There are more than 2 million drivers on the road today and 500,000 accidents occur per year. Truck drivers run the inherent risk of being very dangerous, especially to other drivers. Truck drivers have a duty to keep other drivers safe by following the rules of the road and proper protocol. When an accident occurs, the results can be devastating.
Drivers of large trucks and other vehicles involved in truck crashes are ten times more likely to be the cause of the crash than other factors, such as weather, road conditions and vehicle performance, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The trucking industry is under financial pressure to deliver goods more cheaply and faster than ever before. As a result, trucking companies, in Long Island, NY, cut corners
- Truck drivers find themselves driving long hours
- Trucks are not always properly maintained
- Freight is sometimes improperly loaded
- Truck driver training and screening is mismanaged
The New York truck accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP look at both the actions of the truck driver as well as those of the parent company when investigating trucking accidents. State and federal laws govern the trucking industry, and require both a driver and a truck company to keep and maintain certain kinds of records. As attorneys we have legal access and can obtain copies of a driver’s logbook, drug test results, driving record, and training history. We uncover violations and hold drivers and truck companies liable for injuries and fatalities they cause through negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Long Island, call 631-203-1691
What Is the Difference Between Truck and Car Accidents?
The major difference between a tractor-trailer and car accidents is the severity of the outcome. A fully-loaded 18-wheeler is a massive machine. They can weigh in at over 80,000, a whopping 20 times heavier than the average car on the road.
When there is a collision with a truck, it can result in serious injuries, even death.
15 Most Common Truck Accident Causes
The attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck represent clients injured in all semi or tractor-trailer accidents, including the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Excessive speeding
- Wide turns
- Trucks pulled off onto the shoulder improperly
- Tailgating
- Load shift
- Lack of proper safety reflectors for night driving
- Tire blowouts
- Accident reconstruction
- Physical evidence that was taken at the scene
- Photos of the accident
- Cellphone records if the driver was using the phone
- Vehicle defects evidence
- Eyewitness testimony
Long Island Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me 631-203-1691
Common Type of Truck Accidents
There are several typical kinds of truck accidents that can occur for a variety of reasons, from weather to inattentive driving. Every accident is different but can result in severe injury, even death.
Here are the most common types of truck accidents:
- Rollover – A truck that rolls over poses a serious threat to the driver and all surrounding cars. This can occur due to the shifting of cargo on an incline or taking a turn too
- Jack Knifing – When the attached trailer loses control, it can cause a “jackknife.” A jackknife happens when the cab and the trailer are facing the opposite direction, making the cab unable to move any longer.
- Tire Blowout – A tire can blow out due to the extreme weight of the truck. When the tire blows, the truck driver may lose full control of the truck and can roll over from the impact.
- Car Under Truck – When the driver behind a truck does not see the truck slow down or come to a stop, they can slide under the underside. This kind of accident can end in severe injuries, including death and total loss of the vehicle.
Investigating Your Tractor Trailer Accident Claim
Truck companies train drivers in methods that deflect blame and deny responsibility for accidents. However, certain physical facts and documents make it difficult for drivers to cover-up negligence and safety violations. Our lawyers look at everything, including the following, when investigating tractor-trailer accidents:
- Driver’s logbook
- Results from the highway patrol, alcohol and drug tests
- Length of skid marks
- Vehicle maintenance log
- Brake pads and other components
- Driver’s training history
Facing the Costs of a Serious Injury Sustained in a Truck Accident
Truck accidents on Long Island roads often cause serious head, back, and neck injuries, not to mention amputations, burns, and fatalities. Many injuries are not readily detectable, and some may be difficult to treat. Providing detailed, accurate projections of your health care costs is essential to receive the compensation you deserve. Because determining an accurate value for your claim is crucial, we consult medical experts, economists and life care planners to determine recovery amounts for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Working from established medical records, our experts provide estimates supported by medical data analysis, and recognized by medical professionals, including HMOs, and even insurers.
The trucking industry has the wherewithal to retain experienced, effective legal teams to fight claims in trucking accidents. Trucking companies frequently send representatives, who arrive quickly at the scene of an accident to gather information and interview witnesses. You need experienced experts on your side, including a seasoned NY truck accident attorney, to present your case in a truck accident claim.
Click to contact our Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers today
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Since the majority of truck drivers are independent contractors, it can be difficult to establish legal blame for a truck accident. A skillful truck accident lawyer in New York can help.
If the company that hired the independent contractor is in charge of all moving points of their position, the contractor may be deemed an employee. If the contractor is determined to be an employee, the employer may be liable for the accident.
If the truck driver was deemed at fault for the accident, both the driver and the trucking company can be held liable for the negligence of the trucker. In addition, the owner of the cargo, the company that was responsible for loading the car, the manufacturer and the trucks’ mechanics can be held liable.
Contact Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
We understand the trucking industry and the laws that regulate it. We know how to investigate truck accidents and trucking companies. We can help you by filing your accident claim, negotiating with insurance and trucking companies, or taking your case to trial, if necessary, to recover just compensation. Favorable outcomes depend on the skills and experience of effective truck accident lawyers.
Call our truck accident law firm in Long Island at (631) 250-4072 today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a personal injury attorney.
If you are unable to travel, hospital and home visits are available.
Long Island personal injury attorneys offering legal services for clients throughout Suffolk County, New York, including Brookhaven, Islip, Smithtown, Riverhead, Babylon, Hauppauge, Patchogue, Holtsville, Selden, Centereach, Shirley, Oakdale, Bohemia, Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma, Rocky Point, Port Jefferson, Saint James, The East End, Islip, Smithtown, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Setauket, Holbrook, Coram, Bellport, Mastic, Brentwood, The North Fork, Sayville, Medford and surrounding communities.
