When an automobile accident scene involves a truck, upwards of 11 tons in weight, and a passenger car, the results can be devastating. Commercial truck accidents can have a devastating effect on your life and your family.

Loss of wages, accumulating medical bills, wrecked bodies, and grueling rehab are commonplace challenges after a serious truck accident. Gray Injury Law can give you the legal support necessary to make the maximum recovery possible after serious truck accidents. New York City truck accident lawyers can help to guide you to receive the justice you deserve.

Manhattan Truck Accidents Regularly Occur

The occurrence of truck accident injuries in New York City might be more than you’d imagine. In 2020 alone, there were hundreds of truck accidents. Truck accident victims may suffer intense damages that lead to a truck accident lawsuit. It’s been estimated that approximately 7,000 truck accidents will take place in a year. 

Most Common Catalysts in Truck Accidents

New York Truck Accidents Are Surprisingly Common

Truck drivers are required to adhere to numerous state and federal laws. Your truck accident lawyer can inform you of the laws that can protect your rights. 

Truck drivers experience work-related stress, work deadlines, and many drivers defy the directive to only drive a certain amount of hours per day. NYC truck accident attorneys can hold negligent drivers responsible for falling asleep at the wheel. If the trucking company was responsible for your truck accident cases, then Gray Injury Law will advocate. 

Here are some other frequent scenarios that contribute greatly to truck accidents occurring:

• Brake failure (partial or full system)
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain the truck
• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence
• Driving drowsy
• Speeding 
• Unsafe lane changes
• Vehicle defects
• Worn tires

There can be multiple causes for truck accident cases. If a truck driver fails to uphold their duty to care for other travelers, an adept truck accident lawyer can hold the driver, manufacturer, and trucking company responsible. The attorneys of Gray Injury Law are standing by and ready to assist you in all of your matters concerning truck accidents.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

A truck accident lawyer can support those involved in a serious truck accident. If you’ve experienced the following injuries, consider working with Gray Injury Law:

Spinal Cord

In truck accident collisions, drivers can have their spinal cords fractured, sustaining damage to ligaments, nerves, and tendons, and can even sustain serious nerve damage. More serious damage to the spine can result in full or partial paralysis.

Burns 

Trucks often carry fuel and other flammable and hazardous materials. During accidents, these materials can spill out and cause great bodily harm.

Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury is among the most serious of a crash. Whiplash, brain bruising, brain swelling, and more can all result from accidents. These injuries are known to be associated with PTSD.

Who is the Liable Party in a Truck Accident?

The original cause of the truck accident may be an error on the part of a driver, the liability will likely fall onto the employer they work for. This is under New York State law and falls under vicarious liability. 

Liable parties may include:

• The driver of the truck
• The company that owns the truck
• A leaser, if the company was the lease
• The most recent cargo servicer
• The mechanics who maintain the truck
• The truck manufacturer
• Another driver who may be at fault
• Any careless party whose actions may have significantly contributed to the crash

Employer Obligations in Truck Accident Negligence

Driver error is known to play a key role in truck accidents in New York City. You might be curious how a simple truck driver could cover the damages that may be awarded to someone injured in a truck accident. The situation is taken care thru large insurance firms that’ve underwritten policies for large commercial clients and their respective accounts. 

This is exactly why New York State law prevents commercial trucking from operating unless properly insured. This accountability measure holds companies accountable for the actions of their employees. It ensures that victims with limited resources won’t be abused in the legal system by large corporations with more monetary and legal resources than them.

New York State and Contributory Negligence Laws 

Contributory Negligence Laws in New York 

Contributory negligence is a legal theory whereby multiple parties, rather than a sole party, are responsible for a crash. Insurance companies may attempt to pin the blame on you. Where multiple companies are involved, it isn’t uncommon for them to attempt to pass the blame off on one another.

In New York State, you are legally allowed to recover damages from any party, at least partially at fault for the accident in which you were harmed. If you’re one of the parties at fault, your damages allotted could be reduced to account for your part in the incident. 

At Gray Injury Law, our attorneys are well-versed in the nuances and details of truck accident claims and know how to pressure the insurance companies looking to shift the blame.

How Truck Accident Cases Progress

Investigation

Our process considers all information sources that’ll support your case. We secure visual recordings, witness testimony, drivers’ records, computer data, and more; all to support your case.

The Testimony of Experts

The strongest testimony comes from those who know. This is why we work to get expert testimony that strengthens your claim. Doctors who know medicine and the human body, engineers who’ve built systems that provide data and security, and veteran drivers who can speak to the working conditions that may have been a part of the problem.

To secure victory in the legal arena, expert testimony is key. At Gray Injury Law, we’re committed to keeping the advantage you deserve.

Trial

With Gray Injury Law, our legal team is prepared to go to trial if necessary. While well over 90% of all claims are settled during litigation, the occasional court case does happen. When it does, you’ll be ready, and we’ll be right alongside you.

Truck Accident Victims and Compensatory Damages

When serious injuries are the result of a truck accident, the expenses can quickly amount to more than any one person can bear. The rising cost of health care and medical insurance doesn’t have to be reasons why you or any collision victim shouldn’t get the compensation they deserve.

Our injury lawyers are fighters, focused on securing for you:

• Emergency room costs
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Loss of your future earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring
• The cost of all medical bills

Securing damages requires great diligence, patience, and focus from everyone involved. This includes anyone who has been a victim of such negligence. You must be prepared to fight the tide of insurance companies, who often employ unscrupulous tactics to achieve their goals of avoiding a payout.

At Gray Injury Law, our Manhattan truck accident lawyers are carrying on the traditions of helping secure legal representation that cares about the quality of life of its clients. We’re here to see the process through, and we’re prepared to fight with you every step. Call us today. 

Time Limits for Filing a Truck Accident Suit in New York City

If a commercial truck accident has left you injured, it’s important to stay focused on the end goal. Recovering damages can be a slow and difficult process, one it’s better not to have to go through alone. Speaking to lawyers as quickly as possible after the incident is a key factor in being awarded compensatory damages. Waiting puts the validity of the claim at risk.

New York law allows up to three years from the truck accident to file a personal injury suit seeking damages. Filing sooner is always better. 

Contact an Experienced NYC Truck Accident Lawyer Today for Assistance Moving Forward

At Gray Injury Law, we’re here to provide the legal assistance that helps get victims the resources for their recovery quest. To meet with us and review what sort of legal options will be best for your recovery, call or email us. 

Most settlements happen well before trial, and while insurance companies are stubborn, most of them reach a point where it costs them more to try to keep your damages than it does to simply hand over what is owed.

Lastly, we work on contingency, so you only pay attorney fees once damages have been recovered. Consultation is free of charge, and we’re happy to travel to you for your convenience.