The large number of trucks that drive over the Bronx daily increases the possibility of a truck accident. Trucks are crucial for our society and economy as they efficiently transport large quantities of products to cities and supply stores. These products are essential for meeting people's needs and demands.
We must address the fact that there will be accidents involving big trucks on the streets. These accidents occur because of the trucks' large size, numerous blind spots, and the various types of cargo they carry.
If you ever get involved in one of these traffic accidents that often bring devastating consequences, you will surely need a truck accident lawyer in The Bronx. 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. Truck drivers may drive tired due to long hours, tight schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines.
Tired drivers have slower reactions, impaired judgment, and make more mistakes, which raises the chance of accidents.
Speeding:
Another significant factor in truck crashes 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.
Truck drivers struggle to stop in time when they go too fast, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
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 threatens other motorists sharing the road.
Regular inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules are crucial to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Improper Truck Training:
Anyone who wants to drive a large truck must pass a training course to 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 is 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 consequences 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 difficult to control. It takes longer to stop and strains the vehicle's parts excessively. This increases 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 big vehicles can lead to many accidents, hurting many people at once.
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.
Truck drivers can be blamed for accidents if they drive recklessly, speed, use drugs or alcohol, or drive while distracted.
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.
If the company hires a driver with a bad driving record or a suspended license, they may be blamed.
In some instances, third-party factors may contribute to the accident. If a faulty truck part caused the accident, the company that made or sold the part could be responsible.
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 a lawyer for truck accidents as soon as possible when they meet with such incidents.
Types of Injuries in Bronx Truck Accidents
Accidents with trucks in the Bronx can cause many injuries because trucks are bigger and heavier than 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 significantly determine the compensation awarded.
In serious negligence or intentional wrongdoing cases, the court can give extra money, called punitive damages. This is to punish the person responsible and discourage them from doing it again.
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.
The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled increased by 7% in 2020. It also increased by 22% in the past decade.
"Large trucks" means medium or heavy trucks, not including buses and motorhomes, that weigh more than 10,000 pounds. It is important to note that commercial and non-commercial vehicles are encompassed within this definition.
Large trucks were involved in 9% of fatal crashes, even though they only made up 5% of all registered vehicles. Additionally, they contributed to 10% of the total vehicle miles traveled.
Big trucks are involved in deadly accidents, so it's important to focus on safety rules and regulations in the 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.
Our Bronx truck accident lawyers are experienced in this type of case. They will explain the process and handle all the paperwork and investigation.
Our law firm in the Bronx helps the Spanish-speaking community in New York. We can speak your language and understand the challenges of communication. Contact us now for a free consultation of your case at 855-DOLOR-55, and one of our lawyers will answer any questions.