New York Truck Accident Lawyers

New York Truck Accident Lawyer

Because of the imposing size of the vehicles involved, truck collisions can be particularly devastating, damaging and injurious. In the U.S. alone, nearly half a million truck accidents occur each year. The sheer number of trucks on the road (more than 15 million in the U.S.) contributes to these numbers. Federal statistics show that nearly 5,000 people die each year as a result of commercial truck accidents — and 98-percent of those people are passengers riding in the non-truck vehicle.

Given the size and power of trucks, it’s imperative to understand the best course of action to take — both medically and legally — in the wake of an accident.

What to do following a truck collision

In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, call emergency personnel at once. The sheer size of trucks raises the likelihood of secondary collisions, which often can be more dangerous than the initial accident, so it’s vitally important that the roadway be cleared as quickly as possible. You’ll need to move everyone to a safe area.

If there are any serious injuries, render first aid until emergency personnel arrive. When they arrive, ask to be checked out even if you don’t feel anything significant is amiss. Accidents with large vehicles can result in injuries that may not be immediately apparent; they can turn out to be very serious.

Ask for a police report to be written and ensure you have contact information for the authorities. Document by photo or video anything at the scene that seems relevant. If there are witnesses, ask them to provide contact information, as a third-party statement may prove critical to a later civil case. Don’t discuss the accident or at least keep conversation about the accident to a minimum, at least from your side.

Write down the following information about the truck: Type of tractor, type of trailer and cargo carried. You should also ask for the name of the truck’s owner/operator. It’s not unusual for trucking companies to send a representative to the scene of an accident. It’s advisable to decline the opportunity to speak with them until you’ve met with your own counsel.

Locating the right attorney

Truck accidents are often more complex than auto accidents, as truckers and trucking companies are subject to rules and regulations that do not apply to normal drivers. Because of this, it often takes an experienced eye to identify when commercial trucking firms may have been negligent with regard to safety protocol or operating procedures.

This is one reason why it makes sense to seek a consultation with an experienced law firm. The right attorney can protect your interests and help ensure that you receive everything to which you’re entitled under the law.

Truck accidents often result in seriously debilitating injuries — even if the gravity of those injuries isn’t readily apparent. If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident through the fault, in whole or in part of others, seek the advice of experienced counsel promptly.