Truck accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries, significant property damage, and life-altering consequences. At Munley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on survivors and their families. Our team of experienced New York truck accident lawyers is dedicated to helping guide you through the personal injury law system to secure the fair compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident or lost a family member to a wrongful death, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact the New York truck accident lawyer at Munley Law today for a free consultation and let us help you on the path to recovery.
Why Truck Crash Survivors Trust Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
Not all personal injury law firms have what it takes to handle a serious truck accident successfully. Unlike regular car accidents,
truck crashes often involve catastrophic injuries, multiple defendants, commercial entities, federal regulations, New York State regulations, and highly specialized technology. It takes an experienced hand to achieve results for injured victims in these cases.
Truck crash survivors in New York trust Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys because of our unparalleled expertise and dedication to handling truck accident cases. With over six decades of experience, our firm has developed a deep understanding of truck accident claims’ unique challenges and complexities. We have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, demonstrating our ability to achieve favorable outcomes in even the most challenging cases.
Expert Knowledge of Trucking Regulations in New York
Our law firm is well-versed in the specific federal, New York State, and New York City regulations governing the trucking industry. This knowledge is critical to building a strong case, as it allows us to identify violations and hold the appropriate liable parties accountable. Whether it’s the trucking company, the driver, or the manufacturer, we know how to navigate the intricacies of these cases to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Handle the Insurance Companies for You
The Munley Law, New York truck crash attorneys, will handle the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery. We will negotiate with an insurance company to get your personal injury claim appropriate consideration. Insurance companies are notorious for low-balling personal injury claims and offering early settlements; an experienced trucking attorney knows insurance company tactics and will work skillfully to make sure your case settles in your favor.
We Help Truck Drivers Injured on the Job
At Munley Law, we understand that truck drivers face unique risks on the job, often working long hours under challenging conditions. When truckers are injured on the job through no fault of their own, they deserve fierce legal representation. Our firm is dedicated to helping injured truck drivers secure the maximum compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
Truck driving is a demanding profession, and the injuries can be severe when accidents happen. Whether you were injured in a collision, due to faulty equipment, or because of unsafe working conditions, Munley Law is here to fight for your rights. We have extensive experience representing truck drivers in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims, ensuring that you receive the benefits and compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Our truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the specific laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry, which is crucial in building a solid case. We understand the pressures and demands of the job and know how to navigate cases involving large trucking companies and their insurance companies. Whether you are dealing with a workers’ compensation claim or pursuing a third-party lawsuit, we have the expertise to guide you through the process.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York
More than 3,000 truck accidents resulted in severe injuries in New York in 2022. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that fatigue, alcohol use, and speeding are vital contributors to truck accidents. Here are some of the primary factors that contribute to truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours and may not get adequate rest. Despite regulations that limit driving hours, some drivers and companies push these limits to meet tight delivery schedules. Fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers may be distracted by mobile devices, navigation systems, eating, or other activities that distract them from the road. Even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to devastating consequences, given the size and speed of these vehicles.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are significant factors in many truck accidents. Trucks require a greater distance to stop than smaller vehicles, and speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, improper lane changes, and aggressive driving, further increase the likelihood of collisions. New York City has recently passed a law to reduce the speed limit to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle and truck crashes.
Inadequate Training and Maintenance
Proper training and regular vehicle maintenance are required for safe trucking operations. Inadequate training can leave drivers unprepared to handle their commercial vehicles in various conditions, while poor maintenance can lead to mechanical failures. Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering problems can cause drivers to lose control and result in serious accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications is a dangerous practice that can lead to truck accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced coordination, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment, all contributing to the likelihood of an accident. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are fit to operate their vehicles.
