Commercial vehicle crashes can be devastating. You may be facing painful injuries, medical bills, missed paychecks, and a wrecked car. In Pennsylvania, these cases can be tough because more than one party may be involved. You could be dealing with the truck driver, the driver’s employer, a shipping company, and several insurers. Getting fair compensation takes clear steps and steady follow-through.
At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly George, P.C., we have stood up for injured Pennsylvanians for nearly a century. Our Western Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers can talk with you, answer your common questions about truck accidents, and handle the hard parts like liability disputes and insurance claims. We can dig into causes such as truck driver fatigue, poor maintenance, bad loading, or unsafe company policies, then build your case and push for the compensation you need. You come first, and you will always know where things stand. Call us at (724) 658-8535 to talk about what happened and how we can help.
Rising Trends in PA Commercial Vehicle Crashes: What Victims Need to Know
Crashes in Pennsylvania involving light trucks, SUVs, and vans went up 3.5 percent from 2023 to 2024. Fatal injury crashes rose 1.6 percent. In 2024, there were 74,842 crashes with these vehicles. Those numbers are more than statistics. They are people and families dealing with life-changing injuries.
Heavy trucks remain a big concern. In 2023, there were 6,685 total crashes, one of the lowest totals in recent years, with 138 fatal injury crashes. In 2024, heavy truck crashes rose to 6,805, with 124 fatal injury crashes. When vehicle failure plays a part, common problems include tire and wheel issues, brake problems, and trailers that are unsecured or overloaded.
School bus crashes are less common, but still matter. The total dropped from 271 in 2022 to 262 in 2023 and then to 221 in 2024. There was one fatal injury crash in 2023 and two in 2024, and none of the people who died were school bus occupants.
If a crash has turned your life upside down, it helps to know how responsibility is sorted out. Drivers, trucking and bus companies, and insurers may all have a role in paying for your losses. Getting legal help early can give you a clear picture of your rights, protect your claim, and put you on a path to the compensation you need.
Pennsylvania Laws and Regulations: Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Pennsylvania’s legal system governing commercial vehicle accidents has many interconnected statutes and regulations. It is essential for victims and their legal counsel to have a thorough knowledge of the state’s laws.
Commercial Vehicle Regulations
Commercial vehicles are subject to specific regulations in Pennsylvania. Compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) is essential for commercial vehicle operators. These regulations govern various aspects, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and service hours.
Comparative Negligence
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence system, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident. In such cases, compensation is determined based on each party’s degree of fault. Our experienced attorneys can help victims understand these issues and receive fair compensation.
Western Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyers
Lawrence M. Kelly
Born and raised in New Castle, Larry Kelly has spent more than 40 years guiding Western Pennsylvania families through life-changing truck accident cases with a simple promise: “I won’t let anything bad happen to you.” Clients value his hometown perspective and steady courtroom presence when everything feels uncertain.
- Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Admissions: Pennsylvania; U.S. District Court (W.D. Pa.); U.S. Court of Appeals (3rd Cir.)
- Leadership & Service: Past President, Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association; Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (2013–2018)
- Recognitions: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2006–2024); Top 50: Pittsburgh (2019–2024); AV Rated & AV Preeminent (2024); multiple state and national “Top” designations (2024)
- Education: University of Akron School of Law, J.D., cum laude (1983)
- Practice: Personal Injury; Workers’ Compensation
Joseph A. George
Joe George approaches every trucking case with relentless preparation, translating crash evidence into clear, persuasive stories for juries and insurers alike. Clients count on his calm, detail-driven advocacy when their recovery depends on the result.
- Focus Areas: Motor-vehicle accidents, personal injury, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation
- Admissions: Pennsylvania (1996); Ohio (1997); U.S. District Court, W.D. Pa. (1997)
- Honors: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2018–2024); AV Rated (2018); AV Preeminent (2020)
- Professional Memberships: Pennsylvania Bar Association; Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association; American Association for Justice
- Education: Duquesne University School of Law, J.D. (1996); University of Pittsburgh (undergraduate)
The Unique Challenges of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents differ from typical car accidents in several ways, presenting unique challenges for victims seeking compensation.
Multiple Parties Involved
In commercial vehicle accidents, multiple parties can be held liable, including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and the shipper. Identifying all responsible parties and holding them accountable is a challenging task, but it’s essential for maximizing compensation.
