Bronx Truck Accident Lawyer

Recent annual statistics from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles reveal that there were more than 10,000 truck accidents, leading to thousands of injuries and multiple fatalities. NYPD traffic reports highlight many of these incidents in the Bronx, noting 113 large commercial vehicle accidents in January 2024.

Consider getting the help of a Bronx personal injury lawyer if you were hurt in a collision involving a semi-truck or another kind of large commercial vehicle. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for your rights and getting you the money you deserve.

How Our Bronx Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You

After a truck accident in the Bronx, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is prepared to provide unprecedented assistance and legal experience. Truck accident claims are notoriously complex, often involving several liable parties and severe injuries.

This complexity means insurance companies will deploy considerable resources to contest high-value claims. You should have access to a Bronx personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to fighting for you and has the resources, knowledge, and expertise needed.

Ali Awad, the firm’s owner and founder, has the expertise and determination to get his clients the compensation they deserve. His achievements include securing some of New York’s highest settlements and verdicts, a mark of excellence in legal practice.

Here’s how we can assist you after experiencing a truck accident in the Bronx:

• Carry out a thorough independent investigation to compile evidence.
• Provide reliable legal counsel and support throughout the process.
• Explore all potential sources of compensation.
• Collaborate with specialists to establish a compelling negligence case.
• Assess the complete scope of your damages to ensure accurate valuation.
• Represent your interests in negotiations with insurance companies.
• Should the insurance company fail to propose a fair settlement, take your case to trial.

Fighting the power of trucking companies and their insurance can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact our office for a free consultation with an experienced Bronx truck accident lawyer prepared to support you.

Why Choose Our Bronx Truck Accident Law Firm?

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our expertise in representing victims of truck accidents spans over the years. Choosing our team of skilled personal injury lawyers in the Bronx means placing the might and resources of our firm at your disposal.

Our approach includes:

• Offering empathetic legal support and advice personalized to your needs.
• Conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your truck accident, ensuring all pertinent evidence is strongly compiled.
• Engaging specialized professionals to scrutinize evidence and construct a compelling case while assessing the actual value of your injuries.
• Managing all interactions with the trucking company and insurance carriers on your behalf.
• Striving to achieve a just settlement through negotiation.
• Proceeding to trial with our experienced litigators when necessary to uphold your interests.

We are dedicated to obtaining the highest possible compensation for you. Contact our law office today to learn how we can help you achieve a favorable outcome for your case.

Some Common Causes of Truck Accidents in the Bronx

Truck accidents are troubling in New York, with the 2023 TSSR report highlighting 14,259 incidents involving large trucks. Several factors, often linked to truck driver negligence, play significant roles in these accidents.

Below are the key causes:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, whether due to internal or external distractions, places the blame squarely on the driver if their lack of focus leads to an accident. The responsibility for any harm caused falls on them for not paying attention to the road.

Speeding

Due to their size and weight, trucks are especially vulnerable to speeding. The physics of stopping or slowing down a truck means that high-speed impacts can be devastating, making speeding a critical concern.

Driver Fatigue

Long hauls and extensive driving periods contribute to driver fatigue. Truck drivers must monitor their tiredness levels and rest adequately.

Failure to do so not only endangers their safety but also that of others on the road.

Overloaded Cargo

The risks associated with heavy or overloaded trucks are notable. Difficulty maneuvering increased stopping distances, and the potential for tire failures is heightened, posing a danger to nearby traffic.

Severe Weather

Adverse weather conditions challenge all drivers, but the impact on truck driving is magnified. Visibility issues and vehicle control become even more problematic, necessitating additional caution from truck drivers during such conditions.

Truck drivers are accountable for any losses incurred where their actions, whether deliberate or not, lead to accidents. In these situations, the complainants have the right to pursue financial compensation for their harm, and speaking with a Bronx truck accident lawyer may be essential to their healing.

Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in the Bronx?

Bronx County, the third-most densely populated county in the United States after Brooklyn (Kings County) and Manhattan (New York County), spans 42 square miles and is home to approximately 1.4 million residents. The New York Department of Transportation has highlighted 25 key corridors within the Bronx as priority areas due to their significant history of truck and pedestrian accidents over the past decade.

These corridors, which constitute 8% of the borough’s total road network and stretch over 65 miles, include:

• Fordham Road: Extends from Bronx River Parkway to University Heights Bridge.
• Kingsbridge Road: Runs from Fordham Road to Exterior Street.
• Grand Concourse: Spans from East 138th Street to Mosholu Parkway.
• East 138th Street: From Madison Avenue Bridge to Locust Avenue.
• East 149th Street: From 145th Street Bridge to Oak Point Avenue.
• Southern Boulevard: From Louis Nine Boulevard to Fordham Road.
• East 170th Street: From Clay Avenue to University Avenue.
• Westchester Avenue: From Westchester Avenue Bridge to Hugh J. Grant Circle.
• Hunts Point Avenue: From East 163rd Street to Halleck Street.
• Boston Road: From Bronx Park East to Eastchester Bridge.
• East 167th Street: From Jerome Avenue to Boston Road.
• Gun Hill Road: From Hutchinson River Parkway to Mosholu Parkway.
• East 180th Street: From Webster Avenue to Tremont Avenue.
• Tremont Avenue: From Schurz Avenue to Sedgwick Avenue.
• White Plains Road: From Sunset Boulevard to East 243rd Street.
• Prospect Avenue: From Southern Boulevard to Crotona Avenue.
• Baychester Avenue: From Hammersley Avenue to East 241st Street.
• East 165th Street: From Jerome Avenue to 3rd Avenue.
• Castle Hill Avenue: From Hart Street to Tremont Avenue.
• Crotona Avenue: From Prospect Avenue to Southern Boulevard.
• Morris Park Avenue: From Wyatt Street to Bassett Avenue.
• Bruckner Boulevard: From 3rd Avenue to Whitlock Avenue.
• East 161st Street: From Jerome Avenue to 3rd Avenue.
• University Avenue: From Sedgwick Avenue to Fordham Road.
• 3rd Avenue: From Bruckner Boulevard to Fordham Road.

With trucks operating 24/7 in New York City, congestion has led many companies to adopt late-night and early-morning deliveries to improve efficiency. To handle the city streets more effectively and to circumvent the need for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), companies often utilize 18-foot and 20-foot box trucks.

This adaptation means that the possibility of a collision with a commercial truck can occur at any time, any day of the week.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in the Bronx?

In the event of a Bronx truck accident, handling the injuries and stress that follow can be too much to handle. An incident of this nature, whether it results in serious injuries or only little property damage, can cause significant distress.

It can be difficult to recall the necessary actions to guarantee your safety and protect your interests amid the chaos and confusion. After a truck crash, pay attention to and take precautions for yourself by doing the following:

• Seek Immediate Medical Help: If you or anyone else involved in the accident requires urgent medical care, promptly call 911. This ensures that police and emergency medical teams are immediately dispatched to the scene.
• Ensure Your Safety: Post-accident, your priority should be to move to a safe area, especially if the accident occurred on a busy roadway. Avoiding further risks by finding a secure location away from traffic is crucial.
• Exchange Information: Once it’s safe, collect contact, insurance details, and any other pertinent information from the other driver(s) involved. This information is vital for filing an accident claim later.
• Document the Accident Scene: Capture comprehensive photos and videos of all vehicles involved, including license plates and specific details that could indicate the cause of the accident. Visual evidence is instrumental in establishing fault.
• Consult a Truck Accident Attorney: The repercussions of a truck accident—ranging from injuries to property damage—can significantly disrupt your life and daily activities. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer can be critical in securing compensation for your losses.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the situation, prove the other party’s fault, and bolster your legal claim. With professional legal representation, you can pursue compensation for the injuries and the damages incurred due to the accident.

What Are Common Types of Bronx Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accidents, especially those occurring in the Bronx, often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the massive size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles. The impact of such accidents can lead to devastating, long-term consequences for the victims, including unbearable pain and a significantly reduced quality of life.

In many cases, individuals sustain injuries so severe that they face permanent disability, rendering them unable to work or only capable of working in a highly limited capacity.

Among the most common injuries encountered in truck accidents in the Bronx are:

• Injuries to the back and neck can range from minor strains to severe spinal cord damage.
• Fractures, including broken bones, may require surgical intervention and lengthy periods of rehabilitation.
• Broken ribs, often caused by the intense force of impact, can lead to severe pain and complications.
• Blunt trauma injuries lead to internal organ damage, which can be life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment.
• Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause long-term discomfort and mobility issues.
• Lacerations and cuts potentially lead to significant blood loss, infection risks, and scarring.
• Spinal cord injuries, possibly resulting in paralysis, either partial or complete, necessitating lifelong care.
• Traumatic brain injuries can vary in severity and impact cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical abilities.
• Burn injuries can occur if a vehicle catches fire upon impact or if hazardous materials are involved, leading to severe pain, infection, and extensive rehabilitation.

It’s important to note that accidents involving trucks are significantly more likely to result in fatalities compared to those involving only passenger vehicles. The likelihood of a fatal outcome in a truck accident is approximately ten times higher than in a car accident.

In the tragic event of a fatal truck accident, the families of the deceased may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. However, in New York, such a claim must be filed within two years following the death of a loved one, highlighting the importance of timely legal action to seek justice and financial support for the bereaved family.

Who Will Be Liable for My Bronx Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident in the Bronx involves assessing the roles and responsibilities of various parties that could contribute to the accident. Here’s a breakdown of potential liable entities:

1. Cargo Loaders: If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo, the individuals or entities responsible for loading the truck could be liable for the resulting damages.
2. Truck Drivers: Liability may fall on the truck drivers if their actions or negligence led to the accident. This can depend on the driver’s employment status, the specifics of the accident, and who owns the vehicle.
3. Trucking Companies: In cases where a trucking company employs the driver, the company itself can be held liable for its employees’ actions under the vicarious liability principle.
4. Employers of Negligent Third Parties: If a third-party driver (not directly involved with the trucking company) causes an accident that involves a truck, the employer of the third-party driver may be liable for their employee’s actions.
5. Transit Companies: When an accident involves a transit company’s vehicle, the company may be responsible for any damages caused by the accident.
6. Government Agencies: If a truck accident is due to poor road maintenance or unsafe road conditions, the government agency responsible for road upkeep could be held accountable.
7. Manufacturers of Defective Equipment: If faulty equipment causes a truck accident, the manufacturer of that equipment could be liable for any damages incurred as a result.

