Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents
When a commuter vehicle and a large truck are involved in a crash, the injuries can be catastrophic. Working with a skilled truck accident attorney is crucial. An accident lawyer will hold negligent truck drivers accountable for their actions.
The Foley Law Firm stands with truck accident victims in the greater Scranton, Stroudsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, area. For years, our legal team has helped the injured and their loved ones seek damages from negligent drivers and other parties. Here, we want to consider the dangers of truck accidents in the Wilkes-Barre/Luzerne County area.
Recent Large Truck Accidents in the News
In mid-September, a fatal accident with a large truck occurred along Interstate 81 in Hanover Township. According to reporting from WNEP, the collision between a tractor-trailer and another vehicle happened sometime around 5:00am.
More recently, a non-fatal flatbed truck accident occurred along I-81 in mid-October. The Times Leader reported that while no one was seriously injured, the truck scattered its cargo of 130 beehives across the highway. Traffic was tied up for hours as emergency crews and beekeepers tried to contain the honeybees and clean up the scene.
Statewide Truck Accident Statistics
According to 2019 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics compiled by the state’s Department of Transportation, there were 7,036 large truck accidents statewide in 2019. Of those large truck crashes, 122 resulted in fatalities.
The state data found that 26.8 percent of all heavy truck accidents occurred on interstate highways, and 55.9 percent occurred on state-maintained roads not designated as interstates.
Truck Accident Trends
Looking at large truck accident trends over the last five years, the total annual number of large truck crashes in Pennsylvania ranges from a low of 6,740 in 2016 to a high of 7,336 in 2018. While the most large truck crashes in recent years happened in 2018, there were also the fewest fatal truck accidents in 2018.
Will COVID-19 Affect Truck Accident Numbers?
The pandemic has changed many aspects of daily life, yet large trucks remain essential for shipping and transporting goods. Without large trucks, there would be numerous issues with online deliveries and the nationwide supply chain.
We’ll need to wait to see data next year to see how auto accident numbers are impacted by people staying at home more.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Regardless of the year, there are several common causes of large truck accidents. They include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Speeding
- Lack of training
- Vehicle failure
- Bad weather
- Poor road conditions
Whenever you drive near large trucks, always exercise caution. Be sure to keep your vehicle outside of the large truck’s blind spots, and obey the rules of the road.
Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable
In the event of a large truck accident in Luzerne County, Monroe County, and neighboring areas, you can count on our lawyers for help. We will review your case and help hold negligent truck drivers or trucking companies accountable for the harm and damage they’ve caused.
Contact the Foley Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a large truck, the lawyers at the Foley Law Firm can help. You can contact our team of accident attorneys online or reach our law office by phone at (570) 342-8194.
