The holidays can be one of the busiest times on the road. Not only is there an increase in shoppers and travelers, but there also tends to be more truck drivers on the road. With the holiday season being one of the busiest shopping times of the year, this also calls for an increase in commercial truck drivers.

With more truck drivers on the road, this can also lead to more truck accidents. Reviewing the most common truck accident risks can help you take the necessary steps to stay safe this year.

Holiday Truck Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that December is the most dangerous month for drivers. Additionally, Carsurance.net reports that approximately 500,000 truck accidents occur each year. This increase in truck accidents is due to several factors, including:

• Fatigued driving
• Lack of driver training
• Mechanical problems
• Poor weather

The same risks that can lead to a passenger vehicle accident can also cause a commercial truck accident. The biggest difference, however, is truck accidents tend to be more severe.

Pennsylvania Commercial Truck Regulations

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PDOT) is responsible for overseeing commercial truck drivers in the state. This includes setting specific driving and training requirements to reduce risk and ensure safety. PDOT regulates things like how heavy of a load a driver can transport, as well as how many hours, or miles, they can drive each day.

These regulations are in place to avoid risks like fatigued driving. The state also regulates hiring and training requirements, ensuring that all commercial truck drivers are familiar with not only the laws but also safety protocols. A commercial truck driver in Pennsylvania is also required to have a commercial license.

Failing to follow the federal and PDOT requirements can lead to expensive fines and even a loss of the commercial license. One of the problems with the busy holiday season, however, is that hiring and training may be rushed to accommodate an increase in business. Truck drivers may push their limits to meet due dates, which can lead to accidents.

Who’s Responsible When a Truck Accident Occurs?

It’s not always clear who’s responsible when a truck accident occurs. This is because there can be a few people responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the truck manufacturer. While truck drivers are expected to follow certain safety protocols the trucking company also has to do a thorough background check and provide sufficient training.

If the accident is caused by a mechanical failure, then it may be the service technician or truck manufacturer’s responsibility.

If you’re involved in a truck accident this holiday season, it’s best to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. You need a lawyer with good investigative skills who can help you find out what happened. Truck accidents tend to lead to more damages than when compared to other types of accidents. You could be left with painful injuries and expensive medical bills. There’s also a good chance that you won’t be able to return to work for a while.

Read more: Does Daylight Savings Time Cause Auto Accidents?

Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a truck accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Office of Mark A. Smith represent clients injured because of a truck accident in Pittsburgh, Homestead, Erie, Greensburg, and throughout Pennsylvania.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.