Automobile collisions are terrifying and unsettling for all parties involved. Due to their enormous size and weight, accidents involving semi-trucks and other large trucks frequently result in severe injuries. Trucks are a common sight in Queens, whether they are transporting cargo or delivering packages, so truck accidents occur more frequently than you might think.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, your first priority should be to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Following this, you should consider your legal options. In addition to medical expenses, you may also incur auto repair costs or require a new vehicle. There are many things to think about. In accidents involving tractor trailers, for instance, it may be difficult to determine how you will be reimbursed for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Therefore, it is essential to contact an experienced Queens truck accident attorney who can assist you in obtaining fair compensation.

In order to achieve this goal, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to offering every client straightforward honest legal advice. Our lawyers are dedicated to obtaining the best outcome for you so that you can focus on your family and recovery.

When you retain a Queens truck accident attorney from Brandon J. Broderick, there is no retainer fee. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you do. In other words, you owe us nothing if our efforts fail. Without a claim, your insurance company may offer you a minimal settlement for your truck accident that won't cover all of your expenses. It is possible that you will have to pay out of pocket for your injuries. We can help you recover from this setback if you contact us immediately.

This page will provide an easy-to-understand summary of information regarding truck accidents in New York. Here are the key points that will be discussed:

ALLOW A PROFESSIONAL TO ASSIST YOU IN OBTAINING COMPENSATION

The occupants of a vehicle involved in a collision with a large truck could sustain catastrophic injuries, incur substantial medical expenses, and face an uncertain financial future. Nobody anticipates being involved in an accident and then having to consider filing a lawsuit or a personal injury claim. However, it is important to know your rights and anticipate what you may require in the future, particularly when you are attempting to resolve or settle your case. The majority of the time, an insurance company will attempt to contact injured parties and reach a settlement as quickly and cheaply as possible. You should avoid these conversations and consult a professional before engaging in them. In addition to reimbursement for immediate medical expenses, you may also be eligible for reimbursement for lost wages, ongoing care, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Skilled Negotiators and Trial Lawyers

Due to the complexities involved in determining who is at fault in a truck accident, many truck accident victims choose to hire a truck accident attorney to assist them with the insurance claims process. With the assistance of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we alleviate much of the stress associated with your case by handling all interactions with the other party's insurer and working diligently to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take them to court and win.

We Will Support You

By retaining Brandon J. Broderick's services, you can focus on recuperating while we take over and manage everything. With your assistance, our skilled legal team will pursue the compensation you require. We will make every effort to protect your rights and will stand by your side during this difficult time. Contact us for a no-cost consultation. We will ensure this is only a temporary setback. We have a proven track record of success to back up that claim.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A TRACTOR-TRAILER IN QUEENS, NEW YORK?

When involved in a serious accident that requires immediate medical attention, it can be frightening for anyone involved. It can be overwhelming and frightening, but taking specific precautions to be prepared in the event of an accident or emergency can help to alleviate anxiety.

It is essential to remember the following at the scene of an accident:

  • Photograph any injuries or damages with your smartphone.
  • Maintain your composure and, if it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. 
  • Maintain a fully charged phone, a notepad, a first aid kit, bottled water, and any other supplies that could be of immediate use.
  • Note the contact details of any witnesses or additional victims of the accident. This may consist of names, phone numbers, email addresses, license plates, etc.
  • Note the road and weather conditions, as well as any other contributing factors to the accident. Despite the fact that some information may appear irrelevant at the time, it is crucial to retain as many facts as possible.
  • File a police report for the accident.
  • Finally, contact a truck accident attorney in Queens.

You may be tempted to accept a cash settlement from the other party, including the truck driver, but in many cases, the extent of property and vehicle damage and personal injuries is substantially greater than it initially appears. If you are offered a cash settlement, you should immediately defer to your attorney and the police. In addition, a thorough investigation of the accident may be required before a true assessment can be made.

If you hire a Queens truck accident attorney, you will have someone to handle the insurance company while you focus on what is most important: medical care and rehabilitation. A personal injury attorney and his or her legal team strengthen your case by gathering evidence and handling insurance negotiations.

HOW MUCH IS MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?

You may be compensated for both monetary and non-monetary injuries sustained in a tractor-trailer accident. The awarded damages include both past and future economic losses, so you will receive compensation based on the expenses incurred at the time of the accident as well as those expected in the future.

