Long Island Truck Accident Lawyers

How Can a Long Island Truck Accident Attorney Help?

While an accident involving an 18-wheeler may seem similar to a passenger vehicle accident, big rig accidents often result in life-changing injuries or fatalities. The investigation into a truck accident on Long Island is more complex compared to investigating a standard auto accident. The damages are typically more devastating and widespread and the injuries are usually more serious. Unfortunately, the rate of fatalities is far higher. A big rig accident case can also involve a thorough examination of the trucker’s driving history, employment history, and the trucking company’s training and hiring practices. For these reasons, if you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you should contact an experienced Long Island truck accident lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP, as soon as possible. 

At Parker Waichman LLP, our experienced truck accident lawyers can guide you throughout the legal process, providing the knowledgeable and supportive legal advice and representation you need during this challenging time. 

When you hire a member of our legal team, they can also help by:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering evidence
• Filing paperwork
• Handling all communication with the insurance company or defense attorney
• Negotiate a fair settlement
• Filing a lawsuit if settlement negotiations are not successful
• Representing you in court

Our truck accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll this type of accident can take on you. Because of this, they will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation and justice you deserve.

What Are the Leading Causes Of Truck Accidents On Long Island?

An 18-wheeler accident can occur for many reasons. However, many of these accidents are caused by unsafe driving practices. 

Other common causes of big rig accidents include:

Speeding

Due to a truck’s massive weight and size, it’s difficult for truckers to stop quickly. When a trucker is speeding, they significantly increase the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Unsafe lane changes

A big rig needs plenty of space to turn. When they quickly switch lanes, it can result in a collision with another vehicle.

Following too closely

When a trucker follows another vehicle too closely, it can increase their chances of being involved in a rear-end collision.

Fatigued driving

Truckers must be on the road for several hours at a time to meet deadlines. This can result in drowsy driving, which increases the chances of an accident.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

A trucker may drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can slow reflexes and negatively impact a driver’s judgment.

Distracted driving

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving is any type of activity that will take the driver’s attention away from the road. Examples of distracted driving can include texting, eating while driving, changing the music, talking on the phone, or daydreaming.

Lack of vehicle maintenance

A trucking company is required to regularly maintain its vehicles. However, some trucking companies will choose to cut corners and save money by skipping regular maintenance practices. This can lead to mechanical failure on the road.

Improperly loaded cargo

When cargo is not properly secured, it can fall out the back of the truck or the weight of the cargo can shift in an instant. If the cargo is not properly balanced, it can also make it difficult for the trucker to maneuver the massive vehicle, resulting in an accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

At Parker Waichman LLP, our truck accident lawyers have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases. They have an in-depth understanding of state and federal trucking laws and regulations that apply to these cases and know how to conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties. 

To establish liability, a truck accident lawyer will look at the following:

• State and federal trucking regulations
• The trucker’s legal safety responsibilities
• Breach of any safety regulations
• Violations of Hours of
• Service
• Maintenance records
• Truck driver’s employment and driving history
• Cargo loading invoices

They will then perform certain investigative work to evaluate these factors, gathering evidence that can help them identify all liable parties involved and strengthen your case. 

Evidence can include:

• Vehicle maintenance records
• Driver’s Hours of Service logs
• Black box data
• Photos of the accident scene, injuries, and damage to every vehicle involved
• Accident report
• Medical records
• Video footage, if available - dash cam, traffic cam, surveillance footage, etc.
• Collision reconstruction reports

Parties that may share liability for this type of accident can include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• Person or entity responsible for servicing and maintaining the truck and trailer
• Truck and truck parts manufacturer

By identifying all liable parties and insurance policies, your attorney will determine the amount of compensation available and fight for your right to economic and noneconomic damages incurred due to the accident.

Contact Us Today

If you were involved in a truck accident on Long Island with a negligent truck driver and you suffered severe injuries, contact Parker Waichman LLP today to schedule a free legal consultation. You can meet with an experienced truck accident lawyer on our legal team and learn how they can help you recover compensation for your accident-related losses. Contact us today to learn more.