Tanker trucks perform a vital role in our economy. These vehicles haul liquids, such as milk, gasoline, natural gas, and chemicals. Unfortunately, this utility comes with risk.
Tanker trucks are large vehicles that take up massive space on the road. This size leaves the drivers unable to react to emergency situations on the road. Truckers also must be aware that their vehicles have large blind spots and can cross over lanes when making turns. All these factors can lead trucks to get into collisions on Long Island roads if drivers do not take proper precautions.
A Long Island tanker truck accident lawyer wants to help you if a truck driver’s poor decision led to your injuries. The legal team at Morelli Law Firm is prepared to fight for your case and gather evidence that shows the trucker was responsible for your losses and should compensate you for your damages. Contact us today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation.
Tanker Drivers Have an Obligation to Keep You Safe
Every driver has the same duty. This duty obligates them to avoid taking any actions that place others at risk of harm. At the simplest level, this involves following road rules and traffic signals, such as speed limit signs, yield signs, and red lights.
A trucker who fails to follow traffic laws not only faces fines if a police officer issues a ticket but is also likely at fault for any collision that results from their violations. A Long Island tanker truck accident lawyer might be able to investigate whether a failure to follow road rules led to your accident.
Of course, safe driving includes more than just following the local traffic laws. All drivers must also keep their attention on the road and ensure that they are in a fit mental state to be behind the wheel. This is especially important for the drivers of commercial vehicles, such as tanker trucks.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that drivers cannot be on the road for more than 14 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period. Additionally, drivers must take a 30-minute break after being on the road for eight total hours. These rules exist to reduce the dangers associated with driver fatigue.
It is also possible that truckers might place others in danger by:
- Eating or drinking while behind the wheel
- Improperly securing cargo
- Becoming distracted through the use of their radios
You Might Be Entitled to Collect Compensation for Your Losses
It is no surprise that collisions with tanker trucks can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Most obvious are the physical injuries that can follow a crash. If you are lucky, you might be able to walk away from the incident with temporary injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, sore joints, or a mild concussion.
Unfortunately, these crashes have the potential to cause severe injuries, such as burns, broken bones, spinal cord damage, or brain injuries. Victims of tanker truck accidents may file a personal injury claim or lawsuit and demand compensation for their medical bills to treat their accident-related injuries. This compensation might also include reimbursement for past treatment costs and estimated future treatment costs.
However, a physical injury is not the only way a collision might affect a victim’s life. Many tanker truck accidents cause victims to experience significant pain. They might endure both temporary and permanent physical injuries. While it can be difficult to place a dollar value on these experiences, a Long Island tanker truck accident lawyer may help place a proper value on these damages if they apply to your case.
You might also receive compensation for any income you lost due to your injuries or other damages. For example, you might have missed a few shifts at work to attend physical therapy sessions, or you might have a permanent injury that will forever impact your ability to earn a living. A lawyer can work with a vocational expert to determine how an accident has affected your financial future. In short, the legal team at Morelli Law Firm aims to fight for the compensation that you might be entitled to collect. To start building your case, call (212) 751-9800 today.
Long Island Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
You Need to Act Quickly to Protect Your Legal Rights
Many collisions between tanker trucks and personal vehicles leave little doubt as to who is to blame for the incident. Even so, a case might still fail if you do not act on time. The statute of limitations controls when you can demand compensation after a personal injury.
According to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, plaintiffs generally have three years from the date of the collision to demand compensation in court. Insurance companies are aware of this rule and might refuse to participate in settlement negotiations if this time limit has expired. For this reason, it is best to pursue your case as soon as possible after an accident.
A Long Island Tanker Truck Accident Attorney Is Ready to Help You
Collisions between tanker trucks and passenger vehicles can have a devastating impact on passenger vehicle occupants. Not only might you or a family member be dealing with significant physical injuries, but your emotional health and family finances might also be suffering. Truck drivers who are at fault for collisions should be held responsible for providing the compensation victims need to recover from their damages. Unfortunately, collecting this compensation from insurance companies can be difficult.
A Long Island tanker truck accident lawyer is ready to fight for you. The legal team at Morelli Law Firm understands the law. Our team might be able to determine how a trucker might be responsible for the collision that caused your losses. We can work to gather essential evidence, measure your losses, and demand fair payments in and out of court.
Reach out to Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation.