Can Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in Pennsylvania?

August 10, 2023 | Truck Accidents

Can Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in Pennsylvania?

The left lane on a highway is typically for faster-moving traffic and passing. Pennsylvania law states that no vehicles, including trucks, weighing 10,000 pounds or more may be driven on the left lane of a highway with three or more lanes. 

Rules Against Trucks Using the Left Lane in Pennsylvania 

Vehicles should be operated in the furthest right lane unless passing another vehicle. If a vehicle is being driven at less than the normal speed, it should remain in the right lane. Trucks are permitted to be in the left lane when making a turn or exiting to the left. 

Trucks that use the left lane and do not maintain a normal speed will likely cause congestion. Reducing speed in the fast lane can also lead to an increased risk of collisions. If drivers are forced to pass on the right due to a slow-moving truck, this can cause passing accidents and merging collisions. 

In Pennsylvania, unless it is otherwise posted, a truck weighing over 10,000 pounds is not permitted to drive in the left-hand lane of a highway with three or more lanes. If a truck driver violates this rule, they will be subject to a $25 fine. 

Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania: Common Causes and Types of Injuries Sustained

Prohibiting trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds from driving in the left lane helps to keep other motorists safe. However, truck accidents still occur in Pennsylvania. 

The following are common types of truck accidents that occur in Pennsylvania: 

  • Distracted driving
  • Driver fatigue 
  • Violation of state and federal safety regulations 
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failure to yield
  • Tailgating
  • Aggressive driving 
  • Unsafe passing
  • Illegal lane changes
  • Illegal turns
  • Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign 
  • Mechanical issues 
  • Inexperienced or unqualified truck drivers 

Truck accidents caused by the above reasons can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for motorists and passengers in cars. 

Common injuries that can occur in truck accidents are: 

The risk of injury is increased when trucks that are prohibited from driving in the left lane do so anyway. 

What Damages Are Available Following a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you were injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation. 

The following are the types of damages that can be pursued after a truck accident: 

  • Past and future medical expenses 
  • Medications and medical devices 
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished future earning potential 
  • Physical therapy 
  • Rehabilitation
  • Property damage 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Mental anguish 
  • Disfigurement and scarring 
  • Wrongful death

If you sustain damages following a truck accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need.  

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania

Experiencing a truck accident can be terrifying. However, knowing what to do can help you feel prepared. 

The following are steps to take after a truck accident in Pennsylvania: 

  • Seek immediate medical attention 
  • Notify the police and subsequently obtain a police report 
  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene, property damage, and visible injuries 
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver 
  • Take notes regarding the trucking company, license plate number, and what occurred 
  • Get witness statements and contact information 
  • Inform the insurance company of the accident
  • Consult a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer before providing a recorded statement to the insurance company

If you are involved in a crash, you should not admit fault. Instead, contact a qualified truck accident attorney for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963