Truck Accidents
Truck Accident Attorney in White Plains, New York
Accidents involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers often cause far more personal injury and property damage than collisions solely involving passenger vehicles. The reason for this is simple physics. The typical commercial semi-truck loaded with cargo can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, while a small passenger car can weigh as little as 3,000 pounds. This difference in weight means the passenger car is almost certain to take the brunt of any impact with a semi-truck.
A qualified White Plains truck accident lawyer can help you sort through the physical and legal wreckage of these collisions. If you were the innocent victim of a truck driver’s negligence, you may be facing the prospect of thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills, not to mention any loss of income while you recover. Not only can you seek compensation for such quantifiable economic damages with a truck accident attorney in White Plains. You are also entitled to non-economic damages as compensation for your pain and suffering and overall loss of enjoyment of life due to a truck accident.
Common Factors That Lead to Truck Accident
Like any motor vehicle accident, a truck accident is often the result of simple driver negligence. For example, the truck driver failed to obey local traffic laws and in doing so caused an accident. Or perhaps the driver was distracted and not paying close enough attention to the road.
In other cases, the driver’s negligence may be due to fatigue. Commercial truck drivers are often under enormous pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. Federal and state laws try to relieve some of this pressure by limiting the total number of hours that a truck driver can stay on the road without rest. Nevertheless, some drivers ignore these regulations or simply do not take enough of a rest period to maintain their alertness. As a result, our truck accident attorneys in White Plains often see truck accidents that are caused by a truck driver falling asleep behind the wheel.
The Driver May Not Be The Only Negligent Party
In car accident lawsuits, the negligent driver is often the only defendant. But when it comes to truck accidents, there may be multiple defendants involved. If the truck driver was working for someone else, the vehicle’s owner can be held legally responsible for an accident. The company that loaded a truck’s cargo may also be liable if they allowed an overweight or unbalanced vehicle onto the road. And in some cases, there may actually be a defect with the truck itself, such as a faulty part or even a known manufacturing issue with the model and make of truck.
You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
As you can see, truck accidents often involve far more complex questions of fact and law than a regular “fender bender.” That is why if you have been injured in a collision involving a semi-trick or big rig, you need to work with a White Plains truck accident lawyer who understands how to handle these cases. Contact Kent Hazzard & Freeman for a FREE consultation today if you would like to know more and speak with a truck accident attorney in White Plains.
Frequently Asked Questions - Truck Accident:
Kent Hazzard and Freeman’s truck accident attorneys in White Plains have extensive experience handling complex truck accident claims in New York. Our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the state’s trucking regulations and the unique challenges involved in these cases. We have the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation.
Truck accidents can occur due to various reasons, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper maintenance, overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, and defective truck parts. Our truck accident attorneys in White Plains will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine the liable parties and hold them accountable.
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputations, and internal organ damage. Our firm has experience as truck accident attorneys in White Plains handling cases involving severe and life-altering injuries.
Truck accidents tend to be more complex than car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially the manufacturer of defective truck parts. Additionally, trucking companies are subject to strict federal and state regulations, which can play a crucial role in determining liability.
In New York, truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with various regulations, including those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the New York State Department of Transportation. These laws govern aspects like hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.
The duration of a truck accident claim can vary significantly depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, the number of parties involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Some claims may be resolved within months, while others can take a year or more. Our truck accident lawyers in White Plains will work diligently to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while protecting your rights.
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the specific circumstances of your case, including the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case and fight to secure the maximum compensation possible, which may include economic and non-economic damages.
Yes, under New York’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any allegations of comparative negligence to maximize your recovery.
By hiring our firm of truck accident attorneys in White Plains, you’ll benefit from our extensive experience, resources, and commitment to client satisfaction. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will provide personalized attention and guide you through every step of the legal process.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced truck accident attorneys in White Plains, please call our office at (914) 948-4700 or fill out the online contact form on our website at https://kenthazzard.com/contact-us/
We’ll be happy to discuss the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action.