Whenever motorists are driving on Pennsylvania roads, they are exposed to many safety hazards. The dangers are multiplied during the winter when snow accumulates on roadways or in areas where ice forms on the road surface. While weather conditions are often blamed for accidents, it remains a driver’s responsibility to recognize the hazards and drive accordingly. Interstate 70 westbound was closed for almost nine hours after a recent fatal tractor trailer accident.
Large trucks are never easy to control in emergency situations, and drivers should be extra cautious in winter– especially when they approach bridges. Accident investigators reported that a tractor-trailer driver apparently lost control of his vehicle when navigating a curve on a bridge. His truck ultimately came to a halt on the roadway, and the 54-year-old driver exited the cab. According to the accident report, another tractor-trailer attempted to avoid the first truck but also failed to maintain control.
The second truck left the roadway and landed in a creek below the bridge after striking the driver of the first tractor-trailer. The driver who was outside of his truck died in this accident. The report did not contain details concerning the condition of the second truck’s driver.
A Pennsylvania resident who has suffered injuries in a tractor trailer accident — or the surviving family members of someone who did not survive such an accident — may wish to pursue compensation for medical and/or end-of-life expenses. In cases in which one was working at the time of an accident, such as is the case for truck drivers, third-party personal injury or wrongful death claims may be filed in addition to workers’ compensation claims in certain situations. Those who are unsure about their options after accidents may seek assistance from a legal professional with experience in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Source: wpxi.com, “Truck driver dies in crash that shutdown I-70 in Washington Co.”, Cara Sapida, Feb. 17, 2015