Rear-End Truck Accidents in Pittsburgh: What Happens When a Tractor-Trailer Hits You From Behind?
A rear-end collision involving two passenger vehicles can cause serious injuries.
When the vehicle striking you from behind is a tractor-trailer or other heavy commercial vehicle, the consequences can be devastating.
If you were rear-ended by a truck in Pittsburgh, determining why the truck failed to stop can be an important part of establishing what happened.
Why Do Rear-End Truck Accidents Happen?
Potential causes may include:
- Following too closely;
- Excessive speed;
- Distracted driving;
- Driver fatigue;
- Failure to recognize slowing traffic;
- Unsafe driving for weather or road conditions;
- Brake or mechanical problems; and
- Inadequate stopping distance.
The cause should be determined from evidence rather than assumption.
Trucks Need Space to Stop
Large commercial vehicles operate differently from passenger cars.
Vehicle weight, speed, roadway grade, weather, tires, brakes, cargo, and other factors can affect stopping.
On Western Pennsylvania highways, steep grades, construction zones, congestion, rain, snow, and sudden traffic backups can make maintaining an appropriate following distance particularly important.
What Evidence Matters in a Rear-End Truck Crash?
A serious Pittsburgh rear-end truck accident may require examination of:
- Electronic vehicle data;
- Dash-camera video;
- Driver logs;
- Driver communications;
- GPS information;
- Police reports;
- Witness statements;
- Photographs;
- Skid or tire marks;
- Brake and maintenance records; and
- Physical damage to the vehicles.
This evidence may help determine when the truck driver reacted and whether the collision could have been avoided.
What If the Truck Driver Says You Stopped Suddenly?
That assertion should be investigated rather than simply accepted.
Traffic can stop suddenly because of congestion, construction, another collision, pedestrians, traffic signals, weather, or numerous other conditions.
An investigation may examine whether the truck driver maintained an appropriate distance, was attentive, and was operating at a speed appropriate for the circumstances.
What If You Suffered a Neck or Back Injury?
Rear-end collisions can produce injuries that may require continuing treatment.
Seek appropriate medical attention and follow your providers' recommendations.
Keep records of treatment, prescriptions, medical bills, time missed from work, and how the injuries affect your daily activities.
Pittsburgh Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer
If a tractor-trailer, box truck, dump truck, delivery vehicle, or other commercial truck rear-ended you and caused serious injuries, the accident may warrant investigation beyond the police report.
Contact Frank Walker Law to discuss your Pittsburgh truck accident claim and available legal options.
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About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.