New York Truck Accidents Attorney

Get Legal Representation from the Top Truck Accident Attorneys in New York at Shalom Law

Truck accidents are often catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. With tens of thousands of trucks traveling throughout New York City and Long Island daily, the risk of truck accidents is significant. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities.

At Shalom Law, we specialize in representing victims of truck accidents who have been injured due to the negligence of truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties. Our experienced truck accident attorneys in New York, are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve. Serving clients across Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and parts of Upstate New York, we are committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation.

Facts and Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, in 2022 5,837 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is up 3% from 2021, and up 24% in the last 10 years. Also in 2022, 120,200 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 2.5% increase from 2021. In New York, the high volume of commercial trucking activity contributes to the significant number of truck accidents each year. Understanding these statistics highlights the importance of legal representation for those injured in truck accidents.

• High Fatality Rates: Truck accidents have a higher fatality rate compared to other vehicle collisions due to the size and weight of trucks.
• Severe Injuries: Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.
• Complex Liability: Determining liability in truck accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, and manufacturers.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work manu long hours and may suffer from fatigue, impairing their reaction times and judgment. Federal regulations limit driving hours, but violations are common.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, eating, or using a GPS can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
• Speeding: Due to tight delivery schedules, truck drivers may exceed speed limits, reducing their ability to react to road conditions and increasing the severity of accidents.
• Improper Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Failure to maintain brakes, tires, and other critical components can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable and more difficult to control, leading to accidents.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the back of a smaller vehicle, often causing severe injuries due to the truck’s size and weight.
• Jackknife Accidents: Jackknifing happens when the trailer swings out from the truck and forms a 90-degree angle, potentially causing multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rollovers: Rollovers can occur when a truck takes a turn too quickly or if the cargo shifts, causing the truck to tip over.
• Underride Accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in fatal injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space than an average vehicle to make turns, and improper execution can result in collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, and in many cases, death. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries from impact or penetration during the collision.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures: Broken bones from the force of the collision.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs from the impact of the accident.
• Lacerations and Bruises: Cuts and bruises from debris and impact with the truck or other vehicles.

Trucking Laws in New York

New York has specific laws and regulations governing the operation of commercial trucks to ensure the safety of all road users. Some of the key trucking laws include:

• Hours of Service Regulations: Truck drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive without taking breaks. This is to prevent fatigue and ensure drivers are alert on the road. Drivers are required to keep logbooks to track their hours of service.
• Weight Limits: There are strict weight limits for trucks operating on New York roads. Overloaded trucks can cause severe damage to roadways and increase the risk of accidents. Trucks must comply with these weight restrictions to avoid penalties and ensure safety.
• Maintenance Requirements: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. Regular inspections and maintenance of brakes, tires, and other critical components are mandatory to prevent mechanical failures.
• Licensing and Training: Commercial truck drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and undergo specific training to handle large vehicles safely. This includes knowledge of New York traffic laws and safe driving practices.
• Cargo Securement: There are regulations for how cargo should be loaded and secured on trucks. Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Alcohol and Drug Testing: Truck drivers are subject to random alcohol and drug testing to ensure they are not operating vehicles under the influence. Strict penalties apply for violations to maintain high safety standards.

Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Truck Accident

Ensure Safety

• Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move out of the traffic lane to avoid further danger.
• Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others involved for injuries if possible and call 911 for immediate medical assistance.

Document the Scene

• Take Photos: If you are safelyable to, photograph the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and visible injuries. These photos can be crucial evidence in your case.
• Gather Contact Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of witnesses and the truck driver. Also, note the trucking company’s name and insurance details.

Report the Accident

• File a Police Report: Contact the police to file an official report. This report will be a critical document in your personal injury claim.

Seek Medical Attention

• Get a Medical Evaluation: Often, an accident with a large truck can be devestating. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term consequences.

Contact a New York Truck Accident Attorney

• Reach Out to Shalom Law: Contact Shalom Law for a free consultation to discuss your case with our experienced truck accident attorneys. We will guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Shalom Law Can Help You with Your Truck Accident

At Shalom Law, our dedicated truck accident attorneys in New York, have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases. Here’s how we can assist you:

Thorough Investigation

• Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts to reconstruct the accident scene and understand the mechanics of the crash. This helps identify the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
• Evidence Collection: Our team gathers and preserves crucial evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, black box data, and surveillance footage. We also interview witnesses and review police reports to build a strong case.

Determining Liability

• Identifying Responsible Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. We thoroughly investigate to identify all responsible parties.
• Legal Strategy Development: We develop a customized legal strategy to hold all negligent parties accountable and seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

• Handling Communications: We manage all communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair treatment and avoid common tactics that insurers use to minimize payouts.
• Settlement Negotiations: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who strive to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Court Representation

• Trial Preparation: If your case goes to court, we prepare meticulously for trial, presenting compelling evidence and expert testimony to support your claims.
• Vigorous Advocacy: In court, we advocate passionately on your behalf, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome and secure the compensation you deserve.

Continuous Support and Communication

• Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process, providing regular updates and answering your questions.
• Compassionate Guidance: Understanding the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a truck accident, especially where severe injuries or fatalities occured,  we offer compassionate legal support tailored to your needs.

By choosing Shalom Law, you are choosing a firm committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your truck accident case. Visit our Personal Injury Law page for more information on how we can assist you.

Shalom Law Will Fight For You

Truck accidents can be life-altering, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Shalom Law is here to provide expert legal assistance and support. Our experienced truck accident attorneys in New York, are committed to securing the compensation you deserve and ensuring your rights are protected. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and will guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at (718) 971-9474 for a free consultation. Let us help you through this challenging time, so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.

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