Pittsburgh Truck Accident Lawyers

Large commercial trucks are a significant part of America’s economy and they are how millions of goods are transported in our society. With nearly 12.5 million commercial trucks and buses registered in the country, the trucking industry accounts for about 5% of our overall gross domestic product (GDP).

In Pittsburgh, there is a high chance of getting involved with an accident with a big rig. This is because we are at the location of many interstate highways and major roads such as I-79; I-376; Rt. 60, and more.

While large trucks transport goods and services, provide jobs for thousands of workers, and are a built-in part of everyday operations and comforts for most Americans, these trucks can also be very dangerous. At the law office of Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we recognize that truck accidents are not only devastating, but also that the claims process following an accident can be highly complex and difficult to navigate. Our experienced Pittsburgh truck accident lawyers have extensive experience successfully pursuing these types of cases, and we are committed to helping you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Pittsburgh

One of the primary roles of our law firm is investigating your case to determine fault for the crash. This is critical; you will need to identify the at-fault party in order to bring forth a claim for damages against the right party (or parties). Some of the top causes of truck accidents include: 

• Driver substance abuse. Amongst truck drivers, rates of substance abuse are high, which is a major concern considering these drivers are tasked with operating vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Substance abuse issues include the improper use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs. If a driver operates their vehicle after using an impairing substance, they may be unable to drive safely, leading to a crash. 

• Driver fatigue. The risks associated with drowsy driving are alarming—thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths occur each year in fatigue-related traffic accidents. According to federal statistics, driver fatigue is a factor in roughly 13 percent of large truck accidents in the U.S. each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. (NHTSA) estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in 2013. However, these numbers are underestimated and up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be caused by drowsy drivers in general. 

• Overloaded trailers. Another problem that can lead to truck crashes is overloaded, or improperly loaded, trailers. Cargo may be overloaded in an attempt to get more things to a single location in a single load, saving the trucking company time and money. Or, cargo may be improperly loaded or secured as a result of lack of training, or just haste and carelessness. Either way, exceeding load limits, improperly loading, or failing to secure cargo is dangerous and could lead to a crash. 

• Tire blowouts. Sometimes, the truck driver isn’t to blame for a crash; instead, the accident is a result of a tire blowout or another form of vehicle or vehicle part defect. When a tire blowout causes an accident, an investigation that seeks to determine a) whether or not the tire was defective, b) whether or not the trucking company maintained the vehicle/tires in a reasonable manner, and c) who should be held liable for the blowout and resulting damages is necessary.

• Truck driver negligence. Finally, sometimes a crash occurs as a result of truck driver negligence – the failure to exercise the required degree of care. Driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving, failing to yield, or driving aggressively are all types of negligence that can cause crashes.

The above list of causes of a truck accident is not exhaustive. If another factor caused or contributed to the crash, our Pittsburgh truck accident lawyers will dig deep to identify it and hold the responsible party liable. 

Types of Truck Accidents in Pittsburgh

Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous crashes on the road, often leaving behind severe injuries, property damage, and long-term consequences for victims and their families. Pittsburgh, with its busy highways, bridges, tunnels, and dense city streets, sees its fair share of large commercial trucks every single day. From tractor-trailers delivering goods along I-376 to delivery trucks navigating through narrow city neighborhoods, these vehicles are a vital part of the region’s economy.

Unfortunately, when something goes wrong with a truck, the results are rarely minor. Because of their size and weight, trucks can cause catastrophic harm in a collision with smaller passenger vehicles. Not all truck accidents are the same, however, and understanding the different types of crashes can shed light on what happened, why it happened, and what steps you may need to take if you’ve been involved in one.

Below, we break down some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania, along with explanations of why they happen and what makes them so dangerous.

Squeeze Play Crashes

One of the more unique accident types involving trucks is known as the “squeeze play” crash. This typically occurs when a truck is preparing to make a wide right-hand turn. Because trucks are long and need extra space to complete certain turns, drivers often swing their cab slightly to the left before completing the turn to the right. To another driver—especially one unfamiliar with how trucks maneuver—this might look like the truck is actually changing lanes to the left.

If a passenger vehicle attempts to pass the truck on the right side during this maneuver, it can quickly become trapped between the turning trailer and the curb. The smaller car essentially gets “squeezed” into a space with nowhere to escape, which often results in serious damage and injuries.

Why it happens:

• Drivers may not recognize a truck’s wide-turn signal.
• Impatience on busy Pittsburgh roads can push drivers to attempt risky passes.
• Narrow city streets increase the likelihood of these crashes.

