Truck Accidents
Queens Truck Accident Attorney
Knowledgeable Truck Crash Lawyers When You Need Legal Support Most.
Being in a truck accident is a serious matter, especially if you’re riding in a much smaller passenger vehicle. These accidents can be catastrophic because of the size and weight differences. Victims can expect major medical bills and lost income for the indefinite future, not to mention pain and suffering and other personal losses.
The trucking company, its lawyers and its insurance companies will not be working for your best interests. You need a committed Queens truck accident attorney on your side. Find out why our clients trust Gabriel Law to advocate for them.
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Your Guide to Queens Truck Accident Claims
How Gabriel Law Can Serve You
There are numerous truck accident law firms in New York, but Gabriel Law is different from our competitors. We have a steadfast focus on our clients’ best interests. We know that being in an accident can be an extremely difficult experience. It is very common to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
Our goal is to seek the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled under the law. This includes not only the losses you have already incurred, but future ones you are likely to have. We do this by:
- Offering you a free initial consultation so we can explain our approach to truck accidents
- Taking your case on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win
- Investigating how your accident happened and acquiring evidence of negligence, including by means of discovery
- Identifying which parties may be liable for your injuries
- Handling all communications with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovering
- Representing you in mediation and attempting to reach an out-of-court settlement
- Taking your case to trial if the insurance companies won’t negotiate fairly
Watch testimonials from accident victims like you that we have successfully represented, or look at our record of results.
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Why Do Queens Truck Accidents Happen?
Understanding the cause of your truck accident is an important step in developing a case for monetary compensation. These are some of the most common reasons that truck crashes occur in Queens and elsewhere in New York:
Driver fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary agency that regulates large commercial trucks. The FMCSA has rules limiting how long a driver can operate their truck, among other matters. Violation of these rules can be evidence of negligence.
Distracted driving
Distractions affect all types of drivers, including those who are behind the wheel of large trucks. Cell phone use, eating and drinking while driving and dispatch communications are common problems.
Lack of training or supervision
An inexperienced or poorly trained truck driver will not understand how to safely operate the truck and could risk an accident. The same is true if the driver was not properly supervised.
Impaired driving
Anything that impairs a truck driver’s focus or reaction time could be deadly. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, is illegal and could be evidence of liability.
Improperly loaded and unsecured cargo
Cargo has to be loaded on trucks in a way that evenly distributes weight, and weight limits must also be observed. Unsecured cargo, meanwhile, can make the truck more difficult to drive or can fall off and cause an accident.
Speeding and reckless driving
It’s unacceptable for any motorist to speed or drive recklessly, but especially for large trucks. The risk of a rollover accident or other major accident increases with higher speeds and unsafe maneuvers such as abrupt and unsafe lane changes.
Improper maintenance
Proper truck maintenance can prevent tire blowouts, braking failures and mechanical defects with the engine, suspension and safety systems. The lack of frequent maintenance, on the other hand, jeopardizes safety.
Poor weather
Bad weather in Queens should always be anticipated and it should prompt the truck driver to slow down and be more careful. If not, then an accident becomes more probable.
Poor road conditions
Potholes, faded lane markings, problems with street signs and malfunctioning traffic signals can all contribute to an accident. Sometimes the liable party in these accidents is another motorist.
Who Is Liable for Your Accident?
Determining who caused your accident and who may therefore be legally responsible is an important step in your case. Sometimes more than one party can share liability, which may increase the available sources of recovery.
As your attorney investigates your accident, evidence will begin to point to several potential parties who may be held accountable for your losses. Some examples include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck
- A cargo loading company
- Truck maintenance or repair services
- The manufacturer of the truck or one of its components
- Other motorists
- Governmental entities responsible for road maintenance
You must be able to show how each party is legally responsible for your accident or losses and this will require compelling evidence. More at-fault parties can also complicate lawsuits, which is why you need a skilled truck accident firm on your side.
Damages That Queens Truck Accident Victims Can Request
Most truck accident victims can ask for compensatory damages. These are further broken down into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
The term “economic” refers to the fact that these damages are generally objective in nature and fairly straightforward. Some examples are:
- Medical bills: These include expenses for ambulance care, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, medical equipment and reasonably projected future medical needs.
- Lost income and lost earning capacity: You can recover compensation missed time from work due to your injuries and recovery. Also, if you cannot perform your job at the same level of productivity, you can include a demand for future income you’ll miss out on.
- Property damage: This includes not only damage to your vehicle, but also other personal property that is damaged or destroyed as a result of the incident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Such expenses are reasonably necessary and related to your accident, injuries and losses.
Non-Economic Damages
By contrast, non-economic damages are more intangible and subjective. In New York motor vehicle cases, a covered person must generally establish a “serious injury” (as defined by Insurance Law § 5102(d)) to recover non-economic damages, which may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
In rare cases, punitive damages are also available. Generally, these are for truck accidents involving willful, wanton or reckless misconduct. Ask your truck accident lawyer if your case qualifies for punitive damages.
Steps To Take After a Queens Truck Crash
Many victims make mistakes in these early stages that can harm their health and put their legal rights at risk. If you were in a truck accident, we suggest taking these steps:
Call 911
Report the accident immediately and ask for emergency services for anyone noticeably injured. The police officer who responds will generate an accident report, a copy of which you should obtain later.
See a doctor
If you do not take an ambulance to the emergency room, then make an appointment to see your doctor. This is extremely important, even if you don’t think you were seriously injured. Otherwise, you could harm your health and allow the at-fault parties to blame you for doing so.
Document the accident scene
Take pictures, record videos and get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Start making personal notes about what you can remember, and do so before you forget key details.
Don’t speak with insurance companies about fault or settlement
Do not give any statements yet, other than required claim notices.
Talk to an attorney
Speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer at your earliest convenience. Your lawyer can advise you on crucial next steps and handle communications with the insurance companies.
Locations
A Queens Injury Firm Near You
If you were hurt in a truck accident in or near Queens, Gabriel Law is local to you and ready to assist. Our address is 39-10 Main St #200, Queens, NY 11452. The Queens Public Library, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and Queens Botanical Garden are nearby. You can easily reach us by subway, rail or bus. Our firm is proud to serve these neighborhoods:
- Flushing
- Bayside
- Whitestone
- College Point
- Fresh Meadows
- Jamaica Estates
- Auburndale
- Corona
- Elmhurst
- Forest Hills
- Kew Gardens Hills
- Jackson Heights
- East Elmhurst
Long Island — Main Office
2 Lincoln Ave., Suite 400, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
In Rockville Centre, Nassau County — serving all of Long Island.
Manhattan
340 W 57th St #2L
New York, NY 10019
Brooklyn
2653 Coney Island Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Queens
39-10 Main St #200
Queens, NY 11354
The Bronx
1136 Castle Hill Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
Can’t make it in? Phone and video consultations are available. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Queens Truck Crash Frequently Asked Questions
Although there are limited exceptions to this, you typically have three years to file a truck accident lawsuit.
If you sue a governmental entity, different rules and procedures will apply. If you file too late, the judge will dismiss your case regardless of how strong your claim is.
It’s a good idea to contact an attorney long before the deadline approaches. Waiting too long risks evidence being lost and memories fading.
Contact Us
Contact Our Queens Truck Accident Attorney
You only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay taking action after a truck accident. We provide free consultations so you can better understand your options. Connect with Gabriel Law now to get started.