Truck accidents have the potential to cause life-altering injuries for innocent victims in Long Island. These victims may face a range of issues for the rest of their days, including continued medical treatments, the inability to earn a living, and psychological trauma stemming from the crash. Although it might be too late to prevent the truck accident, victims can mitigate these consequences by getting in touch with a truck accident attorney in Long Island. These legal professionals can help plaintiffs pursue compensation for their damages.
What Causes Truck Accidents In Long Island?
Sometimes, truck accidents are simply freak accidents that occur for no apparent reason. However, these crashes are relatively rare. A much more common scenario involves negligence or recklessness leading directly to crashes. A range of parties may cause crashes through negligence, including:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Other drivers
Truck drivers are tasked with driving long hours in a highly monotonous manner. Many truckers are extremely responsible, but others allow themselves to become distracted when faced with long, open roads. Distraction may take many forms, including:
- Texting while driving
- Eating while driving
- Watching videos while driving
- Playing mobile games while driving
- Becoming distracted by music
- Becoming distracted by passengers
- Reading while driving
These are only a few examples of distractions. Virtually anything that takes a trucker’s eyes off the road can be classified as a distraction, even swatting away a fly that has become stuck in the cab.
Truckers may also become intoxicated before getting behind the wheel. They may choose a range of substances, including alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs. Alcohol is a common choice for truckers, but many also rely on stimulants to keep them awake over long periods.
Truckers may stay on the road for over 12 hours at a time. This is not only dangerous, but it might also violate Department of Transport rules. Faced with these long hauls, truckers may resort to drugs or attempt to stay away. Even a sober driver can become incredibly dangerous when suffering from fatigue. Studies have shown that staying awake for more than 24 hours produces similar effects to a 0.08 BAC level.
Many argue that the trucking industry itself incentivizes negligence. The entire business of transporting goods relies on experience, and companies lose money if items take too long to be delivered. Therefore, many companies encourage their drivers to drive for long hours, disregard safety protocols, and do whatever they can to finish their hauls as quickly as possible. Often, this includes violating Department of Transport rules.
These industry pressures have become even more pronounced in recent years. A nationwide trucker shortage has forced trucking companies to become less selective in their hiring practices. New rules allow trucking companies to hire drivers as young as 18. Some trucking companies may also overlook serious misconduct in the past, such as DUIs or other traffic offenses.
It is also worth mentioning that truckers and trucking companies are not always to blame for truck accidents. Often negligent drivers cause truckers to swerve in order to avoid collisions. This might cause a truck to roll over and crush other vehicles. In this case, it is the “near miss” caused by the negligent driver that led to the accident, not any action taken by the trucker.
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How Can A Truck Accident Attorney In Long Island Help Me?
Long Island has a bustling economy that employs millions of people and rakes in almost $1 trillion in GDP. As you might expect, the trucking industry is quite active in this area. Commercial trucks are a common sight throughout the island, whether they are transporting Amazon packages, raw materials, lumber, gasoline, or something else entirely. Because of the population density and active economy of Long Island, truck accidents are almost inevitable. Truck accident attorneys can assist injuries victims in Long Island in a number of ways, including:- Answering questions during consultations
- Advising plaintiffs on whether to proceed with lawsuits
- Helping plaintiffs gather important evidence
- Instructing plaintiffs on which documents to collect
- Helping plaintiffs negotiate with insurers
- Advising plaintiffs on whether to accept settlement offers
- Filing documents with the courts
- Representing plaintiffs during personal injury trials.
Suing For Head Injuries After Truck Accidents
Many truck accidents lead to head injuries. These may be much more serious than plaintiffs realize. In some cases, memory loss may cause plaintiffs to forget about the details of the accident, including blows to the head. Alternatively, a plaintiff may simply believe that their slight knock to the head has not caused any serious issues.
Even a slight knock to the head can cause serious consequences, which is why it always makes sense to seek medical treatment after a truck accident. Even if you believe that you have suffered no injuries, it’s best to be on the safe side. Getting medical attention also creates medical records that you can use as proof of your injuries at a later date.
Suing For Disfigurement After Truck Accidents
Some of the worst truck accidents may leave plaintiffs disfigured. Examples of disfigurement include:- Amputations
- Burns
- Lacerations
What Can A Truck Accident Attorney In Long Island Do For Me?
If you have been searching for an experienced truck accident attorney in Long Island, look no further than the Law Office of Frank A. Cetero. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs, including those who have suffered serious injuries caused by truck accidents. During your consultation, you can explore options for compensation and determine the best course of legal action. Remember, internet research only gets you so far – and the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long. Contact our Long Island personal injury lawyers today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions !!
Can I still pursue a claim if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Yes, many states follow comparative negligence laws, allowing you to seek compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, although your recovery may be reduced proportionally.
What should I do if the trucking company's insurance adjuster contacts me?
It’s advisable to refrain from providing recorded statements or signing any documents without consulting a lawyer first, as insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim.
How can an attorney help me after a truck accident?
An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf, relieving you of the stress of dealing with legal complexities.
What if the truck driver was operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and can significantly impact liability in a truck accident case, potentially resulting in punitive damages against the driver and/or the trucking company.
Still Have Questions ?
Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to provide clarity and guidance every step of the way.