Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Turnpike accident could remain unresolved for a long time as NTSB investigates

A recent crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike involving a tour bus and several trucks that claimed five lives and injured about 50 other people is still in the process of being understood. There may not be a satisfying answer for victims and their families regarding exactly what happened, as the investigation is likely to be a long and drawn out process. 

The NTSB is just beginning to understand what happened

The National Transportation Safety Board stated that it may take up to two years before they can complete their investigation and release a cause of the accident. The initial fact finding phase of the investigation is expected to last several months. This includes investigators viewing the damage to vehicles, visiting hospitals and coroner’s offices, and revisiting the scene. One of the trucks involved and a drone have video footage of the area that must be downloaded and analyzed, which had not yet happened at the time of the news report. 

The board only has one lab available for analysis and some employees and resources are in the process of investigating prior crashes. The delays can essentially be attributed to a lack of resources and a large caseload. The NTSB also handles aircraft, marine, and hazardous materials incidents in addition to serious traffic crashes. However, the board does believe that their investigations help improve safety regulations and make transportation safer for people travelling in all kinds of vehicles. They must follow procedures regarding how investigators can present their findings to the board and reveal the findings to the public in a hearing after the process is concluded.   

Another smaller crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike that affected fewer victims in 2013 took 9 months for the investigation to conclude. 

One of the main concerns regarding the crash was the lack of seatbelts on the tour bus. Similar buses are now required to have safety belts installed since the NTSB updated their safety guidelines in 2016, but this was an older model, and the new regulations did not require buses that were already in use to be updated. The tractor trailers involved in the accident were owned by UPS and FedEx. 

Remedies available to victims and their families

While the investigation conducted by the NTSB will be significant, families can try to get help elsewhere in the meantime. They can contact an attorney who focuses on motor vehicle accidents and begin the process of filing a lawsuit. Other evidence can be used by their lawyer and the businesses involved during the discovery process before the NTSB’s final report becomes available. They can also interview witnesses and perform other important investigatory steps on their own. 

Whether the case settles or goes to trial, the NTSB investigation will only be one important piece of evidence, and it may not ultimately decide fault or responsibility for this accident. The families of the victims who died in the crash may also want to file a wrongful death lawsuit to receive compensation related to the person’s medical and funeral expenses, as well as future lost wages. 

Talk to an accident attorney in your area

There are lawyers who can advocate on your behalf after any kind of motor vehicle accident. Scanlon and Wojton, Attorneys at Law serve Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania with superior legal representation.