Truck Driver Accidents
Central Pennsylvania is known for its densely traveled highways and roads. With road congestion comes an increase in accidents. I-81 is a prime example, known for having many crashes on a regular basis.
Anyone who spends time traveling on the highway knows the dangers that tractor-trailer trucks pose to road users. The sheer size of a tractor-trailer creates significant problems when stopping quickly in traffic. It only takes a momentary lapse in judgment for a truck driver to cause an accident.
If you or a loved one were in an accident caused by a truck driver, our Pottsville truck accident attorneys are here to defend your rights.
Size and Weight Restrictions of Commercial Trucks
Any truck with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds is classified as a large truck. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which is the maximum weight allowed under Federal and Pennsylvania law.
In Pennsylvania, a large truck must adhere to the following dimensions:
- 13 feet, 6 inches in height
- 8 feet, 6 inches in width
- 40 feet in length
Large Trucks Pose a Significant Danger to Others
Tractor trailers are known to pose several risks:
- It takes a tractor-trailer 50% longer to stop traveling at 65 miles per hour than traveling at 55 miles per hour
- Undertow of a commercial truck can push or pull passenger vehicles traveling alongside it
- The size of a truck makes maneuverability, acceleration up hills, and braking more challenging
- Trucks have large blind spots, meaning that if you are not able to see a truck’s mirrors, the truck driver probably cannot see you
- Trucks make wide right turns, so you should never try to pass a truck on the right when it is turning
FMCSA Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits how many hours a truck driver can drive and perform other job-related tasks. Under the hours of service (HOS) regulations, a property-carrying truck driver can only drive a maximum of 11 hours after being off-duty for ten consecutive hours.
Other restrictions apply, including limits of 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in eight straight days. Truckers are given an additional two hours if driving in adverse weather.
Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help
An experienced truck accident attorney knows the federal and state regulations a truck driver must abide by. Our legal team has the skills to investigate your truck accident to determine if a truck driver violated one of these laws. If so, we will gather the necessary evidence to prove the truck driver’s negligence.
You are in good hands when you work with the legal team at Fanelli, Evans & Patel. We maintain professional connections with trucking and accident reconstruction experts to ensure we do everything possible for you.
A Devoted Legal Team When You Need it Most
Our Pottsville truck accident attorneys have helped Pottsville injury victims recover six figures and even millions in settlement negotiations. If a loved one dies due to a truck driver’s negligence, we can help you recover damages to help bring closure. Contact the office online or by calling 570-622-2455 to schedule your free consultation today.