Our Family of Lawyers Has Been Helping Injured People For Three Generations Both New York State and the U.S. federal government have numerous statutes and regulations addressing tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks on the roads. These laws represent an attempt to make traveling safer for cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and others who share the streets with large trucks that weigh tens of thousands of pounds more.
Unfortunately, legislation can only accomplish so much. All too often a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence results in devastating accidents. When trucking companies or their employees cut corners or take risks and an accident happens, the responsible parties may be held liable.
If you were hurt in a truck collision, talk to a White Plains truck accident lawyer today. At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, one of our dedicated personal injury attorneys could work to protect your rights and fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries.
How Negligence Could Lead to an Accident
All drivers owe a duty of care to other drivers on the roads, but because of their size, weight, and lack of maneuverability, the operators of commercial trucks owe an extra duty to operate in a safe manner. However, truck operators driving through New York sometimes take risks or fail to take preventive actions – often in an effort to decrease overhead costs and increase profits. The result can be a truck accident causing serious injuries.
For instance, a trucking company may put drivers on a schedule where they are expected to complete deliveries so quickly that they need to drive recklessly or for too long without a break in order to meet expectations. Or a driver may operate a vehicle while distracted by a cell phone or impaired by the effects of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
A company may also cut costs by delaying regular inspections or maintenance on their trucks. Similarly, companies manufacturing parts for a truck could use less expensive, substandard materials that fail when put under pressure. These are just a few examples of how negligence by either a company or an individual—or both—could cause a truck accident.
What Should You Do Next After an Accident?
Truck accidents are almost always traumatic for all parties involved. Still, following an accident, it is best to try and remain calm. Important decisions must be made.
After an accident, the following steps should be taken if possible:
- Remain at the scene of the accident
- Call 911
- Take photographs of any vehicle damage
- Exchange insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle
- Obtain the names and addresses of any potential witnesses
- Seek medical care, even if there are no present injuries
- Contact a skilled White Plains truck accident lawyer who has experience with these claims
Those injured in a truck accident should also avoid returning to work too soon. Doing so could cause the opposing insurance company to claim you did not sustain serious injuries.
Types of Compensation That May Be Available
When an individual is injured due to the negligence, recklessness, or improper behavior of another party, New York law provides a number of legal remedies. In many cases, the injured party may be entitled to compensation to cover not only tangible expenses but also intangible consequences of the accident.
Examples of tangible expenses include money to cover past and future medical bills and compensation for lost wages due to time missed from work. Intangible damage awards include compensation for factors such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Identifying and calculating potential damages for tangible and intangible expenses often requires the help of a seasoned truck accident lawyer in White Plains who has experience in calculating settlement values.
Talk to a White Plains Truck Accident Attorney
If you were injured during a truck accident, your first priority should be making a full recovery. However, injuries lead to medical bills at a time when you may have less income than usual due to needing to stay home from work. Instead of worrying about added expenses and future consequences, talk to an experienced White Plains truck accident lawyer today.
At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, our attorneys are familiar with specialized trucking laws and know how local courts have ruled in previous truck accident claims. We could help you evaluate your situation and determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Your attorney should handle all legal requirements and advocate on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on recovery. Let us help you – call now for a free consultation.
