Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Rochester Police Department is (585) 428-7274.

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

  You can obtain a copy of the report of your truck accident by heading to the Rochester's Public Safety Building located at 85 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614 or filing out a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request online at www.cityofrochester.gov/FOIL. Crash reports cost $0.25 per page. You will be asked for information such as your name; the date and time of accident; your vehicle plate number; your driver's license number; location of the accident; and your mailing address, phone number, and email.

• What should you do after getting involved in a truck accident in Rochester?

  After getting involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to seek assistance immediately. Dial 911 and get medical help for you, your passengers, and anybody else who may be with you; do not leave the premises; take note of the names and phone numbers of all parties involved and any witnesses; and document the collision by taking photos. Additionally, do not admit guilt and consult with a knowledgeable Rochester attorney before engaging in conversation with anyone.

• What are the typical reasons for truck accidents in Rochester?

  As of May 2021, almost 10,000 tractor trailer drivers were employed on the highways of Rochester. The prevalence of huge trucks, together with other commercial vehicles like ambulances and school buses on the road, increases the possibility of accidents in the city. Some of the usual causes of truck collisions in Rochester include speeding, improper turning or breaking, or driving while distracted by a phone or by taking one's eyes off the road. Truck accidents can also result from tired drivers and poorly maintained vehicles.

• Who can victims hold responsible for truck accidents in Rochester?

  If the other driver was found guilty of breaking safety rules, injured victims in Rochester truck accidents may hold that driver responsible. The manufacturers of the truck may also be held accountable for the accident if the collision was brought on by faulty truck equipment. Additionally, if the truck company neglected to do a background investigation into the qualifications of its drivers, it may be held accountable. Other parties that victims may sue include municipalities, the company that loaded the truck, and truck maintenance businesses.

• What types of compensation are available to you if you have sustained injuries in a truck accident in Rochester?

  Trucking accidents frequently cause significantly greater destruction and huge financial losses to all parties involved because of the stark disparity in size and weight between commercial trucks and passenger cars. If you have sustained injuries as a result of a truck accident in Rochester, you are entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, vehicle repair costs, lost income, and reduced quality of life.

• How long after a truck accident can you file a claim in Rochester?

  According to New York State law, truck accident plaintiffs have three years from the time of the incident or the discovery of their injuries to submit a truck accident claim. It is advisable to work with an attorney who can assist you in submitting a claim, proving your injuries, and establishing the liability of the other party while you concentrate on getting better. Take note that if you wait too long to make a truck accident claim in Rochester, you risk losing the ability to file a claim at all. As such, you and your attorney should act quickly.

• 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.