Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

For non-emergency situations, you may contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315-442-5111.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The Records Unit of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office provides two options. You may get a copy of the accident report online at https://www.crashdocs.org. You can also file a request by mail for a nominal fee, along with the case number or DR number, a copy of your valid photo ID (e.g. driver’s license), and a stamped envelope with your address.

Question 3

What causes collisions involving trucks and tractor-trailers in Syracuse?

Accepted Answer

Accidents can be caused by driver fatigue, loading errors, failure to obey traffic signals, and usage of phones or CB radios while on the road. Commercial truck operators sometimes drive too fast regardless of traffic or weather conditions. Poor maintenance of vehicle parts, such as tires, brakes, and cargo straps, may also lead to crashes in Syracuse.

Question 4

Why is driver fatigue a common issue among truck operators in Syracuse?

Accepted Answer

Syracuse sits in the Northeast region, hundreds of miles from the country’s export areas. Truck drivers may be fatigued after a long trip from delivery pick-up points in Houston or Los Angeles. By the time they enter the city, they may already be feeling tired because of traffic congestion, dull scenery across state lines, or lack of sleep. Interstates 81 and 690 in Syracuse have highly congested sections, with trucks comprising almost one out of 10 vehicles, based on NYSDOT data.

Question 5

Are trucking companies liable for accidents in Syracuse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Federal trucking rules, which apply to commercial trucks carrying interstate cargo into Syracuse, hold companies vicariously liable for the actions of their employees. Even in cases where drivers serve as independent contractors, companies are still accountable when operators commit mistakes resulting in accidents, as per FMCSA Regulations, 49 C.F.R. §390.5.

Question 6

Can a truck accident victim in Syracuse claim damages from multiple parties?

Accepted Answer

Injured truck accident victims in Syracuse may pursue compensation from more than one party if their negligence is established. In determining liability, lawyers consider factors such as driver misconduct and the failure of loading companies to conduct inspections and vet, train, and check the performance of their employees. A company and a truck driver can be held jointly accountable for accidents caused by poor vehicle maintenance, in addition to impaired driving.

Question 7

How long after the incident can a victim claim damages for a truck accident in Syracuse?

Accepted Answer

Residents of Syracuse and the entire New York State can file compensatory claims for truck accidents for up to three years from the date of the crash. Victims who fail to file suit within this period will forfeit their rights to obtain damages for their injuries. Meanwhile, those who are driving company vehicles or carrying out job-related activities when the accident happened must follow workers’ compensation guidelines. They have 30 days to report to their employers or insurance companies.

Question 8

What does a truck accident attorney do?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What are the common causes of truck accidents?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What should I do after a truck accident?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

Accepted Answer

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.

Attorney Names	Bar Status	Experience
Michael Zosh - Partner	Active	25 yrs
Michaelangelo Cieri - Associate Attorney	Active	12 yrs
Lawrence Perot - Partner	Active	42 yrs
Daniel Smith - Partner	Active	33 yrs
Michael Koehler - Partner	Active	34 yrs

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What causes collisions involving trucks and tractor-trailers in Syracuse?

Why is driver fatigue a common issue among truck operators in Syracuse?

Are trucking companies liable for accidents in Syracuse?

Can a truck accident victim in Syracuse claim damages from multiple parties?

How long after the incident can a victim claim damages for a truck accident in Syracuse?