1.212.222.4336
Queens Truck Accident Attorneys
Queens Truck Accident Information
A traffic accident involving a big-rig, whether it is an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or semi-truck - can result in much more serious or even catastrophic injuries, than one with only cars and smaller vehicles. Typically, a fully loaded big-rig weighs 80,000 pounds or more whereas an average passenger vehicle weighs about 3,000 pounds. This discrepancy in size means that any collision between a large truck and another vehicle could result in serious or fatal injuries for the occupants of the passenger vehicle. If a truck is carrying hazardous or flammable materials, it can result in additional dangers. Other times, when the truck's load spills on the roadway it could result in debris, which may seriously injure other motorists.
Causes of Queens Truck Accidents
Truck accidents occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in New York include:
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug use is frighteningly common among truck drivers. Trucking companies may fail to test their drivers for alcohol or drug use.
- Poor truck maintenance: Inadequate vehicle maintenance can result in serious crashes. One common cause of commercial truck accidents is brake failure. This occurs because of lack of vehicle maintenance. An experienced Queens truck accident lawyer will have vehicle maintenance records examined to determine the facts of the case.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are governed by strict federal regulations, which dictate how many hours they can drive continuously. Truck drivers are required to maintain logs that show these hours of service. However, it is not uncommon for truck drivers to falsify logs in order to meet unrealistic deadlines and delivery schedules.
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Unsecured loads
- Distracted driving
Damages and Liability
If you have been injured as a result of truck driver negligence, then you can file a claim for compensation against the driver and his or her employer. Injured victims in such Queens truck accident cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and even continuing care and treatment.
It is extremely important in Queens truck accident cases to seek the counsel of an experienced Queens NY truck accident attorney right away. Trucking companies will usually get their insurance company and attorneys on the case within hours of the accident. Injured victims will definitely benefit by having a knowledgeable lawyer on their side, fighting for their legal rights and looking out for their best interests.
If you have been injured in a Queens truck accident, please contact the experienced Queens personal injury lawyers of Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We will ensure that the potential legal claim is properly assessed and that your claim is filed in a timely manner.
