Navigating streets, parkways, and expressways around Garden City is challenging because drivers must share the road with commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. Despite federal and state safety laws, truck accidents are common. If you or a family member has been severely injured in a truck accident, The Saul Law Firm can help.
When you work with us, your case will be handled by an experienced truck accident attorney who will handle all the details. You can depend on our legal team to be there every step of the way and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, and third parties causes most truck accidents. Examples include:
- Driver fatigue – Federal regulations impose hourly driving limits on truckers and mandate rest breaks. However, driver fatigue is a systemic problem in the trucking industry. Truckers must meet strict delivery deadlines, are typically compensated based on mileage, and cover vast distances over long hauls, increasing the risk of fatigue. Both the truck driver and their employer can be held liable for truck accidents resulting from fatigued driving.
- Distracted driving – Truck drivers are more prone to distracted driving than other motorists because truckers rely on GPS navigation devices to plan routes and locate destinations. Truck drivers can also be distracted by smartphones, eating, or drinking beverages while driving.
- Improper maintenance – Truck drivers and trucking companies must maintain vehicles and components (e.g. braking systems, engines, tires, braking lights, hitch assemblies, and straps). Truckers must inspect their vehicles before embarking on a route, and trucking companies must also inspect their fleets regularly, keeping records of maintenance and inspections. Truck drivers and their employers may be liable for accidents caused by improper maintenance.
- Inadequate training – Trucking companies must vet their drivers, ensure they are licensed, and provide adequate training. However, these companies often put inexperienced drivers on the road because they earn less per mile than seasoned truckers.
Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by truckers who lack the skills and experience to drive trucks safely.
- Improper loading – Federal and state laws regulate truck cargo weight; however, improper loading is not uncommon and makes a truck harder to stop or maneuver, resulting in a rollover or jackknife accident. The parties responsible for loading the truck, including the trucker, trucking company, or a third party (e.g. a freight, cargo, or warehouse operator) – may be held liable.
In addition, negligent parties, such as other motorists or public agencies that fail to maintain roads and highways, may be liable. Regardless of the cause of the truck accident that resulted in your injuries, our firm will work to identify the responsible party, hold them accountable, and fight to win you just compensation.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial truck accidents on Long Island can lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Common injuries victims may suffer include:
- Head injuries – Concussions and skull fractures commonly result from truck accidents.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – The impact of a collision with a truck can cause a TBI that requires immediate emergency care. Surgery may be necessary to reduce brain damage caused by bleeding, inflammation, or oxygen deprivation.
- Spinal cord injuries – Injuries to the spine can result in paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Back injuries – Damage to the bones and soft tissue in the back can cause chronic pain and impairment.
- Neck injuries – Whiplash, broken neck, or injuries to muscles, joints, and ligaments in the neck may occur due to the brute force of a truck collision.
- Broken bones – Fractures to the ribs, arms, legs, face, or any part of the body are common in truck accidents.
- Burns – Hazardous materials or a fuel tank explosion in a truck can cause burn injuries, leading to scarring, disfigurement, infections, and other complications.
- Wrongful death – Truck accidents are more likely to result in fatal injuries than other motor vehicle accidents.
Our experienced Long Island truck accident attorneys will fight to obtain the compensation that considers all your medical and financial needs, both now and in the future.
How The Saul Law Firm Can Help With Your Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident claims can be complex. Insurance companies usually send investigators to the accident site to attempt to mitigate the trucking company’s liability. Moreover, your claim may involve several parties, including the trucking company, the truck driver, and other motorists.
Let our legal team handle all the details of your claim, including:
- Obtain and review police reports
- Interview any witnesses
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurers and opposing counsel
- File a truck accident lawsuit if necessary
Most importantly, we will fight to secure damages, such as:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitative costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability/disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a family member has suffered fatal injuries in a truck accident, our wrongful death attorneys can help you recover compensation for the loss of comfort, support, and other damages. No amount of money can replace a life, but you have the right to seek justice and compensation to ensure your financial stability.
Representing Truck Accident Victims in Garden City
Being injured or losing a loved one in a truck accident is overwhelming. Trust our experienced attorneys to handle your case and fight to protect your rights. Contact us now for a free consultation.
The Saul Law Firm, LLP helps clients throughout Garden City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, Queens, Garden City, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County.