Westchester Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Personal Injury Claims

Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous and deadly accidents on the road. The size and weight of a truck can cause catastrophic injuries and death to those involved in a truck accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Westchester truck accident lawyers at Sutton & Smyth, LLP can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our Westchester truck accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle all types of truck accident cases. We have successfully represented clients in truck accident cases involving all types of trucks, including:

• Semi-trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Tractor-trailers
• Delivery trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Construction trucks
• And more

Contact us today at (914) 336-9235 to schedule a free consultation and learn about how we can help.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to any collision involving a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other large freight-carrying vehicle. These accidents can cause severe damage to property, significant injuries, and even fatalities due to the size and weight of the trucks involved.

Several common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities.
• Distracted Driving: Just like any other driver, truck drivers can get distracted by their phones, navigation systems, or other factors, leading to accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles, especially when they need to stop suddenly.
• Improper Loading: Poorly loaded or overloaded trucks can affect balance and maneuverability, leading to accidents.
• Mechanical Failure: Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can cause accidents on the road.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or fog can create hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and construction zones can contribute to accidents involving trucks.
• Driver Error: Mistakes such as improper lane changes, failure to signal, or not checking blind spots can lead to collisions.

Who is Liable for Causing a Truck Accident?

In New York, liability in a truck accident can involve various parties, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. The following entities could potentially be held liable:

• Truck Driver: If the accident resulted from the driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws, the driver could be held personally liable.
• Trucking Company: The company that owns or operates the truck might be liable if they were negligent in hiring, training, supervising, or maintaining the vehicle. For instance, if they pushed drivers to work beyond legal hours leading to driver fatigue, or if they failed to maintain the truck adequately, they might share liability.
• Maintenance and Repair Companies: If the accident occurred due to faulty maintenance or repairs, the company responsible for maintaining or fixing the truck could be held liable.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause accidents. If a separate entity loaded the cargo and their negligence led to the accident, they might share liability.
• Manufacturers: If a defect in the truck or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part might be liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions or poor signage maintained by a government agency, they might share liability.

Determining liability in a truck accident often involves a detailed investigation to assess the circumstances, gather evidence, and identify all contributing factors. New York follows comparative negligence laws, which means that each party's degree of fault is considered. Damages awarded are adjusted based on each party's percentage of fault.

Why Choose Us?

Our Westchester truck accident lawyers offer comprehensive assistance and support in the aftermath of a truck accident. Here's how we can help:

• Legal Counsel and Guidance: We provide expert legal counsel throughout the entire process. Our team will guide you through the legal procedures, explaining your rights and options to ensure you make informed decisions.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct thorough investigations into the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. This helps build a strong case to establish liability.
• Identifying Liable Parties: Determining who is at fault in a truck accident can be complex. We delve into all aspects, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and other potentially liable parties.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: We handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
• Navigating Legal Proceedings: If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, we are prepared to represent you in court. Our team is experienced in litigation and will vigorously advocate for your rights and interests.
• Maximizing Compensation: We aim to secure the maximum compensation possible for your case. This includes damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other related damages.
• Client Support: We prioritize our clients' well-being. Throughout the process, we offer support and guidance, addressing any concerns or questions you may have.

Remember, every case is unique, and our approach is tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of our clients. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases in Westchester and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Call (914) 336-9235 or contact us online today to discuss your case with our team.