What Constitutes Economic Damages?

Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage such as auto repair costs, and other expenses such as towing and rental car fees.

Generally speaking, economic damages are awarded based on the amount of money you lost due to the accident. This monetary award will account for income loss and estimated income loss during ongoing rehabilitation and treatment. In addition, economic damages include the total cost of your medical bills, both immediately following the incident and for ongoing treatment. These are examples of medical expenses:

  • Hospital bills
  • Doctor's appointments, co-pay, etc.
  • Physical therapy or occupational therapy
  • Transportation: to and from appointments

The negotiation will be more complex the more medical expenses and other damages you seek. When this occurs, the assistance of a Queens truck accident attorney is crucial to the case's success. Most insurance adjusters will not take you seriously without legal representation. Instead, they may attempt to offer you a far inferior compensation.

If you have sustained a severe injury, your medical care may extend far beyond what was initially anticipated. Or, you could have permanent injuries that require continuous care. This would require adding future medical costs to your claim. If you are no longer able to work due to an injury, you should be compensated for your lost earnings. It is crucial that you evaluate your future damages and fully comprehend the extent of your injuries and prognosis.

For severe injuries requiring long-term care, your Queens truck accident attorney will employ both medical and labor experts to estimate future costs based on the injury's prognosis and long-term implications. A medical professional will assess the severity of an injury and its prognosis, while a labor specialist may be required to estimate income loss and future earnings over an extended period. It is essential to retain an experienced truck accident attorney to handle your claim and fight for you, especially if you have sustained long-term or permanent injuries. 

Future economic losses will consist of the following:

  • Future medical costs
  • Future nursing care costs
  • Future earnings loss, or inability to work
  • Costs of household services that you may no longer be able to do on your own

One of the primary reasons you should not accept a settlement offer too quickly is because you must fully comprehend the scope of your damages. Typically, an early offer is substantially lower and may not cover your current and future medical expenses and treatment.

What Constitutes Non-Economic Damages?

In cases involving injuries resulting from vehicle accidents, non-economic damages are common. Nonetheless, it is difficult to quantify the losses. Non-economic damages include physical and mental anguish, emotional distress, the death of a family member or spouse, and the loss of life's pleasures. Common non-monetary awards in injury lawsuits include punitive damages and the victim's pain and suffering.

There is no established method for calculating compensation for non-economic damages. Numerous factors are considered, including your age at the time of the accident, the severity of the injury and how long you suffered from it, the impact the injury has had on your life, any disfigurement, and the amount of pain and emotional distress you have endured or continue to endure. All of these factors are considered when calculating the amount of non-economic damages.

THE MOST FREQUENT REASONS FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Whether trucks are involved in minor or severe collisions, a number of causes are more prevalent than others. When we take on a case involving a truck accident, our legal team investigates both the underlying cause and other contributing factors.

The leading cause of accidents involving truck drivers is driver drowsiness, as opposed to other factors. In order to meet these demands, trucking companies frequently incentivize their drivers to arrive faster, so they risk endangering their own safety and the safety of others on the road by driving without adequate rest.

The following are additional causes of truck accidents:

  • drowsiness or fatigue typically caused by extended periods of driving without sleep;
  • alcohol and drug usage;
  • Impatience or speeding while driving;
  • driving while distracted; 
  • disobeying road signs and signals.

WHO IS AT FAULT IN A TRACTOR-TRAILER ACCIDENT?

Statistics indicate that truck drivers are frequently found to be at fault, irresponsible, or at least partially responsible for the majority of collisions. However, it is not always simple to determine who is at fault in a truck accident, and frequently, multiple parties may share responsibility.

If the trucking company violated rules or safety regulations, they could be held responsible. Alternatively, different components of the truck may be owned or maintained by multiple companies. For example, the trailer may be owned and insured by a different company than the truck that tows it, which may be owned and insured by a different owner or company. Because liability in large truck accidents can be complicated, one of the primary reasons that you should consult with an experienced Queens truck accident lawyer is to better understand your case and all available options.

At-Fault Drivers

Due to the fact that New York is a no-fault insurance state, it may be difficult to comprehend or determine whether you have a valid claim. It is crucial to consult with a Queens truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident in order to determine the possible compensation you may be entitled to.