Will You Be Eligible to Recover Compensation for Your Injuries?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your case is distinct, demanding a detailed inquiry into the accident’s cause to establish your entitlement to compensation. The scope of damages recoverable in a truck accident lawsuit can encompass a variety of aspects, including:

• Pain and suffering, both immediate and future, resulting from the accident
• Lost wages or income, both immediate and anticipated future earnings
• Medical and hospital expenses incurred due to the accident
• Prescription medication costs
• Diminished quality of life
• Expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Property damage resulting from the accident
• Punitive damages, aimed at punishing egregious conduct

A thorough investigation to gather the required evidence and the experience of truck accident attorneys are essential to managing the complexity of a truck accident claim. This type of attorney is proficient at obtaining the evidence required to pursue your case to its maximum potential and giving you the resources you need to get the desired results.

How Do I Prove Negligence After My Truck Accident in the Bronx?

To establish fault after a truck collision in the Bronx, it’s essential to demonstrate that the defendant was responsible for the accident. A diligent investigation by your Bronx truck accident attorneys can pinpoint the causes of the crash and identify the liable parties.

It’s not uncommon for responsibility to be shared among several parties in truck accidents.

Evidence that might be utilized to ascertain liability includes:

• The trucking company’s protocols for hiring, training, and supervising drivers, along with their internal records
• Logbooks maintained by truck drivers
• Records of truck maintenance
• Data from the truck’s event data recorder or EDR (commonly referred to as a “black box”).
• Investigations carried out by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Mobile phone usage records of the drivers involved
• Any citations issued by law enforcement officers
• Results from alcohol and drug tests administered to truck drivers post-accident
• Surveillance or other video evidence
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Photographs documenting the accident scene and damage to the vehicles involved

The legal team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has the experts across various specialties to interpret this evidence and construct a solid and compelling case of negligence.

Does No-Fault Insurance Cover Truck Accidents?

In New York, a no-fault insurance policy simplifies the process for seeking compensation following most vehicular accidents. This policy allows you to claim benefits from your own insurance company without the need to establish the fault of another party.

It encompasses various expenses such as a portion of medical bills, lost earnings, and certain out-of-pocket costs.

This no-fault coverage extends to incidents involving trucks, including semi-trucks and other sizable commercial vehicles. Under this system, personal injury protection (PIP) provides financial assistance for losses up to the limits of your policy.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the standard PIP coverage in New York can be limited to $50,000. Without opting for higher coverage levels, this is the maximum compensation you can receive through a no-fault claim.

Given the potentially severe nature of truck accident injuries, this amount may quickly prove insufficient. Costs for hospital stays, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, loss of income, and other unforeseen expenditures can accumulate rapidly.

Therefore, victims of such accidents might find it necessary to pursue further legal avenues to obtain the comprehensive compensation required for their recovery.

Trust Our Bronx Truck Accident Lawyers!

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in the Bronx, leading to injuries or the loss of a family member, you might be entitled to compensation for both your financial and emotional hardships. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of highly professional truck accident attorneys in the Bronx is dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.

To discuss your case and explore your options, we offer a complimentary consultation. Our team is readily available to respond to your inquiries at any time. Reach out to us at (516) 689-1132  today to take the first step towards your recovery.

FAQ

• Are truck accidents considered different from car accidents?
  

Yes, in some aspects. Legally, the principles of liability and compensation are similar for both truck and car accidents. However, truck drivers are subject to additional state and federal regulations concerning driving hours and required training. Also, truck drivers are often employed by large companies with significant legal and insurance resources, making legal battles more challenging. The injuries in truck accidents tend to be more severe due to the larger size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles.

• Who can file a lawsuit after a truck accident in New York?
  

Typically, the injured party and their spouse can initiate a lawsuit. In the event of a fatality, the deceased’s family members may sue on behalf of the victim.

• Who covers the medical expenses after a truck accident?
  

Initially, the insurance of the injured party’s vehicle often pays for medical costs. However, dealing with insurance companies can be complicated, as they may resist paying out claims. It’s advisable to consult with a New York personal injury attorney before discussing your accident with any insurance company.

• I want to file a truck accident lawsuit. What should I look for in a New York truck accident lawyer?
  

When seeking a New York truck accident attorney, choose a firm specializing in personal injury with a track record of success. Look for deep legal expertise, access to resources like expert witnesses, and a commitment to aggressive litigation. Always go for a lawyer who will advocate effectively for you. Consider consulting with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for a no-cost case evaluation.