Truck Accident Lawyers in White Plains, NY — Helping Big Rig Accident Victims Seek Justice
If you or your loved one was injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, you are likely facing medical bills and insurance negotiations all while trying to recover. Get help from White Plains truck accident lawyer, Mike Greenspan. Contact us today for a free legal strategy session and allow us to handle your legal matter so you can focus on recover.
Tractor-trailer vehicles drive a cumulative 140 billion miles on American roads every year. They’re an integral part of our economy, and we wouldn’t have access to many vital products without them. Unfortunately, they also create a substantial danger for others on the highway. Even a low-speed collision with a big rig can prove detrimental. If you or a loved one have been harmed in a motor vehicle accident involving a truck, a truck accident lawyer in White Plains, NY may be able to help.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, our team of legal professionals has seen what can happen when tractor-trailer vehicles and carrier companies act negligently. The size of these trucks means any collision can be catastrophic, and as such, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether your injuries are minor or you’ve lost a loved one, our law firm can help you better understand your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Are You Entitled to Compensation?
The first question people ask their White Plains truck accident attorney is, “Am I entitled to financial compensation?”
This is a good question, and the answer will vary dependent on a variety of factors. To start, it’s first important to show that a third party had a duty of care that was violated and whose violation resulted in harm or damages. Establishing a duty of care in truck accidents is fairly simple — because all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely.
If a truck driver’s wrongful acts caused you physical or emotional injuries — or this occurred due to the negligence of parties linked to them — you may have a solid personal injury case.
However, it’s important to understand that liability can be complex in these cases. There’s a chance that multiple parties — including the victim — may share liability. Since New York recognizes comparative negligence, though, this would not bar a victim from financial recovery.
What Are the Main Causes of Truck Accidents?
One need only look at the leading causes of truck accidents in America to understand how complex liability can be. For instance, an unrepaired pothole could cause a big rig to slam into a stopped vehicle.
While the immediate response may be to blame the truck driver, the fact is that the local government may be at fault due to their failure to repair. This is just one example of the complicated issues that can arise.
However, the most common causes are typically straightforward:
- Inclement weather
- Unbalanced cargo loads
- Driver fatigue
- Hazards on the roadway
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Lack of maintenance
- Distracted driving
Each of these leading causes could result in liability for differing parties. A truck accident lawyer in White Plains, NY can help you identify all potentially liable parties. After doing so, it’s possible to seek out a fair settlement offer from each at-fault party’s insurance company.
In cases where the insurer’s client clearly holds liability, this may be a simple process. However, you need trial lawyers on your side — like those at Greenspan & Greenspan — in case insurers act unfairly.
Who Is At Fault in a Tractor Trailer Accident?
Liability has the potential to be unclear in large truck accidents due to varying factors. In some instances, the issues are apparent. A drunk driving accident is clearly the fault of the truck driver, but failed brakes point to a lack of maintenance by the carrier company. However, the majority of big rig collisions are not the fault of either of these parties. Statistics show that 80% of all commercial trucking accidents are due to the negligence of passenger vehicle drivers.
However, it’s important that you never assume liability in your case. The first thing you should do is speak with a White Plains, NY truck accident attorney. An inaccurate assumption on your part could result in you losing substantial compensation that you’re entitled to. In New York, injury victims can recover compensation even if they were mostly at fault for an accident — recovery would simply be reduced by their percentage of fault.
If this sounds complicated, that’s because it can be. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to our personal injury lawyers in White Plains, NY today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a White Plains, NY Truck Accident Attorney?
After asking if they might be entitled to compensation, truck accident victims often follow up with, “Do I actually need an attorney?” Again, this is a great question. After all, the law allows injury victims to negotiate settlements with insurance companies and even file lawsuits on their own. Unfortunately, many people find out the hard way that this is a tough road to travel. In fact, it can result in them receiving far less compensation than they deserve.
The simple fact is that an insurance company is not on your side. The primary goal of every adjuster is to pay out as little as possible. If this means asking misleading questions or reaching out when you’re still frazzled by the accident, that’s exactly what they’ll do. And if your case ends up in court, you’ll have to face off against skilled attorneys on your own. These are just a few of the reasons that injury victims with attorneys secure higher compensation.
Contact Our White Plains Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
There are few things as scary on the road as a massive truck hurdling by you unexpectedly. It’s fortunate that accidents involving these vehicles are so rare, but when they do occur, those involved can face devastating consequences. Mounting medical expenses, lost income at work, physical therapy costs, payment for future treatment, and other expenditures are just the tip of the iceberg. In some cases, innocent victims lose their lives.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we cannot guarantee that you’re entitled to compensation. As mentioned in this guide, the majority of tractor-trailer accidents are not the fault of the drivers or their employers. However, New York’s comparative negligence laws mean that you may be entitled to compensation even if you contributed to an accident. Contact us today by calling (914) 946-2500 to get a better understanding of your situation.
Our truck injury lawyers in White Plains can also assist with the following types of cases: