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The most suburban of the five New York City boroughs, Staten Island is still home to almost a half million people, and thousands more cross the island every day on their way to and from Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey. Staten Island is easily accessible to the rest of New York via the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the Staten Island Ferry. Three bridges also connect Staten Island to New Jersey. This makes Staten Island a popular location for people looking for an accessible home that is more affordable than those in the other boroughs. The island has an active arts scene, a number of exceptional museums and gardens, and beautiful historic homes.
Like any busy, highly populated area, Staten Island is a place where all kinds of accidents can happen. Tens of thousands of businesses large and small, as well as residents of Staten Island, require and expect deliveries, which sometimes result in truck accidents. Many of them can lead to catastrophic injuries and damages. If you or a family member is involved in a serious truck accident and the other party is to blame, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and expenses.
Commercial truck accidents and accidents involving only passenger cars differ significantly, despite both having the potential to cause harm to victims. The dimensions of a truck crash can be considerably deeper than those of a regular car accident. The following points outline some of the distinctions between these two types of accidents:
Truck drivers are obligated to comply with the same traffic rules and regulations as drivers of smaller vehicles. However, they also have to follow special rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules stipulate the number of hours a trucker is allowed to drive, drug tests required for the trucking companies, weight restrictions, and numerous other matters. If a trucker or trucking company fails to comply with these rules and an accident takes place, liability can be assigned to either the trucker or the company.
In most auto accidents involving small vehicles, liability is relatively easy to establish, and often, there is only one liable party. In truck accident cases, liability can be assigned to various parties. Examples of possible liable parties in a truck crash are the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or the cargo loading company.
Technology worldwide evolves at a fast pace. Nowadays, many trucks are equipped with devices that can record a wide variety of information. Apart from dashcams that record what happens on the road, truck data recorders also keep track of the trucker’s service hours, current speed, acceleration, braking, and more. For truck accidents, an authorized expert may be employed by your truck accident lawyer to analyze this data and determine liability.
The main purpose of trucks is to transport large, heavy cargo between places. Certain cargo also comes with specific regulations. If a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded or exceeds the maximum limit, it can render the load unsafe. This can lead to an accident. In the event of a personal injury claim, if you can determine that the improperly loaded and administered cargo has led to the accident, you may have a pretty solid case.
As a general rule, truck drivers and trucking companies hold much higher insurance limits than drivers of regular vehicles. That’s because a truck accident can lead to catastrophic injuries. Plus, several insurance companies and policies may be involved. Thus, you may benefit from more consistent compensation than for a regular car accident. But proving fault and determining which insurer will pay for your damages may be more difficult.
Navigating the process of a truck accident claim can be daunting, time-consuming, and confusing. Due to the many factors that need to be considered, it is highly recommended to appeal to the services of a Staten Island truck accident lawyer. They are familiar with the whole process, they know all the tactics used by insurance companies and can help you secure a much higher settlement.
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a truck accident in Staten Island NY, you have the right to sue the negligent party for proper and fair compensation. A truck accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for a variety of damages. The list includes:
Medical expenses: As a result of the truck accident, you might accumulate medical expenses associated with the injuries that you have suffered. These expenses can encompass current medical bills as well as anticipated future medical costs necessitated by the truck accident.
Lost wages: A truck accident can result in serious injuries, leading to a prolonged recovery time. As you recover, you may not be able to work. Moreso, the injuries may be so severe you may not be able to return to your job. In this case, you may need compensation for the time period you were unable to earn, or for lost capacity of earning.
Loss of vocational training: Injuries suffered after a truck accident may prevent you from receiving vocational training. Thus, your personal injury lawyer may seek compensation for occupational training.
Pain and suffering: Compensation after a truck accident is intended to address both the physical and psychological pain and trauma endured. The distressing experience of the truck accident can trigger overwhelming emotions, recurring nightmares, and PTSD. It is your right to receive compensation for the pain and suffering of this nature.
Loss of enjoyment of life: These damages are granted when the accident significantly impacts your ability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed, thereby diminishing your quality of life.
Wrongful death of a loved one: In the unfortunate event of a family member’s wrongful death after a truck crash, you have the right to pursue compensation as part of the claim. This compensation can cover medical expenses incurred, the loss of their care and support, financial expenses associated with their passing, and more.
First of all, if you sustained serious injuries after a truck accident, you should refrain from doing anything aside may from exiting the vehicle. In this case scenario, it is recommended to wait for the paramedics to arrive at the scene and follow any guidance and assistance you receive.
However, in case you weren’t severely hurt, it is crucial to understand the necessary steps to take after the accident in order to put yourself in an optimal position, both physically and financially. That’s because it is highly probable you will still face financial obligations and may require compensation for both injuries and property loss.
So, here are several important steps to take after a truck accident:
Clear the road. By doing this, you considerably reduce the chance for other collisions to occur. It is also recommended to shut off your engine to reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.
Check yourself and other passengers in the car for injuries. Look for fractures, cuts, bruises, or bleeding. If you’re feeling nauseous, it may be a sign of a concussion.
Call 911. Even if no one is seriously injured, you should still call 911. The NYPD must file an official accident report, and it is advisable to undergo a medical evaluation by healthcare professionals, even if immediate symptoms of injuries aren’t evident.
Exchange insurance information with the truck driver. While waiting for the local authorities to arrive, you should exchange insurance information with the truck driver and other motorists involved. However, always refrain from making any statements, and always avoid discussing the accident with any possible liable parties.
File a police report. In almost any vehicle accident case a police report needs to be filed by law. If the truck driver or other party involved suggests not involving the police, firmly refuse. Later on, you may find yourself in a difficult legal situation.
Gather evidence. If possible, take photos at the scene of the accident, collect contact information from witnesses, and write down the order of the events that took place. Later on, you may not remember it correctly.
Contact your insurance company. After an auto accident, you should contact your insurance company even if you won’t be filing a claim with them. However, it is not a good idea to talk to the insurance company of the truck driver, the trucking company, or any other parts involved.
Get checked by a medical professional. Symptoms of injuries may not always be immediate. Therefore, to make sure you’re physically safe, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact a truck accident lawyer. Ultimately, it is of high importance to discuss your truck accident case with an experienced attorney. Truck accident lawyers have all the experience, resources, and knowledge required for dealing with such legal matters. Not only they will provide you with all the legal help you need for navigating your truck accident claim, they can also help you secure the highest compensation possible for your damages.
If you or a member of your family are hurt or killed in a truck accident, you will need an experienced truck accident attorney to recover damages from the party responsible for the accident. Professionals who have years of successful experience getting compensation from truck accident victims can assist you the best.
The Staten Island personal injury attorneys at Hill & Moin are professionals at obtaining considerable compensation for victims of serious traffic accidents, including truck accidents. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to your best interests and to getting you the compensation you need and deserve. You might be entitled to medical expenses and lost pay. Additionally, you can be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, damages for loss of companionship, and punitive damages, based on the circumstances of your case and the extent of the injuries.
The Hill & Moin law firm manages cases on a contingency fee basis; if we do not get compensation for you, you owe us nothing! Call us today at (212) 668-6000 for a free consultation with a Staten Island truck accident lawyer to learn about your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ.