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Every day, thousands of people across the state share the road with large commercial trucks, and sadly, accidents happen more often than most realize. Truck accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what steps to take next.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming and confusing the aftermath of a truck accident can be. We are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation and care you deserve. For over 70 years, our law firm has fought for New York clients in their times of need, providing highly effective legal representation with a deep commitment to their full recovery.
In this blog, we will break down what causes truck accidents, review common causes of truck accidents, and explore New York truck accident statistics to help you better understand the risks and your legal options.
Truck Accidents Are Increasingly Common in New York
New York’s bustling highways, dense urban areas, and busy freight routes create a perfect storm for serious truck accidents. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research, over 1,100 large truck crashes were reported in 2022. It is also worth noting that commercial vehicle crashes are more likely to involve multiple vehicles than a standard car collision.
While each accident is unique, many share common underlying factors that can be important to your legal claim. Understanding what causes truck accidents is essential for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your rights on the road.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
We have seen firsthand how devastating truck accidents can be. These accidents can occur for any number of reasons. They highlight the need for accountability when drivers or trucking companies act negligently. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Driving tired is never a good idea for anyone. Truck drivers are often under tight delivery deadlines. Despite federal regulations, such as the hours of service (HOS) rules outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), some drivers push beyond their legal driving limits, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue.
Distracted Driving
Distractions, including texting, GPS navigation, and eating behind the wheel, continue to be a leading cause of accidents. Given the size and weight of trucks, even a momentary lapse in attention can result in catastrophic collisions. Though it is difficult to determine how much of a role distracted driving plays in accidents, it is undoubtedly significant.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding, unsafe lane changes, and tailgating are dangerous behaviors among truck drivers. New York’s congested roadways only amplify these risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor-vehicle speeding killed over 10,000 people in 2019, which means around a quarter of all traffic deaths were speed-related. This statistic is not specific to trucks, but it is certainly relevant.
Improper Loading
When cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift during transit and cause the truck to become unstable. This makes quick driving maneuvers and poor road conditions even more risky, leading to rollover accidents or cargo spilling onto the roadway, endangering other drivers.
Mechanical Failures
Brake failure, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues seriously contribute to accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require trucking companies to maintain their fleets properly. However, increasing pressure to save costs may cause companies to neglect vehicle maintenance.
Weather and Road Conditions
Icy roads, heavy rain, and limited visibility significantly increase the risk of truck crashes, especially when drivers fail to adjust their driving accordingly. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the driver, trucking company, or municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway could be at fault.
Causes of Crashes Unique to New York
To better protect yourself on the road, it is helpful to understand some of the causes of truck accidents specific to New York. Congested highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway and I-87, as well as heavy commercial traffic in areas like Long Island and Brooklyn, contribute heavily to the risks.
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), most truck accidents occur on weekdays during daylight hours. They often involve multiple vehicles and result in property damage, serious injuries, or death. Driver inattention and unsafe speed are among the most frequently cited contributing factors.
How to Protect Yourself After a Truck Accident
Taking the right steps can make a significant difference if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident. Some steps to take to help protect your rights include:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel injured;
- Document the scene with photos, witness contact information, and a copy of the police report;
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal representation; and
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers to evaluate your case.
Our team will work aggressively on your behalf. We are committed to investigating the accident, gathering critical evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking your case to trial.
Work with Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers to Protect Your Future
If you are facing the aftermath of a truck accident, you should not have to navigate the legal system alone. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we do not just aim for the maximum financial recovery; we fight for your long-term health, stability, and well-being.
We consider it an honor to represent you in your time of need and will fight to secure the resources you need to move forward with strength and peace of mind. Let us help you turn this difficult chapter into a story of resilience and recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Your future is worth fighting for.
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