Truck Accident Attorneys in New City, NY

Helping Accident Victims in Rockland County Recover the Compensation They Deserve

The trucking industry doesn’t get the sort of attention that other major industries tend to get across America, but it is actually worth approximately $800 billion in the United States. Commercial trucks are an essential part of the U.S. economy, transporting food and other goods from seller to buyer and from state to state. But beyond the worth of the industry, it is important to note how dangerous these large trucks can be to other people on the roads. Considerably larger and heavier than almost all other motor vehicles, a commercial semi-truck can cause catastrophic damage if and when it is ever a part of an accident.

In such instances where car drivers or pedestrians are struck by large trucks, we can often expect to hear reports of serious injuries and maybe even the loss of life. But because these trucking companies are so big, powerful, and financially successful, they are often represented by experienced legal teams who will pull out all the stops to defend their clients from any accused wrongdoing or liability.

If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one as a result of a trucking accident, contact Greenspan & Greenspan, P.C. We have experience helping clients recover compensation from trucking companies and truck drivers whose negligence led to horrific crashes.

Call our New City, NY, truck accident lawyers at (914) 494-2500 to schedule a free consultation.

What Are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

Just like smaller motor vehicles like family cars, semi-trucks can be involved in accidents for a multitude of reasons.

Common causes of truck accidents in New York include:

  • Truck driver fatigue. Drivers are often pushed to their limits in pursuit of quotas and company demands. There are reports of some truck drivers requesting time to sleep only to be told by their company that such a break would cost them their jobs. Fatigued drivers are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While we may think of DUI or DWI charges as applying to civilian vehicles, those who hold commercial driver’s licenses make the same mistakes of getting behind the steering wheel when they’re too intoxicated to drive.
  • Inadequate training. Those with a commercial driver’s license require extra levels of training. If that training is inadequate, they could be a danger to themselves or others when behind the wheel of a big truck.
  • Distracted driving. A semi-truck driver on their cell phone, eating a meal, or talking to a passenger may become distracted and make mistakes.
  • Human error. Sometimes drivers make mistakes. We may consider these mistakes negligent or reckless, but many such errors come from miscalculation or misjudging distance and speed.
  • Truck disrepair or defects. In some cases, semi-trucks that are poorly maintained may have equipment failures, leading to accidents. Other times, the truck manufacturers might have known about defects in the design of their vehicles but did not properly address them before releasing the trucks to the public.
  • Bad weather or poor road conditions. Drivers push vehicles to the limit all the time. When a truck is pushed to perform in dangerous weather or on hazardous roads, mistakes can be catastrophic.
  • Improperly loaded cargo. Sometimes trucks are overloaded or loaded improperly, leading to imbalanced loads and dangerous conditions for the drivers.

What Sort of Injuries Could Result from Truck Accidents?

When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident with another type of vehicle, the motorcyclist typically suffers worse injuries than the driver of a car or van. Similarly, those involved in an accident with a large truck may expect to experience worse injuries than the truck driver, if only because of its impressive size and weight.

Common injuries seen in trucking accidents include:

In addition, victims of truck accidents often suffer from emotional distress, such as new cases of depression, anxiety, and prolonged anguish because of a change in their quality of life.

What Sort of Compensation Could Accident Victims Recover with the Help of an Experienced Attorney?

Those who have been injured in a trucking accident may be forced to contend with costly medical expenses for procedures done today and into the future. Their injuries may force them to miss work, resulting in lost wages. In some cases, their injuries may prevent them from ever working again, robbing them of any future income.

If it can be proven that the truck driver or their company acted recklessly or irresponsibly, it may be possible to hold them accountable for expenses related to the accident and your injury.

Not only could your settlement help pay for medical bills and lost wages, but it may also be possible to compensate you and your family for the pain and suffering you’ve been forced to endure.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident in New York?

One of the things that makes truck accident cases more complex than typical car accident claims is that multiple parties may share responsibility for what happened. Your New City truck accident lawyer will investigate all potential sources of liability, which may include:

  • The truck driver—if fatigue, distraction, impairment, or reckless driving caused or contributed to the crash;
  • The trucking company—if it pushed drivers past legal hour limits, failed to properly screen or train drivers, or ignored known safety violations;
  • The cargo loading company—if the cargo was improperly loaded or overweight so that the truck became unstable or difficult to control;
  • The truck manufacturer or parts supplier—if a mechanical defect or equipment failure contributed to the accident; and
  • A maintenance contractor—if the truck was improperly serviced, and a preventable equipment failure resulted.

 Your truck accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

What Steps Should You Take After a Truck Accident in New York?

The actions you take in the hours and days following a truck accident can significantly affect the outcome of your claim, including:

  • Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal damage, may not produce obvious symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation also creates an official record connecting your injuries to the accident.
  • Report the accident to the police. A police report documents the basic facts of what happened and creates an official record of the crash that can support your claim later.
  • Document the scene. If you are physically able, take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images can be critical evidence.
  • Collect contact and insurance information. Get the truck driver’s name, license number, and insurance information, and the trucking company’s name, as well as contact information from any witnesses.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance carrier. Insurance adjusters work for the company, not for you, and anything you say before speaking with an attorney can be used to minimize your claim.
  • Contact a New City truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence in truck accident cases, including electronic logging device data, dashcam footage, and driver records, can disappear quickly if not preserved through timely legal action.

The steps you take right after an accident can be just as important as what happens in court, and having the right legal team in your corner from the start can make all the difference.

Begin Your Confidential Attorney-Client Relationship with a Free Consultation

While it is possible to hold a trucking company responsible for its role in an accident that brought harm to you and your loved ones, this is not an easy task. These companies are represented by experienced defense attorneys and powerful insurance companies. For a better chance of filing a successful accident claim, you want to hire legal representation that will fight just as aggressively for you and your rights. You will find such a legal team at Greenspan & Greenspan, P.C.

To schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with one of our truck accident lawyers in New City, NY, give us a call today at (845) 422-8060.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New York?

In most New York personal injury cases, you have three years from the accident to file a lawsuit. Some cases involving government vehicles or wrongful death may have shorter deadlines. Waiting too long can bar your right to compensation, so it is important to consult a truck accident attorney promptly.

What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Truck Accident?

New York uses a pure comparative negligence rule, allowing recovery even if you’re partly at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, being 20% at fault reduces your compensation by 20%. An attorney can help minimize your fault and maximize recovery.

What Kind of Evidence Is Important in a Truck Accident Case?

Truck accident cases depend on evidence such as electronic logging device records, black box data, qualification and maintenance records, cargo documentation, and surveillance footage. Much of this is controlled by the trucking company and can be altered or destroyed if not preserved quickly through a legal hold. Acting fast with an attorney is vital.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?

Trucking companies often classify drivers as independent contractors to limit liability, but a court may still find the company liable based on control over the driver’s work. Your attorney will review the relationship to explore all compensation options.

What If the Trucking Company Is Based Outside of New York?

Many commercial trucking operations cross state lines, and the company responsible for your accident may be headquartered in another state entirely. This does not prevent you from pursuing a claim. A truck accident attorney with experience in multi-state cases can navigate the jurisdictional issues and pursue the full value of your claim regardless of where the company is based.

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