Truck accidents can have a wide variety of causes and can result in serious damage and injury. They can be the fault of the truck driver, another driver on the road, the trucking company, and even factors that no one can control. If you were the victim of an accident, contact a New York truck accident lawyer for assistance.
How Are Truck Accidents Typically Caused?
It is important to identify fault when looking at a truck accident so the negligent party can be brought to justice and any victims can be properly compensated.
A truck driver or passenger vehicle driver may be found liable for the accident if they were:
- Intoxicated
- Operating any vehicle while under the influence is extremely dangerous and a huge threat to other drivers on the road.
- Driving recklessly
- Speeding, making sudden lane changes, failing to adjust driving due to weather, failure to obey traffic laws, tailgating, etc. can result in an accident. A passenger vehicle driver should be aware of the limitations of a truck due to its size and weight. They cannot stop or go quickly, nor can they swerve out of the way at a moment’s notice. A passenger vehicle’s reckless driving can entail the same characteristics listed above but can also include driving in the truck’s blind spot, driving to the right of the truck when they are making a right turn, illegal passing, etc.
- Distracted
- Eating, drinking, changing the radio, or adjusting the GPS can all cause a distraction which can cause a serious accident.
A trucking company may be found liable if they:
- Negligently hired the driver
- If they did not do a background check and hired someone without proper qualifications they could be found liable.
- Failed to provide adequate training
- Lack of proper training can pose a danger to the driver and any cars around them.
- Failed to keep up with maintenance of the trucks
- Engine or mechanical failure can result in accidents.
- Failed to enforce rests and breaks
- Pressuring a driver to meet deadlines by foregoing sleep or rest can result in fatigued driving which can be almost as dangerous as intoxicated driving.
Poor road conditions or weather can also cause loss of control of a vehicle. Inclement weather can result in lowered visibility and cracked pavement, potholes, or debris can be hazardous as well. It is important to note that any of these people or corporations can share blame. Partial fault can be assigned to any party.
Should I Hire an Attorney for My Truck Accident Case?
It is imperative to hire a lawyer in an instance such as this. If you or someone you know were injured in a truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation. With the help of an attorney, you can ensure you collect the most appropriate amount of compensation to cover your medical costs and property damage, as well as lost wages related to the accident.