Bad Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, and ice, can affect road conditions and make driving hazardous. Poor weather can reduce visibility, traction, and the ability to stop quickly, increasing the risk of accidents. Snow and ice-covered roads can lead to multi-vehicle pileups involving tractor-trailers.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks
Overloading a large truck or improperly securing cargo can make a vehicle unstable and difficult to control. Overloaded trucks may have difficulty braking and maneuvering, while improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip, resulting in a rollover or losing control. Adhering to proper loading guidelines is essential for safe operation.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in New York
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the lives of the victims. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of truck accidents. These injuries occur when the head experiences a sudden impact or violent motion, leading to damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, causing long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also common in truck accidents and can lead to partial or complete paralysis. The impact of a collision can damage the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord itself, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. These injuries often result in lifelong disabilities and significant medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck collision can cause multiple broken bones and fractures. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgical intervention and prolonged immobilization, depending on the severity. Recovery can be painful and lengthy, impacting the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent after an accident. The impact can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding is a serious concern and requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. These injuries often necessitate surgery and intensive medical care.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in truck accident cases, especially in rear-end collisions. The sudden jolt can cause the neck to snap back and forth, resulting in soft tissue damage, including strains and sprains. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While some cases resolve with conservative treatment, severe cases can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
Burns and Lacerations
Truck accidents can cause fires or explosions, leading to severe burns. Burns can damage the skin, muscles, and even bones, requiring extensive medical treatment for disfigurement, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Additionally, the impact of a collision can result in deep cuts and lacerations, which may cause significant blood loss and require surgical repair.
Amputations
In the most severe truck accidents, victims may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs. The crushing force of a truck can cause irreparable damage to extremities, necessitating surgical amputation. Losing a limb is a life-changing event that requires long-term rehabilitation, prosthetic devices, and psychological support.
Beyond the physical injuries, large truck accidents can also bring significant psychological damage and post-traumatic stress.
Damages Available to NY Truck Accident Victims
Accident victims who suffer these types of serious injuries should not have to bear their cost.
To help alleviate these burdens, victims may be entitled to various damages through a personal injury claim. These damages are generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate victims for the financial losses incurred due to the accident. These damages are quantifiable and typically include:
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills include the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing or future medical treatments related to the injuries sustained in the truck accident.
- Lost Wages: Victims can recover compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from the accident. This also covers any future earnings and lost earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability that affects the victim’s ability to work.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing personal property damaged in a truck accident, such as the victim’s motor vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for your truck accident’s intangible losses and emotional suffering. These damages are more subjective and can include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional challenges that affect the victim’s quality of life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages awarded for the diminished ability to enjoy life’s activities and hobbies that the victim engaged in prior to the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to the spouse or family members of the injured victim for the loss of companionship, support, and affection resulting from the victim’s injuries.
Your lawyer will work with experts to calculate the maximum value of your damages and fight to ensure you receive every dollar you are entitled to.
FAQs About New York Truck Accidents
How much does it cost to hire a New York truck accident attorney?
Our personal injury lawyers do not charge for their services unless we win you compensation. This ensures everyone can afford the best legal representation and protects truck accident victims from financial risk in pursuing a legal claim. We accept the risks, and you owe us nothing if your claim is unsuccessful.
Who can you sue if you were injured in an accident with a semi truck?
The responsible parties can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are the main parties you might be able to sue following an accident with a big rig:
- The Truck Driver
- The Trucking Company
- The Truck Manufacturer
- The Cargo Loader
- The Vehicle Maintenance Company
- The Trucking Fleet Owner
- Other Drivers
Determining liability in truck accidents can be complex due to the multiple parties involved and the need to investigate various factors. An experienced truck accident attorney can help identify all potentially responsible parties, gather evidence, and build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New York?
In New York State, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of injury.
Get a Free Case Review from an Award-winning New York Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer in Buffalo or the Bronx, a top-rated New York truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can investigate your case and prove who was at fault. With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, Munley Law has become a trusted name for those seeking justice after a commercial truck accident. Our commitment to client care and our extensive knowledge of New York’s legal system ensure you receive the personalized attention and aggressive representation you need during this challenging time.
Contact the law firm of Munley Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
