In 2022, more than 168,000 truck accidents were reported in the United States. These accidents claimed the lives of more than 4,700 victims while leaving tens of thousands of other victims hurt. After truck accidents occur, victims can file truck accident claims to recover compensation. However, some unique challenges come with truck accident claims. Our truck accident attorney in Long Island is here to explain.
The Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result from a variety of circumstances. Many of the causes involve some form of negligence. Among the leading causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Extended periods behind the wheel can result in driver fatigue, diminishing both reaction times and decision-making capabilities.
- Distracted Driving: Activities that take a driver’s attention off the road can lead to serious accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding, especially on highways and busy roads, increases the likelihood of accidents and reduces the driver’s ability to react in time.
- Poor Weather Conditions: New York experiences various weather conditions, including snow, rain, and fog, which can contribute to reduced visibility and slippery roads, leading to accidents.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can become unstable, making them more prone to accidents, especially during maneuvers or sudden stops.
- Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the truck’s brakes, tires, steering system, or other critical components can lead to accidents, especially if regular maintenance is neglected.
- Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and other aggressive behaviors by truck drivers increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate training can result in errors in judgment and truck handling, leading to accidents.
- Road Construction and Hazards: Construction zones and road hazards such as potholes or debris can pose challenges for truck drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents if not navigated carefully.
Liable Parties in Truck Accidents in New York
Unlike car accidents, where usually only two drivers are at fault, truck accidents can have various contributors to the collision. In a truck accident scenario, besides the driver, other parties could be held liable, including:
- Trucking Company: Responsibility may fall on the company owning or operating the truck due to negligent practices in hiring, training, maintenance, or supervision of drivers, as well as any breaches of safety regulations.
- Truck Owner: If the truck’s ownership lies with a separate entity, like an independent owner-operator, they could be accountable for any negligence about the vehicle’s maintenance or operation.
- Cargo Loaders: Those responsible for loading cargo onto the truck could be held liable if inadequate loading procedures contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure contributed to the collision somehow, the manufacturer of the defective or malfunctioning part or vehicle may be held liable due to product liability laws in New York.
- Maintenance Providers: Entities responsible for the truck’s upkeep may be held accountable if insufficient maintenance contributed to the accident.
A skilled truck accident attorney in Long Island can help you identify all the factors that contributed to the accident. Your New York injury attorney will then determine who is liable for your damages and act appropriately against them.
Unique Challenges
There are several unique challenges associated with truck accident cases in New York.
The Severity of Injuries
Truck accident claims in New York present unique challenges and considerations, mainly due to the severity of injuries involved compared to other motor vehicle accidents. Given the size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles, collisions with trucks often result in more severe injuries and damages.
The sheer force of impact can lead to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and even fatalities. These severe injuries not only result in significant physical and emotional suffering for victims but also often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and substantial financial losses.
Consequently, truck accident claims in New York require thorough investigation, specialized legal experience, and comprehensive documentation to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve for their losses and suffering.
Federal Regulations
Trucking operations are subject to federal regulations from agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), adding another layer of complexity to legal proceedings.
They Involve Larger Insurance Policies
Truck accident claims in New York often involve larger insurance policies than other motor vehicle accidents. Given the potential for significant damages and injuries in collisions with commercial trucks, insurance coverage for trucking companies tends to be notably higher than that for standard passenger vehicles.
These larger insurance policies require careful navigation of the legal process for a truck accident claim, as well as effective negotiations and legal strategies. Victims must seek experienced legal representation from a New York injury attorney who is experienced in handling cases involving sizable insurance policies to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
It is always best to seek representation from an aggressive truck accident attorney in Long Island to ensure your case is thoroughly investigated and that strong evidence is presented on your behalf.
Gathering and Presenting The Case
Gathering evidence in truck accident cases, such as black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo loading information, requires specialized knowledge and resources. Due to the technical nature of trucking operations and accident reconstruction, expert testimony from accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and industry experts may be crucial in proving liability and damages.
Call Our New York Injury Attorney Today
At the Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we are here to support and guide you through this difficult time. With our team’s extensive experience and dedication to fighting for our client’s rights, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for those injured in truck accidents on Long Island.
Our commitment to providing compassionate support and aggressive legal representation has earned us a reputation as one of the area’s top personal injury law firms. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact our New York injury attorney for help and justice.
