heavy commercial traffic. Key dangers include:

  • Congestion near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
  • High speeds in rural sections
  • Toll plaza bottlenecks
  • Limited truck parking leading to fatigue violations

I-80 (Northern Pennsylvania)

This transcontinental route crosses Pennsylvania from New Jersey to Ohio. Hazards include:

  • Severe winter weather conditions
  • Limited services in rural areas
  • High speeds in straight sections
  • Crosswinds affecting high-profile trailers

I-78 (Lehigh Valley to New Jersey)

Serving the growing Lehigh Valley logistics hub, this route experiences:

  • Heavy warehouse traffic
  • Congestion near distribution centers
  • Aggressive delivery schedules
  • Urban-rural transition zones

I-95 (Philadelphia Corridor)

Philadelphia’s portion of I-95 presents unique challenges:

  • Dense urban traffic
  • Complex interchange configurations
  • Limited truck parking
  • High pedestrian and cyclist exposure

Common Causes of Pennsylvania Trucking Accidents

Our investigation of Pennsylvania trucking accidents consistently reveals these primary causes:

Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related crashes:

  • 11-hour driving limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-hour limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-hour restart: Must take 34 consecutive hours off to reset weekly limits

Pennsylvania-specific factors contributing to fatigue:

  • Pressure from Pennsylvania-based carriers to meet tight delivery schedules
  • Long stretches of rural highways where drivers may push limits
  • Limited truck parking facilities leading to “parking lot” fatigue
  • Pennsylvania’s position as a crossroads for east-west and north-south freight

Distracted Driving

Federal regulations prohibit:

  • Hand-held mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82)
  • Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
  • Using dispatch devices while driving

Common distractions we see in Pennsylvania:

  • Navigation systems in unfamiliar Pennsylvania cities
  • Dispatch communications during urban deliveries
  • Cell phone use in heavy traffic areas
  • Eating while driving on long Pennsylvania stretches

Improper Maintenance

FMCSA requires systematic inspection and maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3). Common Pennsylvania maintenance failures include:

  • Brake failures: Especially common in mountainous regions where brakes overheat
  • Tire blowouts: Pennsylvania’s mix of urban and rural roads creates unique tire stress
  • Lighting failures: Critical in Pennsylvania’s foggy valleys and winter conditions
  • Coupling device failures: More common with frequent trailer changes in distribution hubs

Cargo Securement Failures

Federal cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:

  • Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent movement
  • Securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral
  • Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Pennsylvania-specific cargo issues:

  • Improperly secured construction equipment on Pennsylvania roads
  • Agricultural products from Pennsylvania farms
  • Hazardous materials from Pennsylvania’s chemical industry
  • Steel and other industrial products from Pittsburgh area

Speeding and Improper Lane Changes

Pennsylvania’s diverse road conditions create unique speed-related hazards:

  • Urban areas: Speeding in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown
  • Rural highways: Excessive speed on straight stretches of I-80
  • Mountain passes: Speeding on downhill grades
  • Construction zones: Speeding in Pennsylvania’s frequent work zones

Impaired Driving

FMCSA prohibits:

  • Alcohol: 0.04 BAC limit, no alcohol within 4 hours of driving
  • Drugs: No controlled substances (with limited exceptions)
  • Prescription medications: That impair driving ability

Pennsylvania-specific impairment issues:

  • Prescription opioid use among Pennsylvania drivers
  • Alcohol use in Pennsylvania’s truck stop culture
  • Stimulant use to combat fatigue on long Pennsylvania routes

Why You Need a Pennsylvania Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence in Pennsylvania 18-wheeler accident cases disappears faster than you might think. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast:

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
  • ELD Data: May be retained only 6 months
  • Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
  • Physical Evidence: Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
  • Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks

What We Do Within the First 48 Hours:

  1. Send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
  2. Demand immediate download of all ECM, ELD, and black box data
  3. Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
  4. Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings
  5. Canvass the accident scene for security camera footage from nearby businesses
  6. Photograph all damage, tire marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
  7. Interview witnesses before memories fade
  8. Hire accident reconstruction experts for complex crashes

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Pennsylvania trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

How Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Rules Affect Your Case

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

  • If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
  • If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example 1: If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000.

