Driving in the greater New York area is challenging enough without having to worry about trucks and tractor-trailers. Although state and federal truck safety laws are in place, collisions involving trucks and other motor vehicles are far too common. Given the fact that a commercial truck outweighs a typical passenger vehicle by several tons, a collision can have devastating consequences for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Faced with significant physical injuries and mounting medical expenses, truck accident victims must have proper legal representation.
Prime Law Firm has been successfully handling truck accident claims for over 25 years. We have a proven history of holding negligent trucking companies and truckers accountable and a well-earned reputation for being dedicated advocates of injury victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, we will work to make sure that you are justly compensated.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Queens
Some of the leading causes of truck and tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue — Although federal regulations mandate hourly driving limits and regular rest breaks for truck drivers, driver fatigue is a widespread problem in the trucking industry. Trucking companies typically impose strict delivery deadlines on drivers and pay them based on mileage. This forces truckers to drive long hours and cover vast distances, which increases the risk of fatigue. Nonetheless, the trucking company and the driver may both be held liable when these rules are not followed.
- Distracted Driving — Truckers are prone to becoming distracted due to numerous factors such as the rigors of driving, long work schedules, eating, drinking, cell phone use, GPS and other onboard technology. Truck drivers may be held liable for accidents that are attributed to distracted driving.
- Improper Maintenance — Federal law reqires trucking companies to routinely inspect and maintain vehicles in their fleet. Braking systems, engines, tires, braking lights, and other vital parts must be operating properly. Trucking companies are also required to keep records of inspections, which must be made available for review by federal regulators. A trucking company may be held legally responsible for failing to abide by such requirements.
- Inadequate Training — Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that the drivers they hire are properly trained. It is a common practice for trucking companies to pay drivers to complete trucking courses, however, or to put inexperienced truck drivers on the road too quickly sincw they are paid less per mile than experienced truckers. Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by inadequately trained drivers.
- Improper Loading — Although permissible cargo weight for trucks is governed by state and federal law, truck accidents are often the result of improper loading. This can make a truck or tractor-trailer more difficult to stop or maneuver. Determining liability involves figuring out which party was responsible for loading the truck — the trucker, the trucking company or a third-party such as a freight operator or warehouse owner.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
The most common types of truck crashes include:
- Rollover Accidents — Often the result of speeding and improper loading, rollovers can also occur on steep inclines, from taking a curve too fast or swerving to avoid objects on the road.
- Jackknife Accidents — This occurs when the drive axle brakes of a tractor-trailer lock, causing the trailer to skid, stopping only after it comes to a 90-degree angle with the tractor.
- Brake Failure Accidents — Improperly installed or poorly maintained brakes are prone to failure. Additionally, aging brakes and sudden stops can cause overheating which can lead to brake failure, particularly in heavier trucks.
- Runaway Truck Accidents – Brakes should be applied in a way that gradually reduces the speed of the truck. Using improper braking techniques can cause the brakes to fail, leading to a runaway truck.
- Blind Spots — Commercial trucks typically have larger blind spots along the sides and rear of the truck — so-called “No Zone” areas. Motorist who failed to avoid No Zone areas can be easily be involved in a collision with the truck or be pinned against other vehicles or obstacles.
- Rear-End Accidents — When a truck runs into the back of another vehicle, the weight of the truck and its cargo load can cause significant damage to the vehicle and catastrophic injuries to its occupants.
- Under-ride — Vehicles traveling behind a truck that brakes suddenly can become crushed under the rear truck trailer, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
- Wide Turn Accidents — If a trucker underestimates the amount of space needed to complete a turn or fails to notice smaller vehicles, motorists and passengers can be injured in wide-turn or “squeeze-play” accident.
New York Truck Accident Attorneys
At Prime Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of truck accident victims. While recovering from a truck accident can be an overwhelming physical, emotional and financial burden, we can help to lift that burden by providing you with aggressive legal representation.
We are keenly aware that trucking companies and their insurers will do whatever they can to avoid liability. We know how to fight back and will make sure that you are fairly compensated. Call our office today or complete the contact form on our website to set up a free consultation.
