Getting into any type of accident can have lasting effects on many aspects of your life. If a professional driver’s negligent behavior resulted in a commercial motor vehicle accident, you do not have to suffer needlessly without compensation. With the help of an accident lawyer at Morelli Law Firm, you can pursue a claim or lawsuit for personal injury damages in Buffalo.
If you are recovering from injuries or the loss of a loved one after a commercial vehicle collision, you deserve to recover from the physical, emotional, and financial damages incurred. Our team is here to help get you through this challenging time by handling your case without adding to your worries.
We Handle Various Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
A commercial motor vehicle is any vehicle that transports goods for business and also meets the weight requirements. Some examples of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) are as follows:
- Trucks
- Buses
- Coaches
- Taxicabs
- Trailers
Our firm handles cases involving all different types of CMVs for clients in Buffalo. If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving one of these or another kind of CMV, our attorneys can offer you legal counsel and guide your case through the system.
The type of vehicle that caused your collision can affect who we seek to hold responsible for your damages. Possible liable parties include the driver, their employer, another employee of the company, or a third party involved in the vehicle’s operation.
Services We Provide to Clients in Buffalo
No one deserves to go through the legal process alone when another driver caused their collision and injuries. Whether you are seeking damages for your own injuries or the loss of your loved one, our team is here to offer our fierce and compassionate support. We can:
- Compile evidence to prove how and why your collision occurred
- Build a robust case against the parties legally responsible for your damages
- Analyze your records to determine the value of your case
- Represent you in all communications, negotiations, and court appearances
- File any necessary paperwork on time
- Explain the circumstances of your case and offer legal advice as it progresses
After a complimentary consultation, you can hire one of our lawyers to take advantage of these services and our client-friendly fee structure. Our team only charges fees at the end of a case if we win, and our payment comes out of the settlement or award we secure.
Common Recoverable Damages From Commercial Vehicle Accidents
When a commercial motor vehicle gets into an accident, the results are often devastating. Many of these vehicles are large and heavy, and this additional size and weight can cause significant destruction. New York was among the top 10 states with the highest average of fatal large truck and bus crashes between 2015 and 2017, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Even more of these collisions lead to injuries that require hospitalization, ongoing treatment, and long periods of time off for recovery. Some of the physical injuries you can expect in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle include:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Cracked or fractured ribs
- Bruises and lacerations
- Burns
When you file a claim or lawsuit against the driver and their employer, you could collect compensation for your treatment and time without pay. If your injuries lead to lasting health conditions, such as paralysis, you may collect for your long-term damages related to the care and financial support you will need in the future.
You Could Also Qualify for Non-Financial Damages
There is also a good deal of pain and suffering from accidents like these. Some of it could be physical pain, and some of it is emotional. You may experience:
- Mental anguish
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Anxiety and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Our team can help you illustrate such damages using testimony from you, your family, and your friends. Medical experts can also weigh in on your case to further outline the impact of the collision on your life.
Buffalo Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Proving Liability in a Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Case
To drive a commercial motor vehicle, the owner or operator must have special driving skills and experience. Therefore, the FMCSA requires these drivers to carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In addition, all drivers operating a CMV must have the minimum insurance requirements to ensure they comply with the law.
The companies that utilize CMVs can be liable for hiring drivers who lack the proper credentials and training or have histories of issues behind the wheel. Though the driver may have caused the collision, their employer may be vicariously responsible for the actions they took while on duty.
Our team will look into the driver’s credentials and history, as well as the employer’s hiring practices and daily operations. We will also consider whether neglected vehicle maintenance, faulty parts, or improper vehicle loading played a role. In this case, other employees or third parties may be liable for your damages. The evidence we uncover will guide the direction of your case.
What to do to help your CMV accident case
There are steps you can take after a commercial vehicle accident that can help you document what happened and preserve evidence to apply in your case later. Examples include:
- Take notes. Write down things that you think are relevant.
- Talk to eyewitnesses. If there are eyewitnesses, get a statement from them if possible, and collect their contact information.
- File a police report. Ensure your police report is accurate and thorough, but don’t speculate about who is responsible for the collision.
- Get prompt medical treatment. Get medical care at the accident scene or visit an emergency department for a check-up. You could have seemingly minor injuries that become more significant health problems later.
We also advise you to get the legal process started as soon as you can after your accident. An attorney from our firm can offer guidance that applies to your case and help you plan your legal strategy before the time to sue runs out.
Get Started with a Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney at our Firm Today
You have rights under New York law. To protect them as you seek damages after a CMV accident, consider hiring a lawyer from Morelli Law Firm. Having our team on your side may bring you peace of mind. We can manage the case for you so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Get in touch with us by calling our office today. We can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and get started on your case right away.