Selecting The Right New York Truck Accident Lawyer Is Critical In Commercial Vehicle Lawsuits
Truck accidents are a leading cause of highway fatalities and injuries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports nearly 4,000 trucking-related fatalities in 2017 alone.
Many factors can contribute to truck accidents, including excessive speed, mechanical problems, and driver error. 18-wheelers are particularly prone to rollovers because of their size and weight, and delivery and garbage trucks are also at risk of rollovers, especially when carrying heavy loads. To help prevent truck rollovers, truck drivers must obey posted speed limits, perform regular vehicle maintenance, and stay alert while driving.
Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of trucks involved in accidents:
Box trucks: Box trucks are typically used for deliveries and have a large cargo area. Box trucks can be involved in rear-end collisions and side-wipe accidents.
Dump trucks: As the name suggests, dump trucks are used for hauling materials that need to be dumped, such as dirt or gravel. They can be involved in rollover accidents if their load shifts unexpectedly.
Tanker trucks: Tanker trucks are used to transport liquids or gases. They can be involved in jackknife accidents if drivers brake too suddenly or rollover accidents if they take a turn too sharply.
Commercial vehicle accident lawsuit cases can be complex, and it is vital to have an experienced attorney on your side. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Su Caso for a free consultation at 718-424-5560.
Here are some topics you can discuss with attorneys during the interview process to ensure they are qualified for commercial vehicle accident cases:
Logbooks: All drivers are responsible for logging their daily route activity. Getting access to this book of data is critical for your case. It will allow you to discover any laws being broken by the driver, for instance, if he has driven past the mandatory resting period instead of taking breaks.
Black Box & GPS Data: Most trucks are now equipped with a black box and GPS data. This data would show the truck's speed at impact and if the driver was braking or swerving to avoid the accident.
Maintenance Logs: In addition to the logbooks, it is important to access the truck's maintenance logs. This data can show whether or not the truck was properly maintained and if there were any possible mechanical issues with the truck that could have contributed to the accident.
The Driver's History: It is also essential to obtain the driver's history, including any accidents or violations he may have had in the past. This information can show whether or not the driver has a history of negligence or recklessness.
The Trucking Company's History: In addition to the driver's history, it is crucial to obtain the trucking company's history. This information can show whether or not the company has a history of accidents or violations.
Witnesses: There are often witnesses to big rig accidents. These people can provide valuable information about what they saw leading up to the accident.
The Police Report: The police report will list the officers' findings at the scene of the accident. This information can help determine who was at fault for the accident.
Your Injuries: It is essential to thoroughly understand your injuries and how they will impact your life in the future. This will help you determine the damages you seek in your truck accident lawsuit.
The Cost of Your Injuries: To recover damages for your injuries, you will need to prove the costs associated with them. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Fault of the Other Party: To recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. This can be done by showing that the other party was negligent or reckless.
The Statute of Limitations: It is important to understand the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most states, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident.