Causes of Truck Accidents

New York Truck Accident Lawyers

When a truck accident occurs, the injured victim is not necessarily guaranteed financial compensation, even if their injuries are severe. To determine whether a truck accident victim is eligible for monetary damages, the cause of the accident must be investigated. A truck accident investigation can reveal whether negligence on part of the driver or trucking company contributed to the crash. If so, the injured truck accident victim may be able to pursue financial compensation for their resulting injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a New York truck accident, we can launch a full investigation into the cause of your crash and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Simply complete the form on the right and our truck accident attorneys in New York will evaluate your claim, at no cost to you, to determine your eligibility for a lawsuit.

Our New York tractor trailer accident lawyers have found that most injuries and deaths result from preventable errors on part of the trucker and their employer. Common causes of trucking accidents in New York include:

Truck Driver Fatigue: Research suggests that up to 40% of all trucking accidents are caused by truck driver fatigue. A fatigued driver may fall asleep behind the wheel or suffer from poor reaction time, blurred vision and decreased judgment. To reduce the number of trucking accidents caused by truck driver fatigue, federal regulations have been enacted to limit the number of hours a driver can spend on-duty. Unfortunately, some trucking companies continue to violate these hours of service regulations, putting other motorists at risk for serious injury or death.

Overloaded Trucks: When a truck is overloaded, the driver may have difficulty controlling the vehicle and braking. Additionally, an overloaded truck is more susceptible to jackknifing and rollovers. When a trucking company fails to follow regulations regarding the weight of a commercial vehicle or securing of a load, they can be held accountable for any injuries resulting from their noncompliance.

Failure to Maintain a Commercial Vehicle: Trucking companies are required to perform routine maintenance to ensure their vehicles are fit for operation. When a driver or their employer fails to perform maintenance as required by federal trucking law, they can be held accountable for any resulting injuries. For instance, a truck driver who fails to inspect or maintain their braking system can be held accountable for truck accident injuries resulting from preventable braking problems.

Other common causes of New York truck accidents include the following: intoxicated drivers, truck employer negligence, tire blow outs, lack of reflectors and aggressive driving. Although bad weather and poor road conditions can also contribute to tractor trailer accidents, most investigations indicate some degree of negligence on part of the truck driver and/or trucking company. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident, our New York tractor trailer accident lawyers can determine if negligence played a role in your crash.

At Block O’Toole & Murphy, our New York truck accident lawyers have successfully fought for justice and compensation on behalf of victims of tractor trailer accidents and other catastrophic events. We have developed and maintained lasting relationships with our clients, who depend on us for legal advice and compassion when handling their claims. Our truck accident lawyers in New York are proud of our successful results, including a $3 million truck accident verdict for a motorist who needlessly suffered back and knee injuries in a rear-end collision with a tractor trailer, and continue to advocate on behalf of injured New York residents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York trucking accident, fill out our free case review form on the right. We offer this free case evaluation to all potential clients, so do not hesitate to contact us today.