Due to a big concentration of highways running through Pittsburgh, truck accidents happen fairly often in the city. Unfortunately, the size of commercial vehicles can make even a minor collision highly dangerous for all involved. The common causes of truck accidents in Pittsburgh vary from distracted driving to poor road conditions.
If you were hurt in such a crash, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim for financial compensation from those at fault. Understanding the factors involved in local truck collisions could help establish liability. Get started by contacting an experienced truck accident attorney from Bordas & Bordas who could help you navigate your case and fight to receive fair compensation.
High-speed roads like I-279 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike accommodate many trucks that deliver cargo across the United States. Truck accidents in Pittsburgh are typically caused by one of the following factors.
Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight delivery schedules. Despite federal hours-of-service regulations, fatigue remains a highly common cause of truck accidents. A tired driver may experience slowed reaction times and poor judgment that lead to accidents.
Texting, using GPS systems, and eating can take a driver’s attention off the road. When operating a large commercial vehicle, even a moment of inattention can result in a serious collision. Distracted driving is especially dangerous in high-traffic areas and construction zones.
Excessive speed makes it harder for trucks to maneuver safely. Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, increase the risk of rollovers. Speeding is especially hazardous on curved highway ramps.
Commercial trucks must be properly inspected and maintained before operation. Common mechanical issues that cause accidents include:
If poor maintenance contributed to your truck accident, liability may extend to the trucking company.
Improperly loaded or secured items can shift during transport, causing a truck to jackknife or tip over. Loading errors are often the responsibility of third-party cargo handlers.
Potholes and uneven pavement increase accident risks. When they are combined with sleet or snow, the likelihood of an accident increases. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving to these conditions are considered negligent.
Once you understand the cause of your truck accident case in Pittsburgh, you can determine who is liable and prove their negligence. A seasoned attorney could help demonstrate the at-fault party’s breach of their duty of care and show that your damages are the direct result of the incident.
Proving negligence requires gathering strong evidence and, sometimes, hiring expert witnesses. If you and your legal team can provide sufficient proof of the at-fault party’s liability, you could recover full damages.
Knowing the common causes of truck accidents in Pittsburgh could help you better understand liability as well as your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries. Fighting for your rights is key to getting a fair amount in a personal injury settlement.
The legal team from Bordas & Bordas has helped hundreds of clients achieve the desired results in truck accident cases. Our biggest recent settlements were $11.5M in Doe v. Trucking Company and $8M in Smith v. Royal Flush, Inc. et al. cases. To begin building your case, reach out to our team at Bordas & Bordas.
