Bronx Truck Accident Lawyer
The large number of trucks that drive over the Bronx daily increases the possibility of a truck accident. Trucks are essential to our society and economy since they are the best transportation to move large amounts of products through the cities and supply all the stores where the final consumer will buy what they need.
We need to deal with the fact that it is widespread to find a big truck in the streets, and due to its large dimensions, many blindspots, and the many different cargo loads it may carry, there will be truck accidents.
If you ever get involved in one of these traffic accidents that often bring devastating consequences, you will surely need a Bronx truck accident lawyer. We understand the complexities and challenges that an accident with a truck may cause and the stress the victim may face. Therefore we offer our legal help and provide the support you need.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in the Bronx
Multiple factors are over the table when it comes to truck accidents. We must consider that most truck accidents happen on highways or roads with multiple lanes. It is uncommon to find these large trucks on small streets because they cannot turn left or right.
Driver Fatigue:
One of the leading causes of truck accidents in the Bronx is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to truck drivers operating their vehicles while tired or exhausted.
Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment and are more prone to making critical errors, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding:
Another significant factor in truck accidents is speeding. Due to the size and weight of trucks, they require more time and distance to come to a stop compared to smaller vehicles.
When truck drivers exceed the speed limits, stopping in time to avoid collisions becomes challenging, especially in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
Improper Maintenance:
Failure to properly maintain trucks can result in mechanical losses, such as brake issues, tire blowouts, or steering problems.
Inadequate maintenance endangers the truck driver and poses a serious threat to other motorists sharing the road.
Regular inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules are crucial to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Improper Truck Training:
For any person who wants to drive a large truck, they need to pass a training course where they can prove their knowledge and abilities to control these vehicles. Since they are unique vehicles, how to drive them is way too different if the truck is loaded.
The company's responsible for hiring the driver to ensure that the driver meets all the requirements and proves their ability. If they fail, they may face the consequence of a truck accident in the Bronx.
Driving Under The Influence:
Alcohol and drugs are an alarming factor when we study traffic accidents. It is known that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can impair the driver's actions. The New York law states that a driver with and above 0.08 percent of alcohol in the blood violates the law.
Overloaded Trucks:
Overloading a truck beyond its recommended capacity is a dangerous practice that can lead to accidents.
An overloaded truck is harder to control, takes longer to stop, and puts excessive strain on the vehicle's components, increasing the likelihood of tire blowouts and brake failures.
Reckless Driving:
Tailgating, speeding, suddenly changing lanes, and other actions are considered reckless. These behaviors are dangerous for the driver and others who use public streets.
Losing control of these massive vehicles can cause multiple collision accidents, injuring a lot of people at the same time.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving is a significant problem for all motorists, including truck drivers. Distractions like using mobile phones, adjusting GPS devices, or eating while driving can divert a truck driver's attention from the road, leading to severe accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions:
Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, can significantly affect visibility and road conditions.
Truck drivers must adjust their driving behavior to match the weather conditions. Failure to do so can result in reduced control over the vehicle and increase the risk of accidents.
Understanding Truck Accident Liability
Truck accidents in the Bronx can have devastating consequences, often leading to severe injuries and property damage. When such accidents occur, it is crucial to determine liability, which is the legal responsibility for the accident.
Establishing liability in a truck accident involves examining various factors to determine who is at fault. This determination significantly impacts the potential compensation for the injured party.
Liability in truck accidents is typically determined by assessing the actions or negligence of the parties involved.
The primary parties that may be held liable include the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially other third parties, such as the truck's manufacturer or a maintenance contractor.
In many cases, truck drivers may be deemed responsible for the accident due to reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or distracted driving.
If drivers violate traffic laws or fail to follow industry regulations, their negligence can be critical in determining liability.
Trucking companies can also be liable for a truck accident, especially if they failed to train their drivers properly, enforced unrealistic schedules that led to driver fatigue, or neglected to perform regular vehicle maintenance.
Additionally, if the company hires a driver with a history of safety violations or a suspended license, they may be considered at fault.
In some instances, third-party factors may contribute to the accident. For example, if a defective truck part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or distributor of that part could be held liable.
Determining liability is crucial because it directly impacts the injured party's ability to seek compensation. New York follows a "comparative negligence" system, which means that if the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their salary may be reduced.
However, if the injured party is not more than 50% responsible for the accident, they may still be eligible to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
Consulting an experienced Bronx truck accident attorney is crucial to protect your rights and build a strong case for fair compensation. Therefore, we always encourage people to seek legal help as soon as possible when they meet with a truck accident in the Bronx.
Types of Injuries in Bronx Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in the Bronx can lead to a wide range of injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles. Victims involved in these accidents may sustain severe and life-altering injuries.
Victims must understand the common types of injuries in truck accidents and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and documenting all injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma
- Among others
Bronx Truck Accident Compensation
Victims of truck accidents in the Bronx may be entitled to various types of compensation to help them recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the accident's aftermath.
The compensation available to victims typically falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
The amount and types of compensation can vary depending on the injuries' severity and the accident's circumstances.
Economic Damages: Economic damages are the tangible and quantifiable losses incurred by the victim due to the accident. These damages aim to reimburse the victim for their financial expenses and losses. Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription medicine
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are more subjective and encompass the emotional and intangible losses experienced by the victim. These damages are more challenging to quantify as they do not have a direct monetary value. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
The injuries' severity and impact on the victim's life will play a significant role in determining the amount of compensation awarded.
In extreme negligence or willful misconduct cases, the court may also award punitive damages, which aim to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Bronx Truck Accident Statistics
In 2021, fatal crashes involving large trucks significantly increased, with 5,700 accidents recorded. This represents an 18% surge compared to the figures from 2020 and a staggering 49% surge over the past decade.
Moreover, when considering the involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled, there was a 7% rise from 2020 and a notable 22% increase over the last ten years.
"large trucks" refers to medium or heavy trucks, excluding buses and motorhomes, with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds. It is important to note that commercial and non-commercial vehicles are encompassed within this definition.
Regarding the impact on fatal crashes, large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved, while they made up 5% of all registered vehicles. Additionally, they contributed to 10% of the total vehicle miles traveled.
These statistics underscore the significant role that large trucks play in fatal accidents, highlighting the need for continued attention to safety measures and regulations within the commercial trucking industry.
Your Bronx Truck Accident Lawyer
The Ward Law Group P.L. strives to provide a high-quality service every time. We understand the pressure and stress that our clients are already having when dealing with their injuries.
Therefore, our compassionate Bronx truck accident lawyers with vast experience in dealing with this type of case always explain easily how the process will take place and take care of all the paperwork and investigation.
Our Bronx truck accident law firm proudly serves the Spanish community in New York; we understand the language barrier's struggle and can communicate with you in your mother tongue. Contact us now for a free consultation of your case at 855-DOLOR-55, and one of our lawyers will answer any questions.