New York state has strict regulations meant to promote the safety of the trucking industry. Despite the strict rules, accidents involving semi-truck vehicles occur regularly, leaving so many people injured. If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you should not let their careless actions go unpunished.
At Morelli Law Firm, we understand the pain, financial constraints, and distress that can result when you or a loved one is involved in a semi-truck accident. The aftermath of such an accident may cause devastating physical injuries and excruciating pain, lasting for weeks, months, or years on end. Compounding the suffering is the grueling physical therapy, medical expenses, and lifelong injuries that may deny you the ability to enjoy life.
We see our role as easing your burden at this time that you should be concentrating on your recovery by fighting for your justice. For that, we will work hard to help you obtain the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact us at Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 for a free case evaluation. A New York semi-truck accident lawyer is eager to take on your case.
Negligence Is the Main Cause of Semi-Truck Accidents In New York
There are millions of truckers actively operating across the United States, according to the American Trucking Association. Unfortunately, many of these drivers are fatigued due to long hours of driving. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 475,000 trucks were involved in accidents in 2016, 90% of which were caused by human error. Despite the Hours of Service Regulations governing the working hours of semi-truck drivers, truckers often disregard the rules to drive for long hours in a bid to meet the mileage goals set by their companies. Even more appalling is the fact that some of these truckers may be operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or other impairing substances.
A few other examples of driver negligence for semi-truck drivers include texting or making a call while driving, excessive speeding, and running a red light or a stop sign.
It takes one negligent driver for your life to change in a split second. The fact that semi-trucks weigh over 10 times more than a normal car, the consequences of an accident with a semi-truck can be life-altering. Working with a lawyer can help you hold the driver responsible for their negligence. Furthermore, if a third party contributed to the negligent actions of the driver that caused the accident, the parties can be held responsible for the driver’s negligence.
To prevail in a negligence lawsuit, you will need to prove that the truck driver had a duty of care to other road users and that the driver breached this duty by their actions or failure to act in a certain way. You must prove that you suffered injuries which were a result of the breach of duty. We encourage you to connect to our semi-truck accident lawyers to ensure that your case is handled in a professional way.
Third-Party Negligence
Other than the driver’s negligence, other preventable factors may have contributed to an accident. Such factors include:
Poorly Maintained Trucks
Semi-trucks cover thousands of miles every week, meaning that some parts are likely to wear out in the course of one week. This necessitates regular and timely inspection and maintenance to address the issues before they become hazardous both to the driver and other motorists on the road. Some issues such as a cracked windshield or worn-out brake pads may seem innocuous and are likely to be ignored. However, the reality is that they can be the cause of a major accident.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
The law requires semi-trucks to be properly and carefully loaded in a manner that would prevent accidents that may arise from improper loading. Improper loading may cause an imbalance of the truck or cause the contents to spill on the road, causing accidents and injuries.
New York Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
We Will Protect You from the Insurance Companies’ Tactics
Our lawyers are familiar with the tactics that insurance companies may use to either deny you compensation or to reduce the amount recoverable to you. Based on this understanding, we will investigate the case and gather irrefutable evidence regarding every facet of the case. Our legal team will collect witness reports, photographic evidence of the scene, and examine the vehicle to see the extent of damage caused by the crash. To achieve that, here are some of the steps that we may take:
- Review camera footage
- Interview witnesses to corroborate your side of the story
- Review police report regarding the accident
- Analyze your medical records
- Consult experts on the extent of your injuries
- Obtain alcohol and drug testing of the driver
Call today at (212) 751-9800 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
We Will Evaluate Your Recoverable Damages Following a Semi-Truck Accident
Just like in any other personal injury case, you may be entitled to both economic damages and non-economic damages. Some of the damages that you may recover include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Loss of earning capacity if your ability to earn has been impacted negatively
- Pain and suffering, taking into consideration the extent of pain and how long the pain may last
- Mental anguish stemming from the semi-truck accident
- Loss of consortium in case you lost a loved one in the accident
What to Do After Being Involved in a Semi-Truck Accident
Following a semi-truck accident, the first thing you want to do is to contact the police and emergency workers to assist you with injuries. The police will develop a coherent report of the accident, taking into consideration witness statements and photos of the scene. If you can, make sure to document the scene by taking photographs and collect witness statements as well. Now you may consult with a New York semi-truck accident lawyer to help you with the case.
Reach Out to Morelli Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, you don’t have to bear the brunt of the debilitating financial hardships arising from the crash. A New York semi-truck accident lawyer is here to fight for you. Call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 for a free case review.