Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Staten Island, NY

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Staten Island local police department is 311.

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

  Copies of the car accident police report are available for the first 30 days from the date it was filed at the Staten Island Police Department. Request forms can be submitted either by mail or by dropping by the precinct. Online requests are also accommodated through their collision report retrieval portal. It may take up to seven business days for the police report to be available in the portal.

• What is the most dangerous road on Staten Island?

  Local reports claim that for more than 9 years, Hylan Boulevard has been the scene of one out of every three traffic fatalities on Staten Island. Non-compliance with recommended speed limits is one of the most frequent issues causing poor road safety. If you are to travel on this road, be mindful of your speed and the vehicles passing you on each side.

• Do all collisions with fatalities in Staten Island include misbehavior or criminal activity?

  No. Investigations occasionally show that none of the parties are involved in criminal activity for truck accidents in Staten Island. Extenuating circumstances are taken into account during an investigation, such as truck manufacturing flaws, natural disasters (such as a tree falling in the middle of the road), or a driver's undiscovered medical condition, are also taken into consideration.

• How long does a truck accident case in Staten Island usually take?

  Every case involving a truck accident in Staten Island is different, and although some cases can be settled in a few months, others may drag out for years. While attempting to obtain compensation following a truck accident, patience is essential because there is no set period of time for all car accident claims. It is helpful to be aware of the various variables that may affect how long a vehicle accident case takes with the assistance of a lawyer.

• Who can be held responsible for truck accidents in Staten Island?

  According to the Vehicle and Traffic Code and the Motor Vehicle Financial Security Act of New York, when a truck driver causes an accident in Staten Island, both the driver and the owner are held legally liable. However, the driver's employer, shipper, truck manufacturer, and government entities can also be held responsible for the accident.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Staten Island?

  Some of the common factors that lead to collisions in Staten Island include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, following too closely, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and improper turns. Other reasons are hazardous road conditions, inclement weather, defective parts of the truck, and road construction.

• 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.