Many Pennsylvania motorists have experienced the fear of a collision with a tractor-trailer. It is well known that truck accidents can result in significant injury and property damage. Recently, an older couple became trapped under a truck’s trailer after it crossed into their lane.
The tractor-trailer was traveling Interstate 81 in the lane parallel to the older couple. They were in the lane to the left of the truck. Reportedly, the 37-year-old truck driver swerved into the couple’s lane in an effort to avoid a stopped car in the right shoulder lane. The 70-year-old sedan driver also swerved and drove into the grass median. Accident investigators believe that the sedan driver jerked the wheel to attempt to stay on the interstate, resulting in the collision with the back of the semi underneath its trailer.
The passenger in the sedan was trapped in the vehicle, and rescue personnel had to use machine tools to extract him. He was air-lifted to a trauma center for treatment. The sedan driver was also injured, but the driver of the semi reportedly walked away uninjured. The interstate was closed as the rescue, investigation and cleanup resulted in long traffic delays.
Due to the larger size of tractor-trailers, victims of truck accidents may suffer serious injuries or even death. Patients may experience expensive medical expenses and emotional trauma following a collision, compounding a victim’s post-accident stress. Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys who have experience handling truck companies and accidents can advise victims of their rights and options to seek compensation in civil court. A monetary judgment by a civil court jury may bring some relief for any resulting financial burden.
Source: publicopiniononline.com, “1 seriously injured in I-81 car vs. tractor-trailer crash, police say“, June 30, 2017
