There are countless commercial vehicles on the roads throughout New York. You may see taxis, delivery trucks, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles every time you get behind the wheel. The drivers of these vehicles are expected to obey all the rules of the road and to avoid accidents as much as possible.
Unfortunately, commercial vehicles are involved in many collisions every year. You may need to contact a New York commercial vehicle accident lawyer if you were involved in a crash. Find out more about getting compensation for your losses by speaking with an experienced law firm.
Types of Commercial Vehicles
The large number of drivers on the road means that our state sees a large number of accidents. A significant percentage of accidents and casualties reported by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) involved commercial vehicles. Any type of commercial vehicle may be involved in an accident. This includes:
- Large trucks like semis and 18-wheelers
- Taxis and limousines
- Vehicles driving for Uber or Lyft
- Delivery trucks or construction vehicles
- Garbage trucks or utility vehicles
Large trucks may be especially dangerous if they are involved in a collision in New York. In many cases, collisions with large trucks are deadly for the passengers of other vehicles, as semis and 18-wheelers are so much bigger and heavier than other vehicles on the road.
Common Injuries From a New York Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident
You could face serious repercussions if you are struck by a commercial motor vehicle in New York. Because these vehicles are often very large, they may cause significant amounts of damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident. You could also be left to face serious injuries, including:
- Head and brain injuries
- Back, spine, and neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Burns, abrasions, or bruises
Commercial vehicle accidents can be fatal. You may have legal options if you lost a loved one due to the actions of a commercial driver. A New York commercial motor vehicle accidents lawyer may be able to provide you with the care you deserve after losing a family member in a traffic accident by helping you file a wrongful death claim.
New York Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Reasons for Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents in New York
Commercial motor vehicle accidents may occur for many different reasons in New York. The exact causes of the accident may vary. In many cases, they occur because a commercial driver is:
- Fatigued and unable to continue focusing on the road
- Distracted by unfamiliar roads or electronic devices
- Breaking a traffic law in an attempt to reach their destination more quickly
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Multiple Liable Parties
In a situation of negligence, the commercial driver can be held responsible for causing the accident. However, the driver is not always solely at-fault for a collision. In some cases, the company the driver works for could also be liable for a collision. This may occur if the company:
- Did not provide drivers with proper training
- Did not hire drivers with the correct experience
- Did not perform proper maintenance or upkeep on their vehicles
In some cases, a commercial motor vehicle accident may be caused by a defective vehicle part. The company that manufactured the vehicle or the vehicle part that malfunctioned could be responsible for a collision in this situation. With the assistance of a commercial vehicle accident lawyer in New York, you may be able to focus on getting compensation from all liable parties.
Establishing Liability for Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents
In order to get compensation after an accident in New York, a lawyer will need to show that someone else’s actions were directly responsible for the accident, i.e. their liability.
However, you should be aware that New York requires all drivers to carry no-fault insurance. Your no-fault insurance may cover your medical expenses in some circumstances. In fact, you may only be permitted to seek compensation from the commercial driver, the company they work for, or a manufacturer if you suffer a “serious” injury leaving you facing a disability.
What a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in New York Can Do for You
If you sustained a serious injury, a New York commercial vehicle accident attorney may be able to work to show that someone else was responsible for your accident. They can investigate the scene of the accident, speak with witnesses, go over the police report, and work with accident reconstruction specialists. Your legal team may be able to help secure compensation for your:
- Healthcare expenses
- Time off from work
- Lost earning potential
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
In many cases, commercial drivers or companies settle car accident claims out of court. Your attorney may be able to help you secure a settlement to cover your losses. Should you decide to file a lawsuit after a collision, a legal team can help manage that as well.
Cost of a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in New York
Many reputable commercial vehicle accident lawyers in New York know that you may be experiencing financial difficulties because of your accident. Because of this, they do not need any money upfront and work on a contingency-fee basis.
You can expect attorneys fees to be anywhere from 30% to 40% of the total award. This fee can differ depending on if your legal team has to hire any experts to testify, if the case is settled through negotiation, or if it makes it to court and a judge or jury are required.
Evidence Your New York Attorney Can Gather for Your Case
After your accident with a commercial vehicle, you should try to gather as much information as you can. Your commercial vehicle accident lawyer can also get to work doing their own research about the accident and every party involved. Some key details to collect include:
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries and any injuries of those in the vehicle with you
- Photos of the damage done to your vehicle
- The other driver’s name, insurance information, driver’s license number, license plate, phone number, and home address
- Notes on your recollection of what happened directly before, during, and after the accident as well as the behavior of the other driver
- Witnesses’ names
- Police report
Get Started With a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in New York Today
A New York commercial motor vehicle accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensation after a collision. Morelli Law Firm can begin working on your claim today. Start going over all of your legal options by completing our online contact form or calling our office.
Reach out to a member of our team for a case review and you can get legal advice at no cost to you.