Truck Accident Attorney in Levittown, New York

New York is home to plenty of large commercial trucks. Chances are you see them every day, coming and going on the highways and roads. While these trucks are important to commerce and the economy, they can also be extremely dangerous. Even careful drivers may find themselves involved in an accident with a truck and face devastating consequences. With our team of truck accident lawyers in Levittown, we can assist you.

If you were involved in a truck accident in Levittown, we are here to help. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we can help. Our experienced attorneys can provide the legal guidance and knowledge to help you secure compensation from the at-fault party or parties.

Common Causes of Levittown Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur at any time and anywhere. While true, some causes of truck accidents are more common than others.

Driver Fatigue

One of the most prevalent causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often have long, grueling hours on the road, and federal regulations only allow a certain amount of driving time.

But sometimes, drivers push themselves beyond these limits. Fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment, making the road dangerous for everyone involved.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving isn’t just a problem for car drivers; it’s also a significant issue for truck drivers. Whether it’s answering a phone, adjusting the GPS, or even eating—any distraction can be deadly when operating a massive vehicle. A momentary lapse in attention can result in a catastrophe that impacts multiple vehicles on the road.

Mechanical Failures

Trucks are complicated machines that require regular maintenance. Sometimes accidents happen due to mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine failures. Although trucking companies are supposed to adhere to strict maintenance schedules, lapses do occur, leading to devastating accidents.

Overloaded Cargo

Weight restrictions are in place for a reason. An overloaded truck is harder to maneuver and requires more distance to come to a complete stop. Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can cause the truck to tip over, particularly on bends and turns, posing a significant risk to the driver and others on the road.

Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and fog can make driving challenging for anyone, but they’re particularly problematic for truck drivers who manage large, heavy vehicles. Poor visibility and slippery roads can lead to accidents that could have been avoided in better weather conditions.

Reckless Driving

While not as common, some truck accidents occur due to reckless driving. This can include excessive speeding, tailgating, and dangerous overtaking maneuvers. Such behavior puts the truck driver at risk and everyone else sharing the road.

Who May Be Liable for a Truck Accident in Levittown?

Determining liability after a truck accident can be challenging. In some cases, just one person will be to blame, but there are situations where multiple parties may have played a role in causing the accident.

Some of the parties that may be liable for a truck accident include the following:

Truck Driver

The first and most obvious party that may be held liable for a truck accident is the driver. If the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or under the influence, they would likely be the primary party responsible. However, proving driver liability often requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering.

Trucking Company

In some cases, the trucking company may be liable for the accident. This could be due to inadequate training of drivers, poor maintenance of vehicles, or encouraging drivers to break regulations, such as driving for longer hours than federally permitted. They could be held accountable if the company’s negligence contributed to the accident.

Cargo Loaders

Incorrectly loaded or overloaded cargo can result in an unstable vehicle, which may cause accidents. Those responsible for loading the truck’s cargo must adhere to specific safety regulations. If it’s found that improper cargo loading led to an accident, the loaders or the company they work for could be held liable.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer

The vehicle or parts manufacturer may be liable if an accident occurs due to a mechanical failure from a manufacturing defect. This could involve faulty brakes, malfunctioning steering systems, or tire failures. In such cases, you could be dealing with product liability claims.

Other Drivers

Sometimes, the fault doesn’t lie solely with the truck driver or associated parties. Other drivers on the road could also share responsibility for the accident, particularly if their actions forced the truck into a dangerous situation. In these scenarios, liability may be shared among multiple parties.

Government Entities

In certain cases, the responsibility might extend to government entities. If, for example, a truck accident was caused due to poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage, or faulty traffic lights, a government body could be held accountable.

How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident Case?

Determining liability can be challenging in truck accidents. Along with several parties potentially playing a role in the accident, some laws must be considered.

When you hire truck accident lawyers in Levittown to help with your truck accident claim, we will use the following to help determine liability.

Police Reports and Initial Investigation

The first step in determining liability usually involves a review of the police report filed after the accident. This report contains the initial findings of law enforcement, which often includes eyewitness statements, photographs of the scene, and sometimes even preliminary fault assessment. While this is not conclusive evidence, it provides a starting point for further investigation.

Expert Witnesses and Forensic Analysis

To establish liability definitively, expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists are often employed. These experts analyze elements such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to piece together the events leading to the accident. Their testimony can be invaluable in proving who or what caused the collision.

Vehicle and Maintenance Records

In many truck accidents, vehicle conditions can be a crucial factor. Maintenance records, driver logs, and other internal documents can reveal if the trucking company or driver failed to maintain the vehicle adequately. If poor maintenance contributed to the accident, liability might fall on the trucking company or third-party maintenance services.

Surveillance Footage

In an increasingly monitored world, surveillance footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses can significantly determine fault. This video evidence can offer an unbiased account of the incident and help investigators understand the sequence of events.

Statements and Interviews

Sometimes the parties involved or eyewitnesses can provide essential information for determining liability. Truck accident lawyers in Levittown and investigators will often conduct detailed interviews to collect these accounts. However, it’s crucial to consider that human memory and perception can be flawed, so these statements are typically used with other forms of evidence.

Federal and State Regulations

Both federal and state laws govern trucking operations, including vehicle maintenance standards and driver hours-of-service limits. Determining liability can become more straightforward if an investigation reveals that these regulations were violated.

Why Choose Us?

Finding the right attorney is crucial when dealing with a truck accident. The attorney you hire will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Some reasons we believe our services are right for your case include:

Extensive Experience

When it comes to handling truck accident cases, experience is more than just a buzzword for us—it’s our cornerstone. We’ve successfully navigated the complex legal landscape for countless clients, securing them the compensation they rightly deserve. We understand the challenges related to truck accident cases and are ready to help you get the best possible outcome for yours.

Local Expertise

Our truck accident lawyers in Levittown know the local laws and the road conditions and have relationships with local law enforcement and courts. This localized insight helps us streamline the process, making it less stressful and more efficient for you.

Client-Centric Approach

We’re not a legal factory churning out case after case; we take the time to get to know you and understand your specific needs. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, you’ll feel listened to and respected. It’s this personalized approach that allows us to represent you in the most effective manner.

No Win, No Fee

Legal procedures can be costly, but everyone has the right to top-notch legal representation, irrespective of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything unless we win your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about legal fees.

Stellar Reputation

Don’t just take our word for it; our reputation speaks for itself. With numerous positive testimonials and high ratings, we are proud to be a law firm that clients trust and recommend. Our commitment to ethical practices and outstanding legal service sets us apart.

What to Do After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, taking the right steps is important. If possible, use the information here to get the best possible outcome for your case if you move forward to seek compensation.

Assess Immediate Safety

First and foremost, assess the safety of yourself and others involved. If it’s safe and possible, move your vehicle out of the traffic flow to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.

Call Emergency Services

Regardless of the accident’s severity, it’s crucial to call 911. Emergency medical services can evaluate injuries, and law enforcement can secure the scene and file an official report, which will be essential in future legal proceedings.

Document the Scene

Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident, capturing multiple angles of vehicle damage, skid marks, and other relevant conditions like weather or road signs. This visual evidence can be invaluable later on.

Collect Information

Gather details from everyone involved in the accident, including names, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. Write down the truck’s USDOT number, often found on both sides of the truck’s cab.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine initially, symptoms of injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding can take time to manifest. Go to a hospital for a thorough medical evaluation and keep records of any treatment received.

Taking the right steps immediately after a truck accident can impact your ability to secure justice and compensation. Following this guide can help you navigate this stressful time more effectively.

How We Can Help

Our truck accident lawyers in Levittown are ready to help you with your truck accident case. Some of the services we offer to our clients include:

Investigations and Evidence

Firstly, we kick off our boots and dig into the nitty-gritty of the case. We collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and consult experts to build a case that stands up in court.

Negotiations

We’re your voice in the room regarding negotiating with insurance companies. Trust us; you don’t want to go head-to-head with insurance adjusters alone.

Litigation

We’re ready to take your case to court if push comes to shove. We prepare meticulously to ensure you have the best chance of a favorable outcome.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include:

• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Property Damage

We will work to help you get the full compensation you are entitled to.

Contact Our Office for Help with Your Truck Accident Claim

So, if you’re in Levittown, New York, and are in a truck accident, don’t hesitate. Give us a call at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III. We’re here to make sure you get the justice you deserve.