Example 2: If you’re found 51% at fault, you would recover $0.

Common scenarios where Pennsylvania victims may share fault:

  • Following too closely behind a truck
  • Driving in a truck’s blind spot
  • Merging improperly in front of a truck
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving under the influence

Our job is to minimize your attributed fault by:

  • Gathering objective evidence (ECM data, surveillance footage)
  • Consulting accident reconstruction experts
  • Presenting compelling witness testimony
  • Demonstrating the truck driver’s greater responsibility

All Parties We Hold Accountable in Pennsylvania Trucking Cases

In Pennsylvania trucking accidents, multiple parties may share liability:

  1. The Truck Driver

    • Direct negligence: speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment
    • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
    • Violation of traffic laws
    • Improper cargo securement
  2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

    • Vicarious liability for driver’s actions within scope of employment
    • Negligent hiring: failing to check driver’s background
    • Negligent training: inadequate safety training
    • Negligent supervision: failing to monitor driver performance
    • Negligent maintenance: poor vehicle upkeep
    • Negligent scheduling: pressuring drivers to violate HOS
  3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

    • Providing improper loading instructions
    • Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
    • Requiring overweight loading
    • Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
  4. Cargo Loading Company

    • Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
    • Unbalanced load distribution
    • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
    • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
  5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

    • Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
    • Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
    • Failure to warn of known dangers
    • Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)
  6. Parts Manufacturer

    • Defective brakes or brake components
    • Defective tires causing blowouts
    • Defective steering mechanisms
    • Defective lighting components
  7. Maintenance Company

    • Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
    • Failure to identify critical safety issues
    • Improper brake adjustments
    • Using substandard or wrong parts
  8. Freight Broker

    • Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
    • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
    • Failure to check carrier CSA scores
    • Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns
  9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

    • Negligent entrustment of vehicle
    • Failure to maintain owned equipment
    • Knowledge of driver’s unfitness
  10. Government Entity

    • Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
    • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
    • Inadequate signage for known hazards
    • Failure to install safety barriers
    • Improper work zone setup

Pennsylvania-specific liability considerations:

  • PennDOT liability for road design and maintenance
  • Local municipality liability for traffic control devices
  • Toll road authority liability for Pennsylvania Turnpike conditions
  • Private property owner liability for truck parking areas

Pennsylvania’s Unique Trucking Industry Challenges

Pennsylvania’s trucking industry faces several unique challenges that contribute to accidents:

The Lehigh Valley Logistics Explosion

The Lehigh Valley has become one of the fastest-growing logistics hubs in the country, with major distribution centers for Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other retailers. This growth has led to:

  • Increased truck traffic in residential areas
  • More inexperienced drivers navigating complex urban routes
  • Pressure to meet tight delivery schedules
  • Congestion at warehouse loading docks
  • Increased nighttime truck traffic disrupting local communities

Pennsylvania’s Aging Infrastructure

Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges are among the oldest in the nation, creating unique challenges:

  • Narrow bridges on rural routes
  • Poorly designed interchanges
  • Inadequate truck parking facilities
  • Deteriorating road surfaces
  • Limited runaway truck ramps on mountainous routes

Pennsylvania’s Four Distinct Seasons

Pennsylvania’s weather creates year-round trucking hazards:

  • Winter: Ice, snow, and freezing rain on mountain passes
  • Spring: Flooding in river valleys
  • Summer: Extreme heat causing tire blowouts
  • Fall: Wet leaves creating slippery conditions

Pennsylvania’s Energy Industry

Pennsylvania’s position as a major energy producer creates unique trucking challenges:

