The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

In the early morning hours Monday, a truck carrying a load of grape juice on an icy highway in Pennsylvania crossed the median, then flipped onto its side, skidding towards oncoming traffic. The accident closed the highway north of Pittsburgh for nearly seven hours. After the accident, the driver was arrested under suspicion of driving drunk, and officials said his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit.

More worrisome than the individual truck accident are hints that the accident might be part of a systematic failure at the trucking company. Investigative reporters have found that the company, Hiner Transport, has failed 49 driver safety inspections in the last 30 months, nearly 17% higher than the national average. During the same period, its drivers have been cited for 80 moving violations, three of which were related to alcohol or drug use. As a result of the inspection failures, the moving violations, and seven accidents involving Hiner Transport trucks, the driver safety score has been climbing, and now approaches the deficient score. Carriers with a higher driver safety rating are 63% more likely to be involved in accidents. Ironically, Hiner Transport was named "Safest Fleet" in Indiana by the Indiana Motor Truck Association, a professional organization. This is the 8th time the company has been granted this honor, which may reflect a poor emphasis on safety by other carriers.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Pennsylvania, the personal injury lawyers at the Philadelphia office of The Cochran Firm stand ready to help. We have the experience and resources to identify when trucking companies fail in their duty to ensure the safety of their drivers. To learn how we can help you, please schedule a free case evaluation today.