How to reduce risk:
Drivers of smaller vehicles should avoid trying to pass trucks on the right, especially when a truck is signaling or slowing down for a turn. Giving trucks ample space when they approach intersections is one of the best ways to avoid being caught in a squeeze play crash.

Jackknife Accidents

Another major type of truck crash is the jackknife accident. A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out and forms a sharp angle—sometimes as much as 90 degrees—with the cab. The name comes from the resemblance to a folding pocketknife snapping shut.

These crashes are particularly dangerous because they can spread across multiple lanes of traffic and often involve many vehicles. On high-speed roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike or I-79, jackknifing can trigger massive chain-reaction collisions.

Common causes include:

• Sudden or improper braking.
• Slippery road conditions from rain, snow, or ice—a regular issue in Pittsburgh winters.
• Taking turns too sharply or too quickly.
• Equipment failure, such as malfunctioning brakes.

Consequences of jackknife crashes:

• Multi-vehicle pileups.
• Rollovers of the truck or nearby cars.
• Significant highway closures and traffic delays.

For victims, injuries from these crashes can range from broken bones and spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries. Jackknife accidents also carry a high risk of fatalities due to the speed and force involved.

Underride and Override Accidents

Among the most tragic types of truck accidents are underride and override collisions. These accidents are especially devastating because of how they physically occur.

• Underride accidents happen when a smaller car crashes into the back or side of a large truck and slides underneath the trailer. This can shear off the roof of the vehicle and cause catastrophic injuries or death to those inside.
• Override accidents are the opposite—when a truck runs over a smaller vehicle in front of it. Because of a truck’s weight and elevated cab position, the smaller car may be completely crushed under the truck’s front end.

Why they are so dangerous:
The size difference between a truck and a passenger vehicle means that even at moderate speeds, underride and override accidents are often fatal. They are also difficult for survivors to recover from, as the injuries tend to be life-altering.

Prevention measures:
Some trucks are required to have underride guards to help stop smaller cars from sliding underneath trailers. Still, these guards are not always strong enough to prevent fatalities. Safe following distances, proper maintenance, and cautious driving are crucial for prevention.

Blind Spot Collisions

All vehicles have blind spots, but trucks have blind spots that are significantly larger and more hazardous. These areas—sometimes called “no-zones”—are places around the truck where the driver cannot see other vehicles, even with mirrors.

For commercial trucks, blind spots include:

• Up to 20 feet in front of the cab.
• Large portions of both sides of the truck, particularly the right-hand side.
• Up to 200 feet directly behind the trailer.

When a smaller vehicle lingers in these blind spots, the truck driver may not realize the car is there. If the truck changes lanes, makes a turn, or even brakes suddenly, a collision can occur.

Why blind spot accidents happen:

• Drivers misjudge how close they are to the truck.
• Passenger vehicles tailgate, not realizing they are hidden from view.
• Trucks change lanes on busy highways without enough clearance.

Tips for drivers:
The rule of thumb is simple: if you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the side mirror, they likely can’t see you either. Passing quickly, avoiding tailgating, and giving trucks space when merging can all reduce the risk of being caught in a blind spot crash.

Recoverable Damages in Pittsburgh Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents in Pittsburgh often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of tractor-trailers. When a victim is struck by a commercial vehicle, Pennsylvania law allows them to seek compensation—referred to as “damages”—to cover both financial and personal losses. Understanding the different categories of recoverable damages is essential for securing a fair settlement.

Economic Damages: Quantifiable Financial Losses

Economic damages are the most straightforward part of a claim because they represent “out-of-pocket” expenses. These are the tangible financial costs that can be calculated using bills, receipts, and expert financial projections.

• Medical Expenses: This includes everything from the initial emergency room visit and ambulance ride to long-term care. In truck accident cases, victims often require multiple surgeries, specialized medical equipment, and months of physical therapy. Recoverable costs also include future medical needs, such as ongoing prescriptions or home modifications for a permanent disability.
• Lost Wages and Benefits: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you lost during your recovery. This category covers base salary, overtime, bonuses, and even employer-contributed benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If a truck accident leaves you with a permanent impairment that prevents you from returning to your previous career, you may be entitled to “loss of earning capacity.” This accounts for the difference between what you would have earned over your lifetime and what you are now able to earn in a more limited role.
• Property Damage: This covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle. Given the force of a semi-truck, most passenger vehicles are totaled. You may also recover the value of personal items destroyed in the crash, such as laptops, cell phones, or specialized car seats.

