18-wheelers are massive vehicles that can be extremely difficult to maneuver. If a driver loses control of an 18-wheeler, everyone around them may be in danger.
If you were hurt in an 18-wheeler accident, a Long Island 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm might be able to help you. We can determine fair compensation for your specific situation and find the evidence to support your claim. Then, we can coordinate all aspects of your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Proving the responsible party’s negligence may allow you to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation on your case with a member of our team. We operate on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you owe us nothing for our labor unless we are able to get you compensation first.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
A variety of factors can cause 18-wheeler accidents:
Distracted Driving
18-wheelers are often driven all across the country. When a driver is behind the wheel for an extended period, it can be tempting to spend time on the phone or focused on other distractions. Even a brief distraction by the radio, food, or passengers can lead to an accident.
Hazardous Weather Conditions
All drivers must adjust to dangerous weather conditions. If an 18-wheeler driver does not drive with caution through snow, ice, or rain, they could cause a major accident.
Speeding
Speeding is a bad habit many people have. However, speeding in a large vehicle poses even more risks. With the amount of weight an 18-wheeler has, speeding can cause the driver to lose control quickly. Taking a corner too fast can result in a rollover accident.
Improper Loading
An 18-wheeler needs to be loaded properly for a variety of reasons. If the vehicle is carrying too much weight, or if the weight is not balanced correctly, it can cause the vehicle to crash. Improperly loaded cargo can also fall off of the back of an 18-wheeler, causing an accident.
Lack of Vehicle Maintenance
Just like any vehicle, an 18-wheeler needs to be correctly taken care of and maintained. If an 18-wheeler causes an accident due to a lack of maintenance, the truck owner or operator may be liable for the resultant damages.
Fatigued Driver
Truck drivers often have extended hours on the road. It can be exhausting work. If drivers are overly tired while driving, they could risk falling asleep behind the wheel or even just being less aware of their surroundings. Losing control of the vehicle even for a moment could result in disaster.
A Long Island 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to investigate your accident and identify the liable party when we represent you. For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
Potentially Recoverable Damages in an 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Depending on your accident and your injuries, you may be able to recover the following damages after an 18-wheeler accident:
Medical Expenses
When you are in a car accident, you could sustain serious injuries that require an emergency room visit, diagnostic tests, doctor’s treatments, therapy, and medications. All of these current and future accident-related medical expenses may be covered in a personal injury case.
Vehicle Damages
If your vehicle was damaged in an 18-wheeler accident, you could be compensated for the cost of repairs to your vehicle. If your vehicle was totaled, you could be compensated for the cost to replace your vehicle.
Loss of Income
If you had to miss work due to your accident or your recovery process, you could be compensated for your lost wages and benefits.
Pain and Suffering
If your car accident caused serious injuries as defined by New York law, you might be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering.
Long Island 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Wrongful Death Cases
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fatalities in large vehicle accidents are mostly passenger vehicle occupants.
If your loved one lost their life in an 18-wheeler accident, Morelli Law Firm might be able to help you pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of civil suit may allow you to recover compensation for damages such as funeral and burial costs and pre-death medical treatment.
Call Morelli Law Firm today to learn more about the specific eligibility rules regarding wrongful death lawsuits in New York.
The Statute of Limitations in New York
According to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. For a wrongful death lawsuit, the deadline is generally two years from the death of your loved one, per New York Estates, Powers & Trusts (EPT) §5-4.1.
Waiting too long to file either type of lawsuit could mean that your case gets dismissed, and you are unable to recover compensation for your damages.
How Morelli Law Firm Can Help
An 18-wheeler accident can result in extensive damages. If you were hurt in such an accident, it might be challenging to coordinate an insurance claim or lawsuit on top of your recovery.
Fortunately, you do not need to face this situation alone. A Long Island 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to manage all aspects of your case. Our services may include:
- Communicating with all parties on your behalf
- Gathering evidence in your case
- Negotiating for a settlement
- Taking your case to trial
The client intake team at Morelli Law Firm can review your case at no cost to you. Call us today at (212) 751-9800 for your free initial consultation. If you qualify, we may be able to offer you representation on a contingency-fee-basis.