The holiday season in Pennsylvania not only means winter weather but it often means more trucks on the roadways. These massive vehicles are used to transport large shipments long distance. Although these are very useful vehicles, they also have a tendency to lose control more easily than an automobile. If the weather is bad, a driver is traveling too fast or the driver has to make a sudden stop, an accident could ensue. A truck accident could result in severe damage, serious injuries and even fatalities.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike was recently shut down for several hours following a collision that involved three tractor-trailers. The crash took place in Bensalem just past the exit for Route 1 at around 6:00 a.m. According to preliminary reports, two cars were also affected by the initial crash.
The impact from the crash caused one of the trucks to hit the concrete barrier separating the eastbound and westbound sides of traffic. This resulted in pieces of concrete flying into the westbound lane, causing traffic to reduce down to one lane.
Emergency crews responded to the accident and assessed those involved. Two of the truck drivers were transported to the hospital for treatment. One driver received a routine check-up and was determined to be fine. The other driver suffered a fractured leg and lacerations to his face.
The truck crash is still under investigation. It is not clear at this time how the accident occurred or if there were other contributing factors, such as weather and bad road conditions. Following the investigation, authorities should be able to determine whether a driver caused the crash and is liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
Those injured in a truck accident might have a cause of action. Victims could file a personal injury lawsuit in order to collect compensation that would be used to cover expenses associated with the accident, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs and lost wages. It is important to understand what options are available.
Source: 6 abc, “Pennsylvania Turnpike reopens after multi-truck crash,” Dec. 20, 2013