Pennsylvania Fracking Truck Accidents on the Rise: What You Need to Know

Scartelli Olszewski P.C.

Large Truck Accidents on the Rise

According to the NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts report dated 2010, in the United States, 3,675 people were killed and 80,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds). In the United States, 276,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes during 2010. Clearly, large truck traffic accidents are on the rise. Pennsylvania has had its own share of large truck accidents but recently fracking truck accidents have become a specific concern.

What is Fracking?

One can hardly turn on the news in Pennsylvania today without out hearing the new term “fracking.” Exactly what is fracking?Fracking is a new, controversial method of extracting gas from beneath the earth’s surface. Pennsylvania recently voted to allow fracking. Some fear fracking poses a threat to the environment and ultimately the health of residents due to the waste products that result from the fracking process.

Unintended Consequence of Pennsylvania Fracking

An unintended consequence of fracking is the potential for serious injury or death when a truck transporting the wastewater, also called fracking fluid, from hydraulic fracking is involved in an accident on Pennsylvania roadways. The equipment used and transported on these trucks, if involved in such a trucking accident is also of concern. Due to long hours that Pennsylvania fracking truck drivers generally work to stay on schedule, an increase in trucking accidents is feared. The Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers at Scartelli Olszewki have seen an increasing number of fracking truck accidents.

Advice If You or A Loved One is Involved in a Fracking Truck Accident

Remember the basics of what to do if you’ve been in an accident with a truck accident: call police, stay put or get to safety, seek medical attention, take pictures only if possible and if you are out of harm’s way.
Do not take blame for the accident and inform your insurance company.
Truck accidents related to fracking are complex and each case should be treated as a unique. Hiring a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney who specializes in such cases and understands the scientific and engineering principles involved is key to ensuring a successful outcome.
As a victim of a fracking accident in Pennsylvania understand that you are entitled to the counseling and expert representation from the truck accident attorneys you select in the event your case goes to trial. Your medical and financial security depends on your choice.