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Devastating fatal tractor-trailer accident in Scranton. Five people were killed on Pennsylvania highway Interstate 81 on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024. 

A tragic incident unfolded on Interstate 81 in snowy northeastern Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of five people who were struck by a tractor-trailer after leaving their vehicles following a previous car crash. The initial car accident occurred when a minivan lost control, colliding with a median on the northbound interstate in Lackawanna County around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Four occupants of the van and a person from a separate car, who had been following them, exited their vehicles and were subsequently struck by the passing tractor-trailer. Emergency responders, including the coroner, multiple fire departments, and state police, attended the scene. The county coroner confirmed that all five victims were from New York state. The Scranton fatal accident took place amid a winter weather advisory that was in effect until 4 p.m. that day, warning of hazardous road conditions due to freezing temperatures and several inches of snow, urging drivers to use caution. Witnesses on the road reported slick conditions due to the accumulated snow. 

Pennsylvania road accidents resulting from snow, ice, and poor winter weather conditions often lead to severe injuries and fatalities. Slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility, and icy patches contribute to a higher risk of collisions, leading to more severe outcomes. Vehicles may lose control on icy roads, resulting in multi-vehicle pile-ups, rollovers, and high-impact crashes. Moreover, rescue and emergency response efforts can be hampered by challenging weather conditions, potentially delaying assistance to those involved in accidents. It underscores the importance of cautious driving to mitigate the devastating impact of road accidents during inclement weather. Call a Scranton wrongful death truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.

Pennsylvania tractor-trailer accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents on Pennsylvania roads pose a significant hazard due to several factors inherent to these large commercial vehicles. The sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers make them inherently more challenging to maneuver and bring to a stop, increasing the likelihood of severe accidents. Additionally, their extended stopping distances and limited visibility contribute to a higher risk of collisions, especially in adverse weather conditions. The potential for driver fatigue, given the demanding schedules and long hours often associated with trucking, further heightens the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the cargo carried by tractor-trailers may not always be adequately secured, posing an additional danger in the event of a collision. While regulations exist to address safety concerns, the high number of yearly fatalities in accidents involving tractor-trailers often underscores the need for continued efforts in enforcing and improving safety standards within the trucking industry. Pennsylvania tractor-trailers accidents are responsible for a huge number of personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims. Drivers of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and passengers are at increased risk of sustaining severe injuries, including head injuries, skull fractures, brain swelling, spine and spinal cord injuries and death. According to the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) tractor-trailers pose an extended risk of Pennsylvania wrongful death in accidents involving tractor-trailers. The most current and recent statistics reveal that accidents with tractor-trailers are frighteningly common. In 2021 alone, a total of 523,796 tractor-trailer accidents occurred across the United States. A year prior there were 415,444 accidents. 101,000 of Pennsylvania tractor-trailer crashes caused various injuries from mild to severe over the course of that year. Another 4,444 tractor-trailer crashes caused fatalities. 

Pennsylvania tractor-trailer drivers and the companies that employ them may be held liable when a crash occurs and victims or the deceased victims’ survivors may be entitled to file a tractor trailer accident personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit. 

If you or your loved one sustained injury or died due to a Pennsylvania tractor-trailer accident in Scranton PA, contact our Pennsylvania wrongful death and tractor trailer truck accident lawyers immediately to discuss the details of your case for free.

Last Updated on January 17, 2024

Matthew C. Trapani

The injury lawyers at the Trapani Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients injured in catastrophic car accidents and other personal injury accidents. Additionally, our personal injury law firm has handled wrongful death claims for families of victims killed or injured in tragic accidents. There is no cost to our clients until our experienced attorneys have won your case. The Trapani Law Firm would like our visitors to be aware that we obtain our information through secondary sources so it is entirely possible that our news blog posts may contain data that is not 100% accurate. If we have improper information posted on our blog please feel free to email us so we can make the necessary adjustments. Our law firm has posted this news blog for informative purposes, in order to help keep our local community safer. The Trapani Law Firm handles these types of injury cases, however whether or not attorney representation is needed is a very private decision that we honor. DISCLAIMER: The information above is not intended to express or constitute legal or medical advice.