Non-Economic Damages: Intangible Human Costs

Non-economic damages compensate victims for the “human” impact of an accident. These do not come with a price tag and are often the most significant part of a Pittsburgh truck accident settlement.

• Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries. It is often calculated based on the severity of the trauma and the length of the recovery process.
• Emotional Distress: High-impact collisions frequently lead to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Victims may recover costs for therapy and compensation for the mental anguish associated with the event.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, sports, or family activities that were once central to your life, you can seek damages for this loss.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Many truck accidents involve severe burns or deep lacerations that leave permanent marks. Pennsylvania law recognizes the emotional and social toll of permanent disfigurement.
• Loss of Consortium: This is a claim usually brought by the victim’s spouse. It compensates for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries.

Punitive Damages: Penalizing Egregious Negligence

While compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) are designed to “make the victim whole,” punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant. In Pittsburgh, punitive damages are not awarded in every case. To qualify, a victim must prove that the trucking company or driver acted with “outrageous” or “willful” misconduct.

Examples of situations that might trigger punitive damages include:

• A truck driver operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• A trucking company forcing a driver to violate federal Hours of Service (HOS) logs.
• Knowingly operating a vehicle with faulty brakes or bald tires.

Pennsylvania’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

It is important to note that Pennsylvania follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but a court finds you 20% responsible for the crash, you will receive $80,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation at all.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a truck accident results in a fatality, the family of the deceased may file a wrongful death or survival action. These claims can recover funeral and burial costs, the loss of future financial support, and compensation for the loss of guidance and companionship provided by the deceased.

Navigating these legal waters in Pittsburgh requires a detailed investigation of the trucking company’s logs, maintenance records, and “black box” data to ensure every possible damage is accounted for.

Additional Types of Truck Accidents

While squeeze play, jackknife, underride/override, and blind spot accidents are some of the most common, Pittsburgh drivers should also be aware of other types of crashes that frequently involve trucks.

Rollover Accidents

A truck rollover can happen if the driver takes a curve too quickly, if the load is improperly balanced, or if road conditions cause the trailer to tip. Rollovers are often catastrophic because the trailer may land on nearby vehicles or block multiple lanes of traffic.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts on trucks are more dangerous than those on passenger cars because of the vehicle’s size and weight. A blowout can cause the driver to lose control, sending the truck into other lanes or even causing it to jackknife.

Rear-End Collisions

If a truck follows too closely and traffic slows suddenly, the truck may not be able to stop in time. Because trucks need much longer stopping distances than cars, rear-end collisions involving trucks can completely crush the smaller vehicle ahead of them.

Wide Turn Accidents

Apart from squeeze play crashes, wide turns in general can cause problems when trucks swing too far into oncoming lanes or into adjacent traffic.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Severe

The main factor that makes truck accidents more serious than most car crashes is size and weight. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average 3,000–4,000 pounds of a passenger car. This imbalance means that in almost every collision, the smaller vehicle and its occupants suffer the worst damage.

Other factors include:

• Trucks take much longer to stop than cars.
• Pittsburgh’s steep hills, bridges, and tight streets increase risks.
• Fatigue, distracted driving, and improper loading all play a role.

Staying Safe Around Trucks in Pittsburgh

While you cannot control the actions of truck drivers, you can reduce your own risk by practicing safe driving habits:

• Avoid lingering in blind spots.
• Give trucks extra room when merging or turning.
• Never try to pass a truck on the right, especially near intersections.
• Keep a safe following distance to avoid underride crashes.
• Be cautious on highways and during winter weather, when jackknife accidents are more likely.

What are hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers?

In order to prevent truck drivers from becoming fatigued while on the job, federal regulations have been established that dictate how long they can be behind the wheel throughout the course of a single work week. Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the hours-of-service standards for truck drivers are as follows:

• A driver can only drive a maximum of 11 hours after first having taken 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after a period of 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A driver cannot drive for more than eight consecutive hours without taking a break of at least 30 minutes
• A driver cannot drive for than 60 hours during a 7-day work week (70 hours during an 8-day work week)

In the context of this statute, once a work week has ended, a driver must take 34 consecutive hours off duty before commencing another one.

What to Do If You Are in an Accident with a Commercial Truck

If you’ve been involved in one of these crashes and are able to walk away, consider yourself fortunate. Provided you are able, here are five things you should do immediately after a crash with a commercial truck:

1. Call the Police

Never trust that you and the commercial truck driver can work out liability without the involvement of external parties. Your first step should always be to officially document the accident by calling the authorities.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

You might be so injured that you are taken from the scene by ambulance. If people at the scene ask about calling 911, and you aren’t sure, err on the side of caution and let them make the call.

