Have you been injured in a truck crash? Hire an accomplished Pennsylvania 18-wheeler accident lawyer to fight for your rights!
18-wheelers, big rigs, and other large commercial vehicles must follow Pennsylvania and US safety regulations. If you’ve been injured in a crash, each experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Kitay Law Offices is on your side. We’ll hold the truck driver, trucking companies, and insurance companies accountable and will demand the justice and compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
Count on us as your trusted Pennsylvania truck accident law firm. We’ve served PA for over 25 years and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Schedule your free consultation today. Fill out our online form or call 888-KITAYLAW. We are The Law Firm With a Heart and are here for you 24/7.
KITAY LAW OFFICES
HAS BEEN FEATURED IN:
SKIP TO CONTENT:
- Legal Help for Your 18-Wheeler Injury Case
- We’ll Demand Your Justice & Compensation
- Wrongful Death: Fatal 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Steps We Take to Win Your Case
- The Deadline to File Your Injury Claim
- Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are More Complex
- State & Federal Truck Accident Laws
- Pricing: Attorney Contingency Fees
- What Is an Eighteen-Wheeler?
- What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident
- Our Locations: Contact Us
- FAQs about 18-wheeler Injury Cases
- Helpful Resources
RECENT SETTLEMENTS:
Comprehensive Legal Representation from Our Best 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in PA
Our team of 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Pennsylvania represents clients injured by negligent 18-wheeler drivers and commercial trucking companies.
Our clients in these personal injury cases include:
- Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles
- Uber and Lyft passengers
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
We also compassionately serve families who have lost a loved one in a fatal trucking accident.
If you’ve been injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, we will stand up for you and will demand justice and fair compensation from the trucking companies and their insurers. You deserve to be made whole in the eyes of the law. Our job is to help make that happen for you.
Demand Justice & Compensation with a Licensed 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer in PA
For more than 25 years, the skilled team of Pennsylvania 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Kitay Law Offices has fought for our clients, recovering millions of dollars for injured victims and loved ones.
Justice and maximum compensation mean so much after an 18-wheeler accident occurs. As your Pennsylvania 18-wheeler injury lawyers, we’ll represent you in your truck accident claim and demand that those responsible for your injuries provide fair compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Lost Future Income
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Companionship
- Punitive Damages
We compassionately fight for every client we represent. Find out what your case might be worth by scheduling a free case review with our 18-wheeler accident law firm in PA.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits for Fatal 18-Wheeler Accidents
If an 18-wheeler accident has resulted in the death of your loved one, our hearts go out to you. In these circumstances, the estate can still pursue a claim, known as a “Survival Action.”
Family members are entitled to receive compensation from the company responsible through a wrongful death claim if an 18-wheeler accident causes the death of a loved one. These cases are governed by special sections of Pennsylvania law [1].
We are The Law Firm with a Heart and are here for you 24/7. Call 888-KITAYLAW.
Steps Our PA 18-wheeler Accident Attorneys Take for Your Case
Count on each skilled Pennsylvania 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Kitay Law Offices to:
- Obtain statements from eyewitnesses
- Capture photos and videos of the accident scene to help with determining liability
- Review camera footage
- Extract data from the truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (the truck’s black box)
- Review the truck driver’s logbook
- Examine police reports and accident reports for accuracy
- Review medical records to show how your serious injuries are related to the crash
- Ensure that the trucking company and all parties preserve critical evidence in case of truck accident litigation
- Obtain alcohol and drug test results for any truck driver involved in the crash
- Understand the tricks insurance companies play in a truck accident lawsuit
- Use a variety of experts to help support your case, which may include accident reconstruction or other commercial trucking industry experts
Don’t go it alone. We’re here to guide you through this complex legal process.
Deadline to File an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuit in PA
For most 18-wheeler and commercial truck accident lawsuits, you have two years to sue for your injuries in Pennsylvania [2], and typically six months for accidents involving government entities [3].
This is the official statute of limitations for 18-wheeler injuries under Pennsylvania law.
If you do not file a lawsuit for your 18-wheeler accident claim within these time limits, in many circumstances you will forfeit the opportunity to collect any compensation from those responsible for injuring you.
Don’t wait any longer to have your case evaluated. Contact Kitay Law Offices today for a free, confidential, no-obligation case review.
18-Wheeler Accident Cases Are More Complex – We Can Help
Eighteen-wheeler accidents are very different from other personal injury cases, including most car accidents. Complex federal laws regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), alongside Pennsylvania state laws, set high standards for safe driving and how 18-wheeler companies must secure and maintain their trucks.
18-wheeler accidents we handle often include unique aspects like:
- Multiple commercial truck drivers, causes (such as distracted driving), and jurisdictions
- Insurance companies with large policies
- Heavier property damage due to the size and weight of a commercial truck
- 18-wheeler accident victims have a greater chance of death, traumatic brain injuries, or other serious injuries
- Truck accident injuries are more likely to result in larger medical bills
The trucking industry is likely to vigorously fight against your claim. This is especially true because 18-wheeler crashes often cause victims to suffer catastrophic injuries or result in wrongful death claims.
Make sure you have an 18-wheeler accident lawyer on your side who understands the unique differences between truck accidents and other cases. There is no substitute for an experienced Pennsylvania 18-wheeler truck accident attorney.
LEARN MORE: Car and Truck Accident Lawsuit Differences
We Know State & Federal 18-Wheeler Accident Laws
In addition to following state and local rules of the road, 18-wheelers must follow comprehensive federal regulations and laws. Some of the most important Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules focus on:
- Driving Hour Limits – Setting restrictions on the number of hours 18-wheeler truck drivers can operate.
- Daily Log Requirements – Mandating drivers to document their working hours every day.
- Substance Testing Protocols – Ensuring 18-wheeler drivers remain sober through regular testing.
- Vehicle Safety Standards – Requiring trucking companies to maintain inspection, repair, and upkeep systems for safe operation.
LEARN MORE: Pennsylvania Truck Accident Laws
An experienced Pennsylvania 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer at Kitay Law Offices will inspect trucking records while fighting your case. We’ll work to identify instances of 18-wheeler driver and trucking company negligence.
Pricing: Our 18-wheeler Accident Law Firm in PA Uses Contingency Fees
Every 18-wheeler accident attorney or law firm in Pennsylvania may approach their fees differently. At Kitay Law Offices, we believe in making quality legal representation accessible, which is why we never bill hourly for truck accident cases. Instead, we operate on a contingency fee basis – commonly known as the “No Win, No Fee” arrangement.
Simply put: we don’t earn a fee unless you receive an accident settlement or verdict in your favor. You can be certain that our accomplished 18-wheeler crash attorneys will work hard to obtain the best possible result in your case. Call us today for your free consultation.
What Is an 18-Wheeler?
An 18-wheeler, also known as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig, is a large truck typically used for transporting goods over long distances. It consists of two primary components:
- Tractor: The front part, equipped with an engine, cab, and controls, which houses the driver and powers the vehicle.
- Trailer: The rear section, designed to carry cargo, which is attached to the tractor.
The term “18-wheeler” refers to the total number of wheels on the vehicle – usually eight on the tractor and ten on the trailer. These vehicles are classified as commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and are regulated by federal and state laws, particularly in terms of weight limits, driver qualifications, and safety standards.
LEARN MORE: Types of Truck Accident Vehicles
Your Next Steps After an 18-wheeler Accident in Pennsylvania
Taking these steps below can help protect your rights, contribute to the success of your 18-wheeler injury case, and may increase your ability to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries:
- Seek medical attention and document all injuries
- Contact an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer for legal representation
- Do not sign documents or speak publicly about your injuries until you get legal advice
- Track your expenses
- Follow your medical treatment plan
For immediate help, contact the experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers of Kitay Law Offices at 888-KITAYLAW.
Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Injury Cases
Generally, these are the people or companies that may be held responsible for an 18-wheeler accident:
- A negligent 18-wheeler driver
- Trucking company
- Owner of the vehicle involved in the 18-wheeler truck accident
- Company leasing the 18-wheeler involved in the collision
- The company leasing the trailer involved in the crash
- Shipping company that failed to load or secure the load properly
- Manufacturer of poorly made trucks, trailers, or parts
Additional people or entities involved in your 18-wheeler accident may be held responsible, and each is likely to have insurance companies available to pay for damages.
18-wheeler engines are large and powerful and typically include these attributes:
Engine Size
- Typically 12 to 18 liters
- Common sizes: 13, 14.8, and 15 liters.
Power Output
- Horsepower: 400 to 600
- Torque: 1,000 to 2,000 lb-ft
Engine Type
- Usually inline six-cylinder diesel engines
- Diesel fuel provides better hauling power
Since “18-wheeler” is really a generic term for a semi-truck or big rig, there are circumstances when more or less than 18 wheels may exist on these vehicles. Typically the tractor in front has 10 wheels (two wheels on the steering axle, and eight wheels on the rear axles), and the trailer in back has eight wheels (four wheels on each rear axle), making 18 wheels.
Some trucks use “super singles” (larger single tires) instead of dual tires, reducing the total wheel count. Depending on their purpose, specialized trucks may have more or fewer axles and wheels.
An empty (unloaded) 18-wheeler typically weighs between 30,000 and 35,000 pounds without cargo. When fully loaded, the weight can reach up to 80,000 pounds, the maximum legal weight limit for a commercial vehicle in the United States, as regulated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)[4].
The height of a standard 18-wheeler truck is typically around 13.5 feet to comply with federal regulations, though this can vary slightly and extend to 14.5 feet tall, depending on the specific truck and trailer design.
An 18-wheeler typically has a total length ranging from 70 to 80 feet. The tractor (cab) usually measures between 20 to 30 feet in length, and the most common trailer length is 53 feet.
