If you have been involved in a truck accident, in New York, Morelli Law Firm invited you to call us for a free consultation on your case.
We may be able to represent you in a lawsuit against the responsible party. You may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wage, pain and suffering, and more.
Call our team at (212) 751-9800 to discuss your accident and what legal options may be available to you.
Understanding the Truck Accident Law
Statistics reveal that an estimated 4,000 people die every year in the U.S. due to collisions with trucks, including construction vehicles and big rigs. Many more are maimed or suffer property damage as a result of these accidents.
An average, a fully loaded truck weighs more than 30 times when compared to a car. This is a significant weight disparity; thus, accidents that involve trucks can result in considerable damage, some of which cause fatalities.
Other notable differences between a truck and a typical car include the ride height, driver’s field of vision, and stopping distance.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who work longer hours due to the financial incentives may be prone to fatigue, which is a leading cause of truck accidents in the U.S. On the other hand, the use of mind-altering substances like methamphetamine or alcohol has seen a rise in the number of truck-related accidents.
Truck drivers, just like other drivers, may cause accidents or put other road users at risk when they drive aggressively. Making wide-angle turns, carrying unsafe loads, merging too quickly, or speeding can lead to horrible road accidents.
Also, it is crucial to note that a truck may be traveling within the required speed limit, but this may still be excessive speeding, depending on the current road conditions. A New York truck accident lawyer can help you to determine whether the mistake was caused by the truck driver, trucking company, or another third party.
New York Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Trucking Companies
Sometimes the risk posed by trucks is not related to any act of error by the driver. This often happens when other individuals in the company fail to do their part diligently. Mistakes of others in the trucking companies may entail loading the truck improperly or not inspecting and repairing the vehicle before it leaves with the cargo.
All parts of the vehicle should be inspected and serviced because a truck with damaged parts is more likely to cause accidents at high speeds.
For more information about who can be liable for a truck accident, contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 today.
The State and Federal Laws for Truck Driver Conduct
Both state and federal laws control the trucking industry. The U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are the two primary organizations that establish and regulate the standards for both the trucking companies and their drivers. As such, the laws determine who is responsible for any commercial truck accident.
However, each state has its department of transport that is mandated with regulating interstate commercial trucking.
If you collide with a truck, including a semi-truck, a big rig, or any commercial vehicle that’s compliant to the set regulations, then the driver and the company they are working for might be responsible for the injuries you sustain.
In general, there are several laws that a truck must adhere to in all states, such as:
- Commercial driver licenses
- Rest for the driver laws
- Laws on the maximum weight permitted
- Quality control of trucks laws
- Hazardous waste laws
Benefits of Working With a New York Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents that involve trucks tend to be more severe than those that include smaller vehicles only. This is because of the size and weight of these vehicles.
If you are involved in such an accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for various damages, including pending medical bills. If a judge deems the responsible party fully liable for your injuries, you may be entitled to a form of payment for the various costs you incur because of the accident.
Also, you can pursue compensation for the future medical bills that relate to the accident. Loss of limbs, chronic pain, and the costs of physical therapy are also subject to reimbursement.
Other aspects that may be compensable include home or vehicle modifications (such as lifts and wheelchair ramps), loss or damage to property, mental anguish and emotional duress, and loss of wage, career, or earning capacity.
If you experience any of the above conditions as a result of the accident, a New York truck accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims as a Result of Truck Accident
Statistics reveal that most of the accidents that involve trucks cause fatalities. If you lose a loved one as a result of a truck accident, you may have the right to various damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of future income, medical bills, and more. New York § 5-4.1 allows the surviving family to pursue damages such as these in a wrongful death lawsuit.
You may also be entitled to the loss of future benefits, such as medical and retirement benefits. If the loved one was a spouse or you were living together, you could also pursue compensation for loss of love, companionship, and childcare.
Morelli Law Firm May Be Able to Help You
If you have been involved in a truck accident, a New York truck accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to represent you. Contact our firm today at (212) 751-9800 to schedule a free case evaluation.