Huntington Truck Accident Lawyer

Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys in Huntington, NY

The roads of Huntington are packed with trucks of all types. Every day you likely see 18-wheelers, box trucks, and dump trucks among others, without giving them a second thought. Unfortunately, these vehicles present a significant risk of injury – even a seemingly low-impact accident involving a vehicle of this nature can be life-changing. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck in Huntington, then you should get in touch with a Huntington Truck Accident Lawyer at Palermo Law. We have been dealing with the fallout of this type of accident for decades – we know how to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve for the effects on your life.

Why do trucks pose such a significant threat? For a few reasons. Firstly, they are so large and heavy that stopping distances are much longer than other vehicles. That size also presents the driver with more blind spots to deal with, making it difficult to see other vehicles. Due to the fact that these trucks typically move slower than the bulk of traffic, other drivers are more inclined to try to pass them, giving rise to a higher possibility of collisions and other incidents.

Trucks are also less maneuverable than cars or motorcycles. This means that if a driver does have to respond to an emergency, they are less able to avoid what is happening. It also necessitates crossing lanes to execute tighter turns, which can be a dangerous situation for other road users.

Lastly, truck drivers are often tasked with driving for long shifts, and can therefore become tired and lose focus. This can result in poor driving, reduced reaction times, and in some cases, falling asleep behind the wheel.

When should you consult a Huntington truck accident lawyer?

The simple answer is: you should get in touch with a truck accident lawyer as soon as you are able to. Due to the fact that this type of accident can be so serious, the trucking companies often retain ‘emergency response teams’ specifically tasked with getting to the accident site as soon as possible so that they can begin gathering evidence in support of the driver and company. This can put you at a significant disadvantage, particularly if your case goes to a jury verdict or if litigation ultimately becomes necessary.

Calling Palermo Law means that you will have your own time deployed – our truck accident injury lawyers and investigators will collect evidence on your behalf, including witness statements, video footage, photographs, and police reports. In some cases, we also hire external experts in engineering and accident reconstruction – they will document all the relevant evidence so that the accident can be reconstructed accurately at a later date.

The sooner that you get in touch with us, the sooner we can start to build your case.

Deadlines you need to know

Accidents are subject to certain mandatory deadlines, specific times after an incident that you must complete applications or filings. For example, if you have sustained an injury, then you need to file a no-fault application with your insurance carrier within thirty days, or they will have the option of denying and dismissing your claim – leaving you liable for your medical bills. In New York State it is a legal requirement that your insurance includes no-fault coverage for medical treatment – regardless of who is to blame for the accident, it is your insurance (or that of the vehicle you were traveling in) that pays for your treatment, if you apply in time.

Another key deadline that you should be familiar with concerns the statute of limitations. This is the period in which you can file a lawsuit for injuries suffered. For most truck accidents, this is three years – so you have thirty-six months from the date of the accident to file a suit. However, in the event that there was a wrongful death associated with the accident, that time is reduced to two years. Further to this, if the truck was owned by the municipality, then you only have three months. This is particularly important, as you may not always know if a truck is a municipal vehicle, and you could miss the deadline without even knowing it was an issue.

One of the very first things that we do when you get in touch with us regarding a truck accident, is to ascertain who owns the vehicles involved. This means that as long as you engage with us soon after your accident, we can ensure that you do not miss out on an opportunity to file, should you need to.

How much is my Huntington truck accident worth?

There is no set value applied to truck accidents – after all, every accident is different. Your accident value will be calculated using the economic costs to you, i.e., the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, property, or belongings, and the non-economic costs – the physical and mental pain and suffering that you have been subjected to as a result of your accident.

Injured in a Truck Accident in Huntington?

At Palermo Law, we have the years of experience necessary to be able to determine the value of a truck accident, ensuring that we fight for an achievable, appropriate amount of accident compensation. We also make use of economics and medical experts to ensure that your compensation package takes into account future inflation – so you can rest easy knowing that you will be financially looked after for the years to come.

Common Causes of Huntington Truck Accidents

Distracted Driving

Any activity that distracts a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. These types of distractions include the use of a handheld navigation device, cell phone use, and texting.

Speeding

Driving above the legal limit is a leading cause of truck accidents. Further, high-impact accidents often result in significant injuries.

Following too Closely

Tailgating, especially at high speeds reduces reaction times and often leads to rear-end accidents.

Aggressive Driving

Operating a truck in a hostile or aggressive manner may include following too closely, failing to signal, and repetitive lane changes.

Other factors to consider exclusive to truck accidents:

• Was the truck not properly loaded?
• Was the truck driver overly tired from driving long hours?
• Was the truck driver properly licensed to operate a big rig?
• Was the truck driver taking medications or drugs to help them stay awake?

Five Essential Tips for Truck Accident Victims Immediately following an accident:

1. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even minor injuries. Often injuries that result from a motor vehicle accident intensify in the hours and days following an accident. It’s good to be cautious.
2. Obtain a Police Accident Report. It is always a good idea to call the police to the scene of the accident. However, it is also possible to file a police report following the accident.
3. Contact your automobile insurance carrier to report the accident. Any medical bills will need to be paid by your no-fault insurance.
4. Do not give any statements to the other vehicle’s insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.
5. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.

Reach Out To a Huntington Truck Accident Lawyer Today!

At Palermo Law, we have an impressive track record of winning settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our managing partner is Mr. Steven Palermo, and he has personally recovered millions of dollars for the victims of truck accidents – including a $3.2 million settlement for an accident involving a delivery truck and a pedestrian, and a $1.7 million payout for a road worker struck by a minibus.

Get in touch with us anytime to discuss your case. You can call or e-mail, of course, or drop by one of our offices – we have five locations in Suffolk County, as well as an office in Nassau County. If necessary, we can come to see you at home or in the hospital, and we also offer weekend and evening appointments for your convenience.