  • Marcellus Shale: Heavy truck traffic for fracking operations
  • Coal industry: Bulk hauling in western Pennsylvania
  • Renewable energy: Wind turbine components on rural roads
  • Petrochemical plants: Hazardous material transport

Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Industry

Pennsylvania’s diverse agriculture creates specialized trucking needs:

  • Livestock transport
  • Produce hauling (especially in Lancaster County)
  • Dairy product transport
  • Farm equipment movement

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Pennsylvania

If you’re involved in a trucking accident in Pennsylvania, follow these steps:

  1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI) may not show symptoms immediately
  3. Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
    • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
    • The accident scene from multiple angles
    • Road conditions, skid marks, debris
    • Traffic signs and signals
    • Your injuries
  4. Collect information – Get:
    • Truck and trailer license plates
    • DOT number (on truck door)
    • Trucking company name and logo
    • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
    • Witness names and phone numbers
    • Responding officer’s name and badge number
  5. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim
  6. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately – Critical evidence disappears fast. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence

“The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You need someone protecting you. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Pennsylvania trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.”

Pennsylvania-Specific Legal Considerations

Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations

You have exactly two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it means losing your right to compensation forever.

Exceptions that may extend the deadline:

  • Minors: The two-year clock starts when the minor turns 18
  • Government claims: Shorter notice requirements (often 6 months)
  • Discovery rule: In rare cases where injuries weren’t immediately discoverable

Pennsylvania’s Wrongful Death Laws

If a loved one was killed in a Pennsylvania trucking accident, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Pennsylvania law allows recovery for:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (minor and adult)
  • Parents (if no spouse or children)
  • Estate representative

Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Laws

In cases involving impaired truck drivers, Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws may allow claims against:

  • Bars, restaurants, or liquor stores that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated driver
  • Social hosts who served alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated guests

Pennsylvania’s Government Immunity Limitations

When government entities are potentially liable, Pennsylvania’s Sovereign Immunity Act limits claims. However, exceptions exist for:

  • Dangerous conditions of highways
  • Care, custody, or control of personal property
  • Sidewalks and traffic control devices
  • Care, custody, or control of real property

How We Build Your Pennsylvania Trucking Accident Case

Our comprehensive investigation process includes:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

  • Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
  • Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
  • Obtain police crash report
  • Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
  • Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
  • Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

  • Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
  • Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
  • Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
  • Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
  • Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
  • Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
  • Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
  • Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules
  • Secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

  • Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
  • Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
  • Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
  • Economic experts determine present value of all damages
  • Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
  • FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

  • File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
  • Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
  • Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
  • Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
  • Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

Pennsylvania-Specific Case Examples

While we cannot discuss our own cases due to confidentiality, Pennsylvania has seen several high-profile trucking accident cases that demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

  1. I-81 Corridor Case: A Pennsylvania jury awarded $28 million to a family after a fatigued truck driver crossed the median and caused a head-on collision. The trucking company had a history of hours of service violations.

  2. Pennsylvania Turnpike Pileup: In a multi-vehicle crash on I-76, victims recovered substantial settlements after proving the trucking company had failed to properly maintain its brakes. The case revealed a pattern of deferred maintenance across the company’s fleet.

  3. Lehigh Valley Warehouse Accident: A pedestrian was killed when a truck backed over them in a distribution center parking lot. The case resulted in a significant settlement after proving inadequate safety training and lack of backup alarms.

  4. Hazmat Spill on I-80: A chemical spill from a tanker truck caused multiple injuries and environmental damage. The case resulted in a large settlement that included punitive damages for gross negligence in cargo securement.

  5. Runaway Truck on I-70: A truck lost its brakes on a steep grade in the Alleghenies, causing a multi-vehicle crash. The case revealed that the trucking company had failed to install proper brake cooling systems for mountain driving.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pennsylvania Trucking Accident Case

1. Pennsylvania-Specific Experience

We understand Pennsylvania’s unique trucking challenges:

  • Pennsylvania’s diverse road conditions (urban, rural, mountainous)
  • Pennsylvania’s specific trucking corridors and accident patterns
  • Pennsylvania’s courts, judges, and legal procedures
  • Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules
  • Pennsylvania’s trucking industry and major carriers

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurance companies:

  • Evaluate claims
  • Train their adjusters
  • Minimize payouts
  • Deny legitimate claims
  • Use recorded statements against victims

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for Pennsylvania families.”

3. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured substantial verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims, including:

  • $5+ million for a catastrophic brain injury case
  • $3.8+ million for a leg amputation case with medical complications
  • $2.5+ million for a severe truck crash recovery
  • Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

4. Federal Court Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for:

  • Interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court
  • Complex multi-district litigation
  • Cases involving federal regulations
  • Nationwide service of process

5. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Since 1998, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims. We’ve handled cases against:

  • Walmart trucking operations
  • Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
  • Amazon delivery trucks
  • FedEx trucks
  • UPS trucks
  • Numerous Pennsylvania-based carriers

6. Bilingual Services for Pennsylvania’s Hispanic Community

Pennsylvania has a growing Hispanic community, including many truck drivers and warehouse workers. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to:

  • Communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients
  • Serve Pennsylvania’s Hispanic trucking workforce
  • Handle cases involving Spanish-speaking witnesses
  • Provide culturally competent representation

“At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Pennsylvania speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.”

7. Comprehensive Support for Pennsylvania Families

We provide complete support throughout your recovery:

  • Connecting you with Pennsylvania’s top medical specialists
  • Arranging transportation to medical appointments
  • Helping with property damage claims
  • Assisting with insurance communications
  • Providing emotional support during this difficult time

8. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Pennsylvania Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Pennsylvania?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Pennsylvania, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

  • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
  • Document the scene with photos and video if possible
  • Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
  • Collect witness contact information
  • Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
  • Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Pennsylvania?

Case values depend on many factors:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Degree of defendant’s negligence
  • Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. Pennsylvania has no cap on non-economic damages, which can significantly increase case values.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a Pennsylvania trucking accident?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Pennsylvania?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company/motor carrier
  • The cargo owner or shipper
  • The company that loaded the cargo
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation if you were 50% or less at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data. This data can show:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and is crucial evidence in Pennsylvania trucking cases.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What if my loved one was killed in a Pennsylvania trucking accident?

Pennsylvania allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Pennsylvania follows a 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Our job is to minimize your attributed fault through thorough investigation.

How long do Pennsylvania trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

  • Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
  • Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
  • Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my Pennsylvania trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

“Worried about affording an attorney? Don’t be. Attorney911 works on contingency – you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.”

Pennsylvania Trucking Accident Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

  • Website: www.penndot.pa.gov
  • Crash Information Tool: Provides access to Pennsylvania crash data
  • Road Condition Reports: Real-time information on road conditions

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

  • Website: www.paturnpike.com
  • Road Conditions: Real-time updates on Pennsylvania Turnpike conditions
  • Safety Information: Trucking-specific safety resources

Pennsylvania State Police

  • Website: www.psp.pa.gov
  • Crash Reports: Information on obtaining Pennsylvania crash reports
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: Truck safety information

Pennsylvania Trauma Centers

  • Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest (Allentown)
  • Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey)
  • UPMC Presbyterian (Pittsburgh)
  • Temple University Hospital (Philadelphia)
  • Geisinger Medical Center (Danville)

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our Pennsylvania trucking accident attorneys offer:

  • Free consultations – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • 24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
  • No fee unless we win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation
  • Pennsylvania-specific expertise – We know Pennsylvania’s roads, laws, and courts
  • Bilingual services – Hablamos Español
  • Former insurance defense attorney – Our team knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you

“Pennsylvania drivers deserve Pennsylvania advocates. We know Pennsylvania’s highways, trucking corridors, and courtrooms. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, from the Lehigh Valley to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we’ve got you covered. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that experience to work for your case.”

Don’t wait – evidence disappears fast in Pennsylvania trucking accident cases. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your free consultation.

“Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.”

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