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Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Long Island, NY

long island truck accident lawyersLong Island’s roadways often see a significant presence of large commercial vehicles such as box trucks, eighteen-wheelers, and dump trucks. These vehicles can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard car, making accidents involving them particularly dangerous for occupants of smaller vehicles. If you have been injured in a truck accident on Long Island, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer.

The repercussions of truck accidents can include property damage, lost income, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and emotional distress. It is advisable to seek the counsel of a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Engaging legal representation early on helps protect your rights, facilitates prompt compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, and lays a strong foundation for a personal injury claim. Additionally, starting an investigation early can help preserve critical evidence that is essential to your case.

Given that trucking companies are often quick to defend their drivers in accident cases, taking swift action is crucial. These companies typically send emergency response teams to the scene shortly after an accident to gather evidence that supports their position. Therefore, postponing legal assistance could put your case at risk. It is important to act quickly to secure the help of a skilled attorney and protect your rights.

What is the Value of My Long Island Truck Accident Case?

The worth of an injury sustained in a truck accident is determined by a variety of factors. This encompasses both economic costs related to the accident, such as vehicle damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. At Palermo Law, our extensive experience with thousands of accident cases enables us to evaluate the value of your case accurately, ensuring you receive a fair settlement or jury award. For cases involving long-term injuries, we collaborate with specialists in medicine and economics to ensure that your compensation accounts for future inflation. This approach provides you with the assurance that you will be financially supported for years ahead.

Frequent Factors Contributing to Truck Accidents on Long Island

  • Driver Fatigue: Extended periods spent driving can result in driver fatigue, which negatively affects reaction times and decision-making abilities. Although truck drivers are mandated to adhere to specific rest break regulations, many still fail to comply, making this a common concern.
  • Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, adjusting GPS devices, or eating while driving can distract truck drivers, diverting their focus from the road and heightening the risk of collisions.
  • Speeding: In an effort to meet tight deadlines, some truck drivers may exceed speed limits. Given their size and weight, trucks require longer distances to stop, and speeding diminishes a driver’s capacity to respond to unexpected changes in traffic or obstacles.
  • Improper Loading: When cargo is loaded incorrectly, it can lead to uneven weight distribution, which may destabilize the truck and increase the risk of rollover incidents.
  • Mechanical Failures: Issues such as malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems can jeopardize a truck’s safe operation, particularly when traveling at high speeds on highways.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs poses a significant danger for all drivers, including those behind the wheel of trucks.
  • Inexperienced Drivers: Insufficient experience or inadequate training can hinder a driver’s ability to safely maneuver a large commercial vehicle, resulting in mistakes on the road.
  • Poor Weather Conditions: Long Island faces a range of weather challenges throughout the year, including heavy rain, snow, and fog, which can diminish visibility and traction, thereby increasing the risk of accidents involving trucks.

Key Recommendations for Long Island Truck Accident Victims Right After an Incident

  1. It is essential to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained, regardless of their severity. Injuries from a motor vehicle accident can worsen in the hours and days after the incident, so exercising caution is advisable.
  2. Make sure to obtain a Police Accident Report. It is generally wise to have the police come to the scene of the accident, but you can also file a report afterward if necessary.
  3. Notify your automobile insurance provider about the accident, as your no-fault insurance will cover any medical expenses incurred.
  4. Avoid making any statements to the insurance company of the other party involved without first consulting with an attorney.
  5. Reach out to a qualified truck accident lawyer for a complimentary consultation.

Is it Advisable to Pursue a Truck Accident Claim if I Bear Partial Responsibility?

In New York, the doctrine of “comparative negligence” is in effect. This principle allows individuals to pursue compensation for their damages even if they bear some responsibility for the incident, with the compensation adjusted based on the degree of fault assigned to them.

For example, if you file a claim for a truck accident against another party, establishing fault is essential. The concept of comparative negligence will assess whether you share any liability for the accident alongside the defendant. To illustrate, if your total damages are $100,000 and you are found to be 10% at fault, you would be entitled to recover 90% of your damages, amounting to $90,000.

Comparative negligence frequently arises in truck accident cases. Imagine a scenario where you are making a left turn at a green light, but a truck runs the signal and hits you. Although you may be considered partially at fault for making an “unsafe turn,” the truck driver could be held accountable for speeding.

If you plan to file a claim, it is crucial to act promptly. After an accident, insurance companies may reach out to you. It is important not to admit fault during these discussions. Engaging a skilled personal injury attorney is vital to ensure your rights are protected and to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Our Approach: Pursuing Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents

At Palermo Law, we recognize the challenges faced by truck accident victims in their pursuit of compensation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not incur any legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case, allowing you to engage our services without financial concern. Our efficient process is structured to offer you thorough legal assistance as you navigate the complexities of your situation:

  1. Initial Consultation: We start with a complimentary initial consultation, where you can share the specifics of your truck accident with one of our skilled attorneys. During this session, we will attentively listen to your narrative, evaluate the extent of your injuries and damages, and address any inquiries you may have regarding the legal proceedings.
  2. Case Evaluation: Following the collection of relevant information, our legal team performs a comprehensive evaluation to assess the viability of your claim. We analyze evidence such as accident reports, witness testimonies, medical documentation, and any available video footage to establish a robust case foundation.
  3. Legal Strategy Development: Based on our evaluation, we create a customized legal strategy focused on enhancing your likelihood of receiving just compensation. This may involve negotiating with insurance providers, filing a lawsuit on your behalf, or exploring alternative dispute resolution options like mediation or arbitration.
  4. Aggressive Representation: Our team of committed attorneys is dedicated to providing assertive representation for truck accident victims. We will vigorously advocate for your rights and diligently work to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
  5. Regular Communication: Throughout your case, we prioritize maintaining open communication to keep you updated on any progress. Our staff is always available to address your concerns, respond to your questions, and provide updates on your case’s status.
  6. Negotiation and Settlement: In numerous instances, we successfully negotiate a favorable settlement that secures the compensation you deserve.

Additional Truck Accident Resources

Reach out to a Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer at Palermo Law Today

Should you find yourself injured due to the careless behavior of a truck driver, you can count on our team to provide you with strong representation and advocacy, particularly when faced with large insurance firms or trucking companies attempting to downplay your situation. Contact us via phone or email today to schedule your complimentary consultation with a truck accident injury attorney. We can meet you at your home or in the hospital if needed, and we also offer evening and weekend appointments for your convenience.