Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Buffalo, New York?

  (716) 853-2222 is the non-emergency contact number for the Buffalo Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Buffalo, New York?

  There are two ways to obtain a copy of your accident report from the Buffalo Police Department. To request your document, you can either visit them in person at 68 Court St, Buffalo, NY, 14202, or give them a call at (716) 851-4444. You will be required to provide information such as your name; driver's license number; vehicle plate number; your mailing address and phone number; and the date, time, and location of your accident.

• What steps should you take to increase your chances of getting your truck accident claim in Buffalo approved?

  Following a truck accident, victims should take certain actions to improve their chances of having their personal injury claim approved. These include getting medical attention as soon as possible, taking pictures of the accident scene and any injuries sustained, providing the police with a detailed account of what happened, contacting your insurance provider within 24 hours of the accident to file a claim, and speaking with a knowledgeable Buffalo truck accident lawyer. Do not post on social media and avoid conversing with the trucking company's insurer.

• What are the main reasons for truck collisions in Buffalo?

  Trucks pose a threat to smaller cars on the road because of their size and complexity of operation. Truck accidents in Buffalo are usually caused by driver fatigue or mechanical issues like faulty brakes, transmission failure, or underinflated tires. Another is truck braking capability, as loaded tractor-trailers need to stop up to 20% to 40% farther than cars do. Failing to hit the brakes in time can result in a fatal crash. Accidents can also occur when truck drivers refuse to recognize another vehicle in their blind spot.

• How much is a truck accident case worth in Buffalo?

  Truck accident attorneys examine your medical records and the specifics of your case to determine an estimated cost. If you want to obtain the maximum amount of reimbursement for your losses, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who understands how insurance companies assess the value of your case. Victims of truck accidents in Buffalo can pursue compensation for excessive scarring and disfigurement, lost wages, medical bills, loss of quality of life, and emotional distress.

• How long after a truck accident in Buffalo can you sue?

  In New York, you have up to three years to file a personal injury claim and two years to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. It is advisable to act quickly if you have been involved in a truck accident in Buffalo because investigating a case and holding negotiations to get a resolution take longer than you may imagine. If the insurance companies decline to offer a fair and reasonable settlement, the time you have to file a claim is swiftly consumed.

• Can any accident attorney defend you in your Buffalo truck accident case?

  Not likely, due to additional laws and regulations in the industry, it is preferable to seek assistance from a personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accidents. This specific type of lawyer can be aware of other entities that are typically involved in truck collisions. An experienced Buffalo truck accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing compensation from the truck manufacturer or the trucking company and third parties involved, including maintenance workers, cargo loaders, and dispatchers.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.