Truck accidents in Manhattan can be devastating. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our New York truck accident lawyer, is here to fight for you. Our New York truck accident attorneys have fought for countless truck accident victims. Let our legal team fight for you as well.
Truck accident injuries can be severe, so see a doctor first. Then, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident lawsuit.
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TRUCK ACCIDENT IN A CITY INTERSECTION: WE HELP YOU SECURE THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
Due to their immense size and weight, commercial truck accid+ents often result in severe, life-altering injuries. Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially.
Suppose you or your loved one have suffered injuries in a truck accident. In that case, it is important to have a dedicated legal advocate by your side, fighting for your rights and pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Davidoff Law, our team of experienced Manhattan truck accident attorneys specializes in personal injury cases of this nature. We are here to guide you through the complex process of filing a truck accident claim in New York City.
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EVALUATING THE DAMAGE AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, such as head and back injuries, paralysis, fractures, and even fatalities.
It is essential to thoroughly understand these injuries' short- and long-term effects, including physical limitations, lost wages, and ongoing medical expenses for rehabilitation, pain management, and related treatments.
Our dedicated Manhattan truck accident attorneys remain committed to your case and work tirelessly to secure every possible avenue of compensation for your injuries.
COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Truck accidents can occur due to various reasons. Mechanical failures, driver fatigue, inadequate training, and even the negligence of other drivers sharing the road can lead to tragic accidents.
For instance, a driver may have merged in front of a truck without signaling or may have been driving in a truck's blind spot when it changed lanes.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigue due to long hours
- Speeding
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Violations of hours-of-service regulations
- Improper truck maintenance
- Pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic quotas
- Failure to conduct proper background checks on truck drivers
- Lack of adequate supervision
- Defective trucks or truck parts (tires, brakes, etc.)
- Defective or dangerous road conditions
- Unsafe weather conditions
Regardless of how the accident occurred, we understand the trauma you have experienced and the financial burdens you now face. Our Manhattan truck accident lawyers meticulously investigate each case to determine fault and pursue all available sources of compensation.
What You Should Do After a Truck Accident
- Ensure safety. Immediately check for injuries and move to a safe location if you can. Avoid moving anyone who is seriously injured unless it's necessary for safety.
- Call 911. Report the accident to the police and request an ambulance for any injuries. The police report will be vital for both insurance and legal purposes.
- Exchange information. Get the truck driver's license, insurance information, and the truck's license plate number. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the scene. Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, visible damages, road conditions, and injuries you sustained. These photos will be important for your insurance claim and any legal actions.
- Seek medical attention. Visit a hospital or your doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Notify your insurance. Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Be factual about the incident but avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements without legal advice.
- Consult with an attorney. Contact an attorney who specializes in truck accidents. They can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim and ensure that your rights are protected.
Injuries You Might Suffer in a Truck Accident
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs can result from the head being hit or shaken in an accident. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, seriously impacting your life. The force of a truck collision can easily damage the spine.
- Broken bones. The impact of a truck accident can break bones, from limbs to ribs, which may require surgery and lengthy recovery times.
- Internal injuries. Organs can be damaged from the impact or penetrating injuries in a truck accident. These injuries are often serious and require immediate medical attention.
- Lacerations and cuts. Flying debris and shattered glass can cause deep cuts and severe bleeding. These injuries might need stitches and could leave permanent scars.
- Burns. If a truck accident leads to a fire, you could suffer from burns that might need specialized medical treatment and could result in long-term scarring.
- Emotional and psychological trauma. Accidents, especially those involving large trucks, can lead to long-lasting psychological issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The Types of Truck Accidents That Happen in Manhattan
Manhattan's dense traffic and unique street layout contribute to several truck accidents. Here are the most common types encountered in this bustling borough.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing occurs when a truck's trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery roads. These accidents are especially dangerous in Manhattan's busy intersections.
The narrow streets and frequent stops make jackknifing more likely during rainy or snowy conditions. Preventing these accidents requires careful speed management and proper braking techniques by the truck driver.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck. Manhattan's high traffic can increase the likelihood of these accidents during sudden stops. Underride guards can prevent these accidents but are ineffective, especially at high speeds. These collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Rollovers
Truck rollovers can occur due to sharp turns, high speeds, or load shifts. Manhattan's sharp turns and uneven road surfaces can cause trucks to tip over if improperly handled. These accidents can block busy streets, causing injuries and traffic delays. Ensuring cargo is securely fastened and maintaining appropriate speeds can help prevent rollovers.
Wide Turns
Trucks making wide turns can collide with other vehicles, especially when navigating Manhattan's tight corners. Drivers may misjudge the space needed, leading to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes. These accidents are common in areas with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Truck drivers must be vigilant and ensure all sides are clear before attempting a turn.
Rear-End Collisions
Given the frequent stop-and-go traffic in Manhattan, rear-end collisions by trucks are common. Due to trucks' size and weight, these collisions can be particularly devastating. Maintaining a safe following distance and being attentive to traffic flow can help prevent these accidents. Such crashes can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups in congested areas.
LIABILITY IN TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN NY
Truck accident claims often involve complex liability issues, making them more challenging than typical car or motorcycle accident cases. While the truck driver may be responsible for causing the accident, they may not be the only party at fault.
Truck drivers are usually on duty while operating their vehicles, so their actions and behavior can often be attributed to their employers. Therefore, trucking companies may be held liable for an accident.
For example, if a truck driver falsified their rest breaks and drove while exhausted, resulting in an accident, but it is discovered that the trucking company was aware of this misconduct and turned a blind eye, the company could be held responsible.
Similarly, if a truck driver causes an accident while under the influence, and it is revealed that the trucking company hired them despite a history of drunk driving arrests, the company could be liable.
Other parties that may bear liability include manufacturers of defective truck parts, supervisors who failed to ensure proper maintenance, construction companies responsible for faulty roadways, or individuals who neglected to address reported truck issues.
As you can see, these cases can quickly become complex. It is important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney in Manhattan who understands the laws, the legal process, and how they apply to your case.
How Does New York's No-Fault Insurance Law Apply To a Truck Accident?
New York's no-fault insurance law means that after a truck accident, your insurance company will cover medical bills, lost earnings, and incidental costs, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is immediate and is meant to ensure that injury victims receive timely medical treatment without the need for legal disputes over fault.
However, this law only covers economic losses. You may step outside the no-fault system to sue for pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages if you suffer serious injuries.
The no-fault law has limitations, especially regarding truck crashes, due to the severity and complexities of such incidents.
In cases where the injuries surpass a certain severity threshold, defined by New York law, you can pursue a claim against the truck driver or trucking company. These cases often involve negotiating with large commercial insurance policies, which can be more complicated than typical car insurance claims.
Consulting with a lawyer who understands the intricacies of truck accidents and New York's no-fault law is vital to navigating this process effectively.
Contact Our Manhattan Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating for victims and their families. At Davidoff Law, our Manhattan truck accident attorneys are here to guide you toward stability.
In the face of an uncertain future, we offer relief by working on a contingency basis, which means you don't owe us any fees until we secure the compensation you deserve for your truck accident case.
We have experience with countless truck accident cases, so let our experienced truck accident attorneys help you. Contact our New York truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
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