Bellmore Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck driving can be a hazardous career. Fatigue caused by trying to drive for too long with too little sleep, combined with the monotony of spending hours on the road, can lead to a wide range of errors that result in accidents. Understanding your rights and responsibilities before and after colliding with another vehicle or causing property damage is a must. Here are some of the most important things to know about what New York truck driver safety regulations look like and what to expect if you experience an accident.

State and Federal Regulations Truck Drivers Must Adhere To

Adhering to safety regulations is important in preventing fatigue and doing everything you can to avoid causing an accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association publishes minimum guidelines that all truck drivers must follow while working, and New York and many other states impose their regulations that are stricter than federal requirements.

Some of the most important regulations for New York State truck drivers to follow include:

• Driving for a maximum of 11 hours after a minimum of 10 hours between shifts
• Driving for a maximum of 14 hours during the first shift after coming on duty
• Driving for a maximum of 60-70 hours during 7-8 consecutive days on duty
• Sleeping for a minimum of 8 hours between shifts
• Keeping a daily log book that lists the exact time each shift starts and ends and the number of hours driven
• Having appropriate shipping papers when transporting hazardous materials
• Completing appropriate driver qualifications and a new entrant safety audit

Determining Liability for Your Truck Accident

While negligence plays a role in most truck accidents, many are not solely the result of one driver’s actions. This means that your insurance company will need to work with the insurance companies of any other drivers involved to determine who is liable for which specific damages. Each driver will be identified as fully, partially, or not at fault, which will be an important factor in determining how much money they will owe to another party or be eligible to receive from another driver’s insurance company.

Speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer before getting in touch with your insurance company is often an important step in making sure that you have all the information you need to help your agent understand exactly what happened. We are also here to help if another party or their insurance company attempts to use false information to make you appear more at fault than you should be.

The cause of some truck accidents may also be fully or partially attributed to poor weather or road conditions, which may mean that no driver is considered to be at fault. In these situations, insurance companies will generally work together and with any other relevant parties to determine what the most reasonable options for adequately compensating each driver look like.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Even the best insurance companies can be challenging to work with, and having an experienced truck accident lawyer represent you is an important step in making sure that you are able to obtain the maximum amount of coverage you are entitled to. Regardless of who was at fault, having a professional discuss the details of your case with your insurance company and that of any other drivers or property owners that were involved helps to ensure that no important information is missed.

Regardless of who was primarily at fault, our in-depth understanding of your rights and responsibilities when communicating with insurance agents can significantly simplify this process. We can help you both obtain any compensation you are entitled to and ensure that any damages you may owe to another party are sufficiently covered.

Speak to a Bellmore Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we are here to help truck drivers in the Bellmore, NY, area understand what their rights and responsibilities look like following an accident. Whether you were injured as a result of another driver’s negligence or inadvertently caused damage to someone’s property after a momentary lapse in judgment, our experienced team can thoroughly evaluate the details of your situation to help you determine what your next steps should look like to obtain the best possible outcomes.

Our expertise in handling local issues ensures that we are well-equipped to help you navigate New York-specific regulations that may apply to your situation. Contact us today to learn more about what to expect if you have been involved in a truck accident in the Bellmore area or to schedule a consultation.

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