Nassau County Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing Truck Accident Victims in New York

Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries and fatalities. If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident in Nassau County, you need to get in touch with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, our seasoned legal team is committed to helping truck accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. We are well-versed in New York trucking laws and have a proven track record of success handling these complex cases.

Call (516) 518-6919 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys in Nassau County.

Common Types of Car Accidents

A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a truck, which can range from smaller delivery trucks to large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers. These accidents can result in varying degrees of damage, injuries, and fatalities. Several factors contribute to truck accidents, including driver error, vehicle malfunction, weather conditions, and road hazards.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when the truck's trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding knife. Jackknife accidents often happen when the truck loses traction or the driver loses control.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks are prone to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or when the load is unbalanced. High speeds, adverse weather conditions, and sudden maneuvers can contribute to rollover accidents.
• Underride Accidents: This occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath it. Underride accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Override Accidents: The opposite of underride accidents, override accidents happen when a truck runs over a smaller vehicle in a collision. This type of accident is often associated with serious injuries and fatalities.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have significant blind spots, and accidents can occur when smaller vehicles are in these areas. Drivers of smaller vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver, leading to collisions when changing lanes or making turns.
• Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control, leading to accidents. Poor maintenance, overloading, or road hazards can contribute to tire blowouts.
• Brake Failure: Malfunctioning or failed brakes can lead to accidents, as stopping or slowing down becomes challenging for the truck driver.
• Wide Turns: Trucks require a wider turning radius, and accidents can happen when drivers of smaller vehicles attempt to pass a turning truck on the inside, not realizing the space needed.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. In many cases, they are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of others. When truck accidents occur as a result of someone else’s negligence, the injured victims can seek compensation for their damages by filing a personal injury claim.

The most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Improper lane changes
• Failure to obey traffic signals
• Defective truck parts
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Poor truck maintenance
• Inclement weather
• Poor road conditions
• Unfamiliarity with the road
• Driving under the influence of drugs

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident liability can be a bit more complex than liability in other types of motor vehicle accidents. In a typical car accident, the driver who caused the crash is usually the one who is held liable for any resulting damages. However, in a truck accident, the truck driver may not be liable for the crash.

The following parties may be held liable for a truck accident:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck manufacturer
• The truck maintenance company
• The company that loaded the cargo
• The company that leased the truck or trailer

In some cases, the truck driver may be held liable for the accident and the trucking company may be held vicariously liable. However, if the truck driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company may not be held liable for the accident. Additionally, if the truck accident was caused by a defective truck part, the part manufacturer may be held liable for the crash.

How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

Truck accident cases can be quite complex. These cases often involve multiple parties and can be difficult to prove. At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, we are dedicated to helping truck accident victims obtain the compensation they need and deserve. Our truck accident lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of this area of law and can help you navigate through the entire legal process.

When you choose our firm, we will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation: We will launch an immediate investigation into the accident to determine its cause and identify all potentially liable parties. Our attorneys will collect all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, trucking company records, and more.
• Handle all the paperwork: Our legal team will handle all the necessary paperwork, including filing the claim and negotiating with the insurance company. We will ensure that all paperwork is filed on time and accurately.
• Build a strong case: Our attorneys will work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. We will gather all available evidence and interview any witnesses to the accident. If necessary, we will recreate the accident to better understand how it occurred.
• Negotiate a fair settlement: Our knowledgeable attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement. We will fight to protect your rights and ensure that your best interests are represented every step of the way.
• Take your case to trial, if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our attorneys are not afraid to take your case to trial. We will aggressively litigate your case in court and fight to obtain a favorable outcome.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our truck accident attorneys in Nassau County can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. We will guide you through the entire legal process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Contact us at (516) 518-6919 today to let us represent you inside and outside the courtroom while you recover from injury.