For people in New York, truck accidents may be particularly devastating. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives or are seriously injured in crashes involving large semi-trucks. Car accidents can already be complex as there are a number of parties involved, and victims may face a fight for justice. However, the landscape can be even more complicated when a truck accident is involved.
There are a number of reasons why truck crashes can be more severe, beginning with the greater size and mass of the vehicles involved. Large trucks can do devastating damage; in addition, truck accidents may involve more cars and other vehicles. A truck accident may shut down a highway, leak cargo or block traffic, leading to a cascade of collisions. The more parties are involved, the more complex a case can become.
In addition, truck accidents can become especially challenging when the truck driver was at fault for the accident. There could be a number of parties with partial or full liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company and sometimes other companies involved in leasing the vehicle. All of these parties and their insurance companies may try to disclaim responsibility or attribute it to each other, and accident victims can be forced to fight for what they deserve.
There can be specific laws and regulations that come into play around a trucking collision. Truckers have more rules to follow than car drivers, including restrictions on hours of service that aim to stop truck driver fatigue. If they violate these rules, they may be found at fault for the crash.
Trucking crashes can cause severe injuries or permanent disabilities, especially for those in smaller passenger vehicles. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help accident victims pursue compensation for their damages, including medical bills and lost wages.