The trucking industry is the backbone of our economy, employing over 3.5 million drivers to deliver goods and services across the country. Yet 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks can weigh over 100,000 pounds, making collisions with other motorists even more dangerous. As a result, truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death.
Our Long Island truck accident lawyers have a proven track record of success representing victims of these dangerous collisions. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and we are dedicated to fighting for you. Arrange your free consultation with us by calling us today or contact us online.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we recognize that when we accept a personal injury case, we are not just representing an individual – we are advocating for an entire family during a challenging time. We are committed to being there for you every step of the way, offering compassionate guidance and tireless dedication as we help you move forward.
How Negligence Causes Truck And 18-Wheeler Accidents On Long Island
Accidents involving commercial trucks and 18-wheelers on Long Island roadways are often caused by various forms of negligence. These factors can lead to devastating consequences for other motorists sharing the road with these large vehicles. Some of the most common causes of semi-truck collisions our Long Island personal injury lawyers represent include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel and tight delivery schedules can lead to truck drivers operating their vehicles while exhausted, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers who engage in activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving can easily lose focus on the road, resulting in collisions.
- Poorly maintained vehicles: Trucking companies and owners who fail to properly maintain their vehicles, including brakes, tires, and lights, put other motorists at risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Speeding: Truck drivers who exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for weather or road conditions have less time to react to hazards, leading to severe accidents.
- Weather or road conditions: Inclement weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, combined with poor road conditions like potholes or uneven surfaces, can make it more challenging for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
- Drug and alcohol use: Some truck drivers turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with long, boring hours on the road, loneliness, and unreasonable time demands that don’t allow them to get adequate sleep.
- Inadequate driver training: Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained. When drivers are not adequately trained, it can lead to accidents due to human error.
When a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, carelessness, failure to act, or failure to properly react leads to accidents that cause injuries, the victims have the right to seek compensation in New York. A Long Island truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim.
Why You Should Choose Trantolo & Trantolo To Represent Your Long Island Truck Accident Claim
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we have helped many families cope in the aftermath of a semi-truck collision. We recognize the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized attention, compassionate support, and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Our track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases has earned us a reputation as a leading personal injury law firm on Long Island. When you entrust your case to us, you can focus on your recovery while we fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your claim.
Our New York law firm was founded to protect and serve people just like you whose lives were turned upside down when they were injured through no fault of their own. We believe all people are created equal, and big corporations and powerful insurance companies should not have more rights than you do. Our focus is on making sure your well-being is the first priority – not an insurance company’s profits.
Our Long Island Truck Accident Lawyers Hold Trucking Companies Responsible
Our law firm brings over 85 years of experience, success and tradition to Long Island. After a large truck accident, the dedicated legal team assigned to your case will work tirelessly to hold the trucking company responsible for their driver’s negligence, while you recover from your injuries.
Proving the Driver & Trucking Company Were at Fault
Accidents happen on Long Island roads every day but when commercial trucks are involved, the consequences can be devastating. When you work with Trantolo & Trantolo, we thoroughly investigate your case to determine who was at fault.
The first step in this process is to collect evidence and interview witnesses at the accident scene. We’ll also review the truck’s black box data and other available data to get a clear picture of what happened.
Once we have all the facts, we’ll negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company’s insurance carrier. If they are unwilling to offer a reasonable amount, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We have a strong history of success in the courtroom and will fight for the maximum compensation.
How Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Affect Long Island Truck Accident Claims
Commercial truck drivers are bound by a set of regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which aims to enhance safety on our nation’s highways by establishing minimum standards for the trucking industry. These regulations play a crucial role in determining liability and the outcome of truck accident claims.
When a truck accident occurs, investigators and attorneys will closely examine the truck driver’s actions and the trucking company’s compliance with FMCSA regulations. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence and strengthen the case for the injured party. For example, if a truck driver exceeded the allowable hours of service and caused an accident due to fatigue, the trucking company may be held responsible for damages.
Understanding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and how they apply to truck drivers and trucking companies is essential when pursuing a truck accident claim. By working with Long Island truck accident attorneys who are well-versed in these regulations, victims of truck accidents can build strong cases and seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
To learn more about the laws and regulations that apply to your truck driving claim, reach out to our Long Island truck accident firm. You can call us at 844-507-1215 or contact us online to get started.
There Is a Time Limit To File a Long Island Truck Accident Claim
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in New York State is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on Long Island, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
It is crucial to meet this deadline because failure to do so can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will be barred from pursuing legal action, regardless of the strength of your claim.
Over time, crucial evidence such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness statements can be lost or destroyed. As time passes, witness memories of the accident may also fade, making it more difficult to build a strong case. By contacting a Long Island truck accident attorney soon after the crash, you can protect your rights.
Tactics To Avoid Paying Fair Compensation In Long Island Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies and their insurance providers often employ various tactics to avoid paying compensation or to minimize the amount they must pay to accident victims. Some of the ways they may attempt to avoid liability include:
- Denying fault: Trucking companies may argue that their driver was not at fault for the accident or that the victim’s actions contributed to the crash. They may try to shift blame to other parties, such as another driver, the vehicle manufacturer, or even the victim.
- Disputing the severity of injuries: Insurance adjusters may downplay the extent of the victim’s injuries, arguing that they are not as serious as claimed or that they were pre-existing conditions not related to the accident.
- Offering quick, low-ball settlements: Insurance companies may try to take advantage of victims who are unaware of the full value of their claim by offering a quick, low-ball settlement. They hope that the victim will accept the offer without consulting an attorney and realizing the true extent of their damages.
- Delaying the claims process: Trucking companies and insurers may drag out the claims process, hoping that the victim will become frustrated and more willing to accept a lower settlement. They may also use this tactic to push the case closer to the statute of limitations deadline, putting pressure on the victim to settle.
- Hiding or destroying evidence: In some cases, trucking companies may attempt to conceal or destroy evidence that could prove their liability, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, or data from the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), also known as the “black box.”
- Intimidating victims: Trucking companies may use their size and resources to intimidate victims, discouraging them from pursuing legal action or making them feel like they have no chance of winning a case against a large corporation.
- Challenging jurisdiction: If the accident occurred in a state other than where the trucking company is based, they might argue that the case should be heard in a jurisdiction that is more favorable to them or less convenient for the victim.
To combat these tactics, you may want to work with experienced attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and know how to fight back against the strategies used by trucking companies and their insurers. A Long Island truck accident attorney can help gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate aggressively to secure your fair compensation.
Contact our Long Island Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a life-altering accident with a truck driver, the experienced and dedicated team at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC is here to help. Our attorneys will negotiate directly with the trucking and insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on victims and their families, and we are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
After a serious crash with an 18-wheeler, you need an experienced legal team on your side. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we fight for clients like members of our own family. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a large truck accident, Let Our Family, Help Your Family™. Call us now or fill out our online contact form to get started.