Truck Accident Attorney in The Bronx

Did you or a loved one get hurt in an accident with a commercial truck in the Bronx? You might feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. We understand that the aftermath of such accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially disastrous for victims.

Unfortunately, insurers and trucking companies often try to shift blame or minimize their liability to avoid paying victims the settlement they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. That is why getting a Bronx truck accident lawyer on your side as soon as possible can be crucial for recovering fair compensation.

Morgan & Morgan’s truck accident attorneys are here to help you understand your options. We can fight a legal claim on your behalf, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery and getting your life back on track. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation case review.

Common Reasons for Bronx Truck Accidents

Accidents with large and heavy commercial trucks can be horrific for those involved and often cause severe injuries and fatalities. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatal truck accidents increased by 27% in 2020 compared to 2010. Most fatalities were passenger car occupants. Some of the most common reasons for truck accidents include the following:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers typically work long hours and drive for extended periods, which can lead to fatigue. A tired truck driver has a slower reaction time and may have difficulty focusing on the road or even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to catastrophic accidents.

Speeding

Some trucking companies devise unrealistic driving schedules, resulting in truck drivers rushing and speeding. Since large and heavy commercial trucks take much longer to stop than cars, a speeding truck driver may not have enough time to stop or react to sudden changes in traffic. This can lead to rear-end collisions or other crashes with significant damage and injuries.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is particularly dangerous when it comes to trucks. When truck drivers are distracted, they may be unable to react quickly enough to avoid an accident. Common distractions for truck drivers can include:

• Eating and drinking
• Texting or talking on the phone
• Using a GPS device

Poor Truck Maintenance

Blown-out truck tires are a common sight on highways. Trucks require regular maintenance, including tire changes and brake checks, to stay in good condition and operate safely. Improperly maintained trucks can break down or malfunction, potentially causing catastrophic crashes. Common maintenance issues for trucks include:

• Brake failures
• Tire blowouts
• Steering malfunction
• Engine problems

Incorrect Loading

Trucks often carry heavy and hazardous loads. If such cargo is improperly secured or distributed, accidents can be the result. Improperly loaded trucks may tip over, jackknife, or spill their cargo onto the road, with devastating consequences for other road users.

Determining what caused a truck accident and who is responsible for your damages can be challenging, as numerous factors could have caused or contributed to a crash. Therefore, if you are affected, contact a Morgan & Morgan Bronx truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights, investigate the accident, and help you hold those responsible accountable.

Injuries in Bronx Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries in accidents with commercial trucks include:

Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when your head is thrown forward and then back suddenly during a collision.

Back injuries: The force of impact during a truck accident can cause damage to your spine, muscles, and ligaments, leading to back pain and limited mobility.

Broken bones: A truck accident can be so severe that bones fracture or break on impact, potentially requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A TBI can occur when your head hits an object or a part of the car during a truck accident. A severe TBI can cause brain damage, memory loss, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Internal injuries: The force of a severe truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to internal organs, which may require emergency medical attention.

If you are involved in a truck accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't feel pain. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment may hinder recovery. Once you have received medical treatment, consider contacting a Bronx truck accident lawyer to determine your rights and options, as you could qualify for damages.

Determining Truck Accident Liability

Getting involved in an accident with a commercial truck can be much more complicated than a car crash, as many complex factors come into play. Unlike in car accidents, the driver is not always at fault. Trucking companies must ensure the safety of their drivers, vehicles, and cargo. If they fail to meet their legal obligations, and an accident occurs, the company may be liable for your damages.

If you were recently involved in a truck accident, several parties could be liable for your damages, including:

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first party investigated in a truck accident. If the driver negligently or recklessly operated the truck, they may be liable for your damages. Examples of negligence and recklessness can include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving fatigued

The Trucking Company

The trucking company employing the driver may be liable for your damages in a truck accident. Companies may cut corners in an attempt to maximize profits. Some examples of trucking company liability include:

• Negligent hiring and training
• Hours-and-service violations
• Failing to maintain and service the truck
• Overloading trucks
• Issuing unrealistic driving schedules

The trucking company has the overall responsibility for drivers and must ensure that the business operates according to federal and state regulations. If a trucking company puts profits before the safety of drivers and other road users, a Bronx truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan could help you hold them accountable.

Third-Party Vendors

Trucking companies often outsource aspects of their operations, such as:

• Servicing and repair of trucks
• Loading of cargo
• Recruitment and training of drivers

If a third party, such as a repair shop, made an error and improperly loaded a truck or failed to service the vehicle properly, they could be on the hook for your accident-related damages.

The Truck Manufacturer

Sometimes, trucks have manufacturing defects or faulty parts, which can cause or contribute to an accident. A truck manufacturer may be responsible for an accident victim’s damages in this case.

Truck accident cases can be highly complex and technical. Determining all responsible parties can be challenging. However, an experienced Bronx truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can work with professional accident investigators and reconstruction professionals to piece together the events of an accident, determine the cause, and identify all potentially liable parties.