Severe Injuries and Damages
Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, accidents often result in severe injuries and substantial property damage. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our team is well-versed in assessing the full extent of damages to ensure victims receive proper compensation.
Insurance Companies’ Tactics
Insurance companies representing commercial vehicle operators often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. We have a deep understanding of these strategies and can protect our clients’ rights while negotiating with insurers to secure just compensation.
| Challenge | Why It Matters | Impact on Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple parties involved | Liability may extend to the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, or shipper | Increases case complexity and requires thorough investigation |
| Severe injuries and damages | Large vehicle size and weight cause catastrophic injuries and major property damage | Victims often face long-term medical care, lost wages, and higher compensation needs |
| Insurance company tactics | Insurers use aggressive strategies to minimize payouts | Victims may receive unfair settlements without skilled legal advocacy |
Compensation Options for Victims
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents have several options for seeking compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims allow victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced attorneys will assess the details of the accident to build a strong case for our clients.
Wrongful Death Claims
Tragically, commercial vehicle accidents can result in fatalities. In such cases, surviving family members can file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for the loss of their loved ones. Our compassionate legal team understands the emotional toll of such cases and is dedicated to supporting and pursuing justice for grieving families.
Product Liability Claims
If a defective vehicle part or equipment contributed to the accident, victims may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Our firm has a successful track record in holding manufacturers accountable for their products’ defects.
Commercial vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania present unique challenges to victims seeking compensation. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly George, P.C., our Western Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers have the resources, commitment, and knowledge to guide clients through these cases. If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, contact us for dedicated legal representation and a relentless pursuit of justice. Our team is here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 to learn how we can assist you!
Property Damage in Commercial Vehicle Claims
Property damage in commercial vehicle claims goes beyond fixing a bumper. You may be dealing with frame damage, totaled fleets, destroyed tools, or a storefront hit by a box truck. First steps matter. Get photos from every angle, pull dash cam footage if you have it, and secure repair estimates from shops that handle heavy or commercial-grade vehicles. Save towing and storage bills. If cargo spoiled or equipment broke, document quantity, model numbers, and replacement costs.
Total loss and diminished value both come up a lot. If your vehicle is a total loss, you are owed actual cash value based on pre-crash condition, mileage, options, and local market data. If repairs are possible, your vehicle may still be worth less after the work is done. That is diminished value. Insurers often downplay it. You can support it with a professional valuation, sales comps, and repair invoices that show structural work or paint across multiple panels. Do not sign a property damage release that cuts off a later diminished value claim without checking it first.
Business property makes the stakes higher. A delivery van off the road, a damaged lift gate, or a shattered storefront window costs time and revenue. You can claim loss of use, rental or substitute vehicle costs, spoiled inventory, and emergency cleanup. Track downtime carefully. Your accounting software, driver logs, and vendor emails help prove it.
Quick documentation checklist:
- Accident report number, police officer name, and carrier DOT number
- Photos and video of all vehicles, the scene, skid marks, and cargo
- Repair estimates, parts lists, and invoices
- Towing, storage, rental, and substitute vehicle bills
- Proof of ownership, maintenance records, and recent sales comps
- Business records showing downtime and lost revenue
A Western Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can coordinate inspections, preserve black box data, push the carrier for fair market valuations, build a diminished value package, and negotiate property payouts without delaying bodily injury claims. If needed, a lawsuit can be filed to protect deadlines and leverage a full recovery.
Secure Your Rights in Commercial Vehicle Claims with Luxenberg Garbett Kelly George, P.C.
Commercial vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania bring unique challenges. Multiple insurance policies, strict federal and state rules, and fast-moving company investigations can make your claim feel overwhelming. You deserve full and fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and future care. Some cases also involve claims for diminished earning capacity, wrongful death, or punitive damages when conduct crosses the line.
Our Western Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly George, P.C., can move quickly to protect your rights. We can secure crucial evidence like black box data, driver logs, maintenance, and dispatch records. We can identify every responsible party, including the trucking company, the driver, brokers, shippers, parts manufacturers, and insurers. We can build the value of your case with input from medical and vocational professionals, handle every call and filing, and prepare for trial from day one to put real pressure on the other side.
Ready to talk about your options after a commercial vehicle crash in Pennsylvania? Call Luxenberg Garbett Kelly George, P.C. today at (724) 658-8535. You can get clear guidance, practical answers, and a plan tailored to your situation. Time limits apply in Pennsylvania, so acting now can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
