Accidents involving commercial vehicles in Queens can be devastating. These accidents often involve large trucks or delivery vehicles that can cause serious harm. If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, it’s important to have experienced legal help on your side.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers helps you understand your rights and fight for fair compensation. Our team of seasoned truck accident lawyers is ready to assist with your truck accident claim. We focus on securing maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Whether you’re dealing with a trucking company or an insurance company, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us help you get back on your feet after a commercial vehicle accident.
Table of Contents
What Is a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
A commercial vehicle accident involves any incident where a large vehicle, like a truck, delivery van, or tow truck, is involved in a crash. These vehicles are used for business purposes, which can make these accidents more complex. Commercial vehicles are often much larger than passenger cars, which can lead to severe damage and serious injuries.
When a commercial vehicle accident happens, the driver, the trucking company, or other parties may be responsible for the damages. This makes it crucial to work with a qualified truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases.
If you’ve been in a commercial vehicle accident, a competent truck accident attorney can help determine who is at fault and guide you through the process of filing a truck accident claim to recover compensation.
Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Truck collisions: These accidents occur when a commercial truck crashes into another vehicle. Due to the size and weight of trucks, these collisions can result in severe damage and injuries.
- Delivery truck accidents: Delivery trucks are often involved in accidents, especially when drivers rush to meet deadlines or fail to follow traffic laws. These accidents can cause significant harm to other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Tow truck accidents: Tow trucks can be dangerous on the road, especially if the driver is distracted or doesn't follow proper safety procedures. These accidents can lead to serious injuries.
- Trucking company negligence: Sometimes, accidents are caused by the trucking company’s failure to properly maintain their vehicles, leading to equipment failures or unsafe driving conditions.
- Truck Driver Fatigue: Tired truck drivers can make dangerous mistakes. Fatigued driving is a common cause of commercial vehicle accidents, leading to crashes when drivers fall asleep at the wheel or lose focus.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents can happen for many reasons. Some are caused by the driver’s actions, while others result from poor maintenance or road conditions.
A few of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is a major cause of commercial vehicle accidents. This can include actions like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic rules. Truck drivers who text, use phones, or fail to pay attention to the road put everyone at risk.
If a driver’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held responsible. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help prove negligence and assist with your truck accident claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Vehicle and Equipment Failures
In some cases, commercial vehicle accidents are caused by equipment or vehicle failure. If a truck’s brakes fail or tires blow out, it can lead to serious crashes. Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent these issues.
When these failures cause accidents, the trucking company may be held accountable. A truck accident attorney can help investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible parties liable for the damages.
Fatigued Driving
Truck driver fatigue is a significant problem. Long hours on the road can cause drivers to feel tired, leading to poor judgment and slow reaction times. Fatigued drivers are more likely to cause accidents by drifting into other lanes or failing to stop in time.
If a fatigued driver caused your accident, contact a reliable truck accident attorney. They can help you prove that driver fatigue was a factor and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Bad weather and poor road conditions can also cause commercial vehicle accidents. Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Truck drivers must adjust their driving to match road conditions, but sometimes they fail to do so.
If the weather or road conditions contributed to your accident, you might still be entitled to compensation. A Queens truck accident lawyer can help investigate the situation and identify all contributing factors.
Who Is Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident is often more complex than in regular car accidents. Several parties could be held responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
Here are the key parties that may be liable for your injuries:
The Commercial Driver
In many cases, the truck driver is directly responsible for the accident. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or driving while fatigued, they can be held liable. Drivers are expected to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. If their negligence causes an accident, they can be held accountable.
A capable truck accident lawyer can help you prove that the truck driver was at fault. They will work to gather evidence, such as driver logs and witness statements, to support your truck accident claim.
The Employer or Trucking Company
The trucking company can also be held liable, especially if the driver was working for the company at the time of the accident. If the company fails to properly train the driver, maintain the vehicle, or ensure safety standards, they may be responsible for the accident.
In these cases, a truck accident attorney will hold the trucking company accountable for their negligence. They will investigate the company's practices and gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or its equipment, the vehicle manufacturer may be held responsible. Faulty brakes, tires, or engines can lead to crashes, and the manufacturer may be liable if they fail to design or test the vehicle properly.
An accomplished truck accident attorney can investigate whether a product defect contributed to the accident. They will help you file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Government or Municipality Liability
Sometimes, accidents are caused by poor road conditions or traffic control issues. In these cases, the government or municipality responsible for the roads may be held liable. If poorly maintained roads or lack of signage contributed to the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the responsible government agency.
A truck accident lawyer can help investigate whether government negligence played a role in your accident. They can also help you understand the process for filing a claim against a government entity.
Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Queens
If you’ve been in a commercial vehicle accident, you must act quickly. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your case.
- Make sure everyone is safe: Check if anyone is hurt. If you can, move to a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911: Contact the police. They will help at the scene and create a report that you’ll need later.
- Get medical help: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Injuries from accidents can show up later.
- Take photos: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, and any damage.
- Get Information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers and any witnesses.
- Do not admit fault: Don’t say anything that could be seen as admitting you were at fault. Leave that to the police and your lawyer.
- Contact a lawyer: Call an experienced truck accident lawyer. They can guide you through the process and help with your case.
Compensation Available for Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims
After a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This can help cover your expenses and losses from the crash.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are costs that can be easily added up. These include:
- Medical bills: This includes hospital visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and therapy.
- Lost wages: If you can’t work because of your injuries, you can recover the wages you missed.
- Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you can be reimbursed for repairs or replacement.
A truck accident attorney can help make sure you get fair compensation for these costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover things that can’t be measured in money. These include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain or emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Emotional distress: This includes feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma due to the accident.
A proficient truck accident lawyer will help you claim these damages and ensure you get what you deserve.
Punitive Damages (For Extreme Negligence Cases)
Punitive damages are meant to punish the person who caused the accident if they were extremely reckless. For example, if the truck driver was drunk or acted in a very dangerous way, they could be ordered to pay punitive damages. These damages are in addition to other compensation.
A truck accident lawyer can help determine if your case involves extreme negligence and if you are eligible for punitive damages.
How a Queens Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can make the process easier for you. They will guide you through every step and work hard to get the best results for your case.
Investigating the Crash
A truck accident lawyer will investigate what happened. They will gather important information like police reports, medical records, and photos from the accident scene. They may also talk to witnesses and experts to build your case.
This investigation is key to showing who was at fault and making sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Handling Insurance Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be tough. They may try to offer you less than what you need. A truck accident lawyer will handle these talks for you. They will work to make sure the insurance company pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Having a lawyer on your side will make it much easier to get a fair deal.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit. This means taking your case to court. Your lawyer will handle all the paperwork, present your evidence, and fight for the compensation you need.
An experienced truck accident attorney will make sure your case is handled correctly and increase your chances of success.
FAQs
What should I do if I’m in a truck accident in Queens?
If you’re in a truck accident in Queens, first make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 and get medical help. Take pictures of the scene and gather information from the driver and witnesses. Then, contact a lawyer who can help with your truck accident case and ensure you get fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New York City?
In New York City, you generally have three years to file a truck accident lawsuit. Speak with a lawyer soon after the crash so you don’t miss any deadlines and can build the strongest case possible.
Can I get compensation for injuries from truck accidents in Queens?
Yes, if you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Queens, you can get compensation. This may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A truck accident lawyer will help you file a claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
Can a truck manufacturer be responsible for a truck accident?
Yes, a truck manufacturer can be responsible if a defect in the truck caused the accident. For example, faulty brakes or tires could be the manufacturer’s fault. A truck accident lawyer will help investigate and hold the truck manufacturer accountable if they are responsible.
Do I need a lawyer for truck accident cases in New York City?
While you don’t have to hire a lawyer for truck accident cases, it’s a good idea to get help. A lawyer will guide you through the legal process, handle insurance companies, and fight to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Queens Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, get legal help as soon as possible. A Queens truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to review your case. During this consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your accident, determine who is at fault, and explain how we can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our team has experience handling truck accident cases and will work hard to ensure you get a fair settlement. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us take care of the legal side so you can focus on recovering.