3. Document the Scene

If you are able, document the accident scene before you leave. If you aren’t, ask someone else to do this. You’ll want numerous photos of the vehicles and the surrounding roadway, including traffic signals and signs. Also, get the names and contact information of other drivers and any witnesses.

Write down the DOT number that is listed on the side of the commercial truck. This might help locate any electronic data recorder (EDR) that is assigned to the truck. Finally, take detailed notes about your recollection of the accident before too much time passes.

4. Avoid Signing Anything or Giving Statements

It’s never in your best interests to sign any release forms handed to you by the trucking company or an insurance carrier. Take the form and hold onto it, but don’t sign it. Also, avoid discussing the accident or giving any recorded statements to these parties as they’ll likely try to get information that can be used against you later.

5. Contact an Attorney

Since commercial truck accidents are much different and more complex than passenger vehicle crashes, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney that specializes in these cases so that you can protect your rights.

Truck Accident Attorneys in Pittsburgh

Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck accident in Pittsburgh is a daunting process. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often lead to severe and life-altering injuries for those in passenger cars. Furthermore, the legal and insurance procedures that follow a collision with a big rig are far more complex than a standard car crash. Because of this, it is crucial to understand the benefits of working with a legal team as soon as you can. Taking swift action and having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side is the best way to protect your rights and improve your chances of a positive outcome.

The Need for Immediate Legal Engagement

Trucking companies and their insurance providers are not waiting for you to get better; they are already at work. After a major crash, their legal and investigation teams will act immediately to gather evidence and build a defense. This includes accessing the truck’s “black box” data, reviewing driver logs, and even cleaning up the accident scene. 

Valuable evidence can disappear quickly. By bringing in a legal representative right away, you ensure that your rights are being protected and that crucial evidence is preserved. A law firm can promptly send out preservation letters and begin its own investigation to counterbalance the efforts of the company’s defense team. This immediate response is a vital step in making sure the playing field remains level.

Managing the Complex Legal Framework

Truck accident cases are governed by a dense web of state and federal regulations that do not apply to regular car accidents. These rules cover everything from how long a driver can be on the road to the proper maintenance of the vehicle. A person who is not familiar with these rules and requirements will find it nearly impossible to hold the appropriate parties accountable. 

The at-fault party could be the driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, or even the manufacturer of a defective part. A legal team with a deep understanding of these cases can untangle this complexity to pinpoint every responsible party, which is essential for bringing a successful claim. They can gather and analyze vital documents like hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, and cargo manifests to build a thorough case on your behalf.

Securing a Fair and Comprehensive Settlement

It is a common tactic for insurance companies to contact accident victims shortly after a crash and offer a quick, lowball settlement. These offers are rarely, if ever, enough to cover the full scope of your losses, which can include both short-term and long-term medical costs, lost income, and the value of your pain and suffering. 

A truck accident attorney in Pittsburgh provides a necessary buffer between you and these insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery. They will work to properly assess all your current and future damages, including those that are not immediately obvious. 

This includes factoring in potential surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, and the long-term impact the accident has on your quality of life. The legal team can then negotiate forcefully for a fair amount, or take the case to court if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.

The Financial Advantage of Contingency Fees

After a devastating accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay for legal representation. Many personal injury law firms, including those that handle truck accident cases, operate on a contingency fee basis. 

This arrangement means you do not have to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs for your lawyer’s services. Instead, the legal team takes a percentage of the final compensation award. 

If the case does not result in a settlement or a verdict in your favor, you owe them nothing. This model removes the financial risk for you and allows you to seek the legal help you need regardless of your financial situation, making it possible to fight for the compensation you deserve without adding to your immediate financial burden.

Our Experienced Pittsburgh Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help You Recover the Compensation Award You Deserve 

If you have been severely injured in a truck accident, or if you have lost a family member in a truck crash in Pennsylvania, our truck accident team can help. We will work hard to build your case and improve your chances of recovering compensation for the full value of your losses, including the value of your pain, suffering, emotional distress, medical bills, property damage costs, lost wages, loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, and more.

Truck accident companies and their insurers have high-priced and experienced lawyers working for them – when you hire our law firm, you can take comfort knowing that the playing field is leveled, and we are fighting hard to protect your best interests. We provide free consultations, and we take motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency fee basis – which means no out of pocket risk to you.

To schedule a free consultation with our Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers, please send us an online message, visit our Pittsburgh office in person, or call us at (412) 391-9860 or toll-free at (866) 466-5789. We look forward to serving you!