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Fatal truck accident on Pennsylvania interstate

There are a number of reasons that can lead to a truck accident, such as negligent driving, truck driver fatigue or an inattentive or an unqualified truck driver. Each of these can lead to a serious accident on the roadways. Due to the specialized knowledge that is required to operate such a vehicle, truck drivers are held to higher standard while driving, and required to maintain a commercial drivers license in order to operate a truck. Seemingly, this type of license carries with it a greater sense of responsibility.

On I-78, in Pennsylvania, there was a devastating trucking accident at a tollbooth. According to reports and eyewitness statements, a truck driver was operating the truck erratically and going above the speed limit on the toll road when it crashed into the tollbooth, and stuck another car from behind. The car that was hit ended up underneath the truck, and the impact with the tollbooth caused the truck to burst into flames. The driver in the car died as a result of the accident, and the truck driver was taken to the hospital for injuries.

All accidents have the potential to lead to horrific outcomes, but it seems like accidents involving large vehicles like trucks more times than not end in death. Depending on the circumstances around the accidents and what the police investigation reveals, court involvement may be appropriate and viable where a death is the outcome in a truck accident. A claim may be brought either in civil or criminal court based on the cause of the accident. If there was no foul play with respect to the accident, the state may pursue criminal charges.

Rights and responsibilities of the victim in a truck accident are important to know. Understanding those rights and responsibilities is the first step to ensuring justice is seen.

Source: The Express-Times, “At least one fatality in fiery tractor-trailer wreck on Interstate 78, police say,” Sarah M. Wojcik & Tony Rhodin, Jan. 13, 2014

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