Truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions on the road. They can occur at any time and cause serious damage to property, severe injuries, and lasting emotional trauma.
The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean that when an accident occurs, fatalities are possible.
While trucks are a common sight on the roads in and around New York and the entire country, they also present serious risks. For example, in 2020, large trucks were involved in 4,848 fatal accidents in the U.S. This does not account for the thousands of injuries.
If you were involved in a truck accident, you might have grounds to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Our legal team at The Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III, is ready to help you file your claim.
However, until you need our services, learn about some of the most common truck driving accidents in and around New York City.
Most Common Truck Driving Accidents in NYC | New York Truck Accidents
1. Actions Taken by the Truck Driver
Many truck accidents are caused by driver negligence. Sometimes, the driver will act or fail to act, which leads to an accident. Unfortunately, this accident can be with other vehicles, pedestrians, and stationary objects, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
Today, driver negligence is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
2. Insufficient Training
To work as a truck driver, an individual must acquire a CDL (commercial driver’s license). Part of the application for this license is to take training classes and pass the required tests.
Unfortunately, many trucking companies are desperate for drivers. This has led to “fast-tracking” applicants to get them on the road. This insufficient or non-existing training puts everyone on the road at risk.
It is also necessary for employers to ensure that the drivers they hire can handle commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, proper due diligence is not always taken by trucking companies.
3. Reckless Driving
Some truck drivers have earned a reputation for intimidating and aggressive driving. Unfortunately, the stereotype is not completely wrong.
The shipping and transportation industry pressures drivers to make deliveries faster, which can lead to unsafe driving actions. While the federal government has created regulations to help combat this problem, not all truck drivers follow them.
4. Drowsy or Fatigued Driving
When truck drivers are drowsy or fatigued, it limits their reaction times and may cause them to lose control of their vehicles. Some experts have even stated that drowsy drivers are just as dangerous as drunk drivers. This is something that must be avoided.
5. Driving Under the Influence
For some drivers, trucking is a lonely and stressful job. Because of this, some drivers turn to alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, many use these substances while on the road.
Unlike many other jobs, where a worker will go home after working for the day, many truck drivers stay on the road and work for days or weeks at a time. They sleep, eat, and live on the road. This causes many to stop for a drink after a long day of driving. They may also engage in other recreational activities, which is dangerous if they drive without getting sober first.
6. Distracted Driving
Many truck drivers are behind the wheel for up to 14 hours daily. This is a lot of time to just sit and drive. Because of this, it can cause them to become distracted by many different things.
There are countless truck driver distractions, from texting or using the phone to eating and drinking or even watching television on their mobile device. It takes just a moment for a collision to occur. Unfortunately, many distractions take a driver’s focus off the road for seconds at a time.
7. Improperly Loaded Cargo
Loading cargo or materials in a truck may seem simple and routine on the surface. However, it is essential to ensure that the cargo is loaded properly and safely to ensure no issues arise. If the cargo is loaded haphazardly, it may result in serious issues and even an accident when the driver gets on the road.
Truck drivers need to consider the load’s dimensions, size, and weight and ensure it is evenly distributed, so it does not roll over and cause them to lose control. If this happens, it puts any nearby vehicles at risk too.
We Can Help if You Were the Victim of an NYC Truck Accident
As you can see, there are multiple causes of NYC truck accidents. If you were the victim of an accident caused by one of the things above, you might be able to file a claim and receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
We encourage you to reach out to our legal team at The Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III, to learn more about your rights and what must be done to file a claim.
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