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Staten Island Truck Accident Attorneys
Staten Island Truck Accident Information
Victims of truck accidents typically suffer serious injuries and fatalities. The sheer force that a large truck can create puts everyone on the road in danger, especially when the driver of an 80,000-pound vehicle is negligent or inattentive. If you have been injured in a Staten Island truck accident, you deserve to know your legal rights.
What to do if you have been injured in a truck accident
First, you need to contact the authorities and obtain all possible information from the truck driver including his employer, employer's address, license plate, commercial driver's license number, insurance and contact information. It is critical to have a police report, so you have documentation of the accident. It is also crucial to get prompt medical attention and get treatment for the injuries you have suffered. Before discussing your accident or injuries with an insurance company, contact an experienced Staten Island truck accident attorney. Never provide your medical records to the insurance company without talking to a Staten Island truck collision lawyer first.
Causes of Staten Island truck accidents
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, 114 people were killed and 6,084 people were injured in 2008 New York truck accidents. There are many potential causes of large truck accidents. Some of the most common causes of Staten Island truck accidents include:
- Fatigued driving: Recent studies are showing that driving fatigued can be as dangerous as driving drunk. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has stringent regulations regarding the number of consecutive hours a driver can operate without rest. Yet, truck drivers continue to get on the road while fatigued in order to meet unrealistic deadlines. Trucking companies allow it to increase their own profits. There were 46 fatigued driving truck accidents and 124 accidents in New York State in 2008 caused by drivers that fell asleep behind the wheel.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol significantly impairs drivers. Truck drivers, who drink and drive or operate under the influence of drugs, put everyone at great risk.
- Driver inexperience: Trucks are difficult vehicles to maneuver. Only the most experienced truck drivers know how to safely handle their truck, especially in adverse conditions or in an emergency.
- Blind spots: Truck drivers have limited visibility on their sides and directly behind them. This often causes serious accidents.
The Staten Island personal injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP represent the victims of negligent truck drivers. Over the years, we have helped clients receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and other related damages. We fight for our clients to get the maximum settlement possible so that they can get on with their lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Staten Island truck accident, please call our offices today for a free and comprehensive consultation.