In addition to obeying the laws of the road, truck drivers must adhere to certain restrictions designed to protect their safety and the safety of other motorists. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are required to abide by the following regulations: 

  • 60/70-Hour Limit: This stipulates that a truck driver is not permitted to drive after 60 to 70 hours over a seven- to eight-day period. In fact, truckers are required to take at least 34 hours off from driving during this period.
  • This limit prohibits truck drivers from operating a vehicle for more than 11 hours without taking at least 10 consecutive hours off. 
  • After beginning their shift, drivers are not permitted to remain on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours. In addition, they are required to take 10 hours off per 24-hour day.
  • Truck drivers are required to take a 30-minute break every eight hours.

IN NEW YORK, THERE ARE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Transport trucks are regulated by the FMCSA and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (New York DMV). To ensure that cargo is secure and the potential for risk is minimized, both regulating organizations impose stringent height and weight restrictions.

Trucks frequently violate a rule imposed by state or federal law when involved in an accident or collision. These rules were implemented to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other road users.

Height and Weight Restrictions in New York

In New York, trucking and commercial transportation companies are required to adhere to a comprehensive set of weight, height, and width restrictions for commercial vehicles:

In New York, the maximum truck height is 13' 6" and the maximum truck width is 8' 6". In order to operate on New York roadways, drivers of taller or broader trucks are required to obtain an over-dimensional vehicle permit. Trucks that exceed the height and width limits risk causing property damage, such as colliding with an overpass. In addition, additional vehicles may be involved in the collision, which could cause severe injuries to the occupants of those vehicles. If a driver violates these state laws, they or the trucking company could be held liable for any property damage or injuries caused by a truck accident.

The maximum combined weight is 34,000 pounds, plus an additional 1,000 pounds for every foot between the first and last axles. The upper limit is 80,000 pounds in all circumstances.

HOW OUR TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS CAN ASSIST YOU

A variety of damages may be awarded to truck accident victims. In addition to medical expenses, there are additional financial losses that can be recovered. In addition to medical costs, the following additional forms of compensation may be awarded:

  • Emotional suffering.
  • Lost wages and earnings in the future
  • Damages to your automobile, including replacement or repair of parts.
  • The death of a loved one or friend.
  • The expense of employing a caregiver.
  • Mental health or strain on personal relationships, including with your spouse or other relatives.

As soon as you contact our firm, our legal team focuses on collecting all the evidence required to pursue your case. The evidence may include, but is not limited to, receipts, bills, expert reports and documentation, medical test results, employment records, and any pertinent information describing the accident's effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we strive to obtain the best possible outcome for you as quickly as possible. We want to ensure that you are paid as soon as possible, as we are aware that you need the money! Even though the vast majority of cases are settled outside of court, we will prepare our clients for the possibility of a trial. Even if it requires going to court, we are willing to fight for the best outcome. Many insurance companies and other lawyers rely on the victim's attorney to keep the case out of court. You are entitled to the best defense and just compensation.

IS THERE A DEADLINE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR MY TRUCK ACCIDENT?

According to N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(4), the victim of a tractor-trailer accident in New York has up to three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Additionally, this deadline applies to claims involving personal injury, property damage, and emotional distress.

When a state, municipality, or government agency is involved, the deadline is significantly shorter. You have only 90 days to file a claim in this instance. For specifics, consult a New York truck accident attorney, but if you retain legal representation, they may be able to "toll" the statute of limitations, which is legalese for stopping the clock. This year, there will be no deadlines for you to worry about. 

The sooner you discuss the incident with a qualified Queens truck accident attorney and file a claim, the greater your chances of obtaining a prompt and fair resolution.

CONTACT BRANDON J. BRODERICK AT ANY TIME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

We understand. A truck accident can have significant effects on your everyday life in addition to your health. This could be your mental health or your financial situation. This can cause stress and anxiety for you and your loved ones. Wouldn't it be reassuring to know you could count on someone to fight on your behalf?

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we value exceptional customer service, compassion, and success. As a result, we are among the most prominent truck accident attorneys in Queens, New York. You can count on us to resolve your case using the most effective strategy and diligent effort. We have a history of success with truck accident claims and cases in Queens. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping truck accident victims. We have assisted individuals just like you in recovering from injuries caused by someone else's negligence. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

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