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Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer / Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer

Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are often far more catastrophic than typical car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, from box trucks and moving vans to 18-wheeler tractor-trailers. In New York, with its congested roads and heavy traffic, collisions involving large trucks can result in devastating injuries and significant property damage.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, chances are you’ll find yourself going up against a large commercial company – maybe national in scope – and its well-funded insurer. These entities have the staff and resources to pressure and intimidate individual plaintiffs, forcing them to accept less than their claim is worth or give up on their claim altogether when faced with obstinacy and delays from defendants and their insurance companies.

Jacobson Law in New York can help with that. Our personal injury trial attorneys have decades of experience litigating truck accident cases in Long Island and throughout New York City, with a long record of stellar results. Truck accidents can cause horrific injuries and long-term or life-long impairments. We work to recover significant compensation that helps accident victims and their families deal with the financial costs and daily challenges involved. Our Long Island truck accident lawyers regularly litigate semi-truck accident cases and reach effective resolutions through substantial settlements and jury verdicts. Jacobson Law is the law firm you want to take on your truck accident case and get you the compensation you need and deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are tied to negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may push themselves to meet tight deadlines. Fatigue can impair their judgment and reaction times, leading to accidents.
  • Distracted Driving: Like any driver, truck operators may be tempted to use their phones or engage in other distractions while on the road. Many truckers have additional distractions via CB radio and two-way communication devices with their dispatch offices.
  • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Commercial trucks require frequent maintenance to ensure they are safe for the road. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues due to poor maintenance can cause serious accidents.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Due to their size, trucks need more time and space to stop or maneuver. Speeding or aggressive driving makes it difficult for drivers to avoid accidents.
  • Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: Federal regulations control how much cargo a truck can carry. Overloaded or improperly balanced loads can make trucks harder to control or more prone to tipping over.

Who Is Liable in a New York Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are often more complex than other motor vehicle accident claims because they may involve multiple parties. Some of the parties that could be liable in a truck accident include:

  • Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent (e.g., by driving fatigued, distracted, or under the influence), they may be held responsible for the accident.
  • Trucking Company: Trucking companies are required to hire qualified drivers and maintain their vehicles. They may be liable if they failed to properly train their drivers or maintain the truck involved in the accident.
  • Cargo Loaders: In cases where improper loading or overloading of cargo contributed to the accident, the party responsible for loading the truck may share liability.
  • Truck Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or one of its components (e.g., brakes or tires) caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability laws.

Proving Negligence in a New York Truck Accident

To successfully recover compensation in a truck accident case that resulted in serious injuries, you must prove that negligence was involved. In New York, serious personal injury claims are based on a “fault” system, which means the injured party must demonstrate that the other party was at fault for the accident. To do this, you’ll need to provide evidence such as:

  • Police reports: These can provide an official record of the accident and may include details on any traffic violations or witness statements.
  • Witness testimony: Eyewitnesses can help confirm the circumstances of the accident and establish fault.
  • Expert testimony: Accident reconstruction experts may be used to demonstrate how the crash occurred and which party was responsible.
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) records: Truck drivers are required to log their hours. ELD records can show if the driver exceeded their allowable hours on the road, which can help prove fatigue.
  • Maintenance records: If poor vehicle maintenance was a factor in the crash, maintenance records can help establish liability.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of current and future medical treatments, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: You may also be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement for any damaged property, including your vehicle.

How a New York Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

Truck accident cases require a thorough investigation and knowledge of both federal trucking regulations and New York personal injury law. At Jacobson Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys have the resources and expertise to handle even the most complex cases. We understand the devastating impact a serious truck accident can have on your life and are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

We will investigate every aspect of your accident, identify all liable parties, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Jacobson Law Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Jacobson Law today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. Our Long Island truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping truck accident victims in New York recover the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Call 631-661-2030 to schedule a consultation at our Long Island offices in Bohemia or Carle Place, or in Manhattan by appointment.