Truck Accident Attorney in Rochester, NY
Sustaining injuries from any type of car crash in Rochester can be devastating, let alone when you face catastrophic injuries and damages because a large truck was involved. The sheer size and weight of a truck can leave lasting damage much greater than that of the average car. If you were injured or suffered losses in this type of accident, a Rochester truck accident lawyer from Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, can help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you need.
Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC: Your Rochester Truck Accident Team
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, our New York-based personal injury firm has helped countless Rochester residents navigate the legal complexities that come with recovering from a truck accident. Our skilled personal injury attorneys share over 60 years of experience fighting for victims who were injured by negligence and recklessness. When you sustain injuries or damages after a Rochester truck accident, don’t wait to fight for justice with help from our team.
Understanding Truck Laws in New York
In the fiscal year of 2024, there were 3,584 crashes involving trucks in New York alone. These crashes resulted in 4,242 injuries and 108 fatalities. Because trucks play an imperative role in the nation’s economy and are always on the road, there are both state and federal laws that dictate how legal cases involving trucks should proceed.
Most federal trucking regulations are located in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These laws limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road, require rest breaks, and put an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour workday on property-carrying drivers. Truck drivers are also required to maintain logbooks that accurately track their hours of service.
In New York, where Rochester truck accident cases are handled, state law supplements federal rules, including the FMCSA hours-of-service requirements, and it also requires intrastate commercial truck drivers to abide by the state’s weight and load restrictions.
Determining Liability in Rochester Truck Accident
Establishing liability is critical when you’re looking to file a truck accident claim in Rochester. However, because truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, determining liability tends to be more complex in these cases than in the average car accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer from our firm can assess your case and ensure you identify all liable parties.
Potential parties that can be held liable in a Rochester truck accident include:
- Truck Driver. If the truck driver was too fatigued, driving while distracted, such as texting, eating, or talking on the radio, or acted recklessly, they may be held liable for the accident.
- Trucking Company. A trucking company can be held liable for a variety of reasons when one of its drivers causes an accident. For example, failure to implement proper hiring procedures, failure to maintain trucks, or failure to follow state and federal regulations, such as forcing drivers to work for too long, can all result in a trucking company being held liable.
- Cargo Loaders. If a cargo loader improperly loaded or secured cargo, which later fell out of a truck or led to an accident, they can be held liable in your claim.
- Manufacturers. Sometimes mechanical and part failures cause truck accidents. When this happens, manufacturers of certain parts can be held liable as well.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Rochester Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Rochester, it’s important that you keep these tips in mind and follow them if you’re able:
- Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for minor injuries.
- If you are able, get your vehicle to a safe location, but do not leave the scene.
- Photograph the vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions if possible.
- Record contact details from both drivers and passengers, as well as any witnesses present.
- Do not admit fault or provide detailed statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to an attorney.
- Hire a Rochester truck accident lawyer to help protect your rights and navigate the claims process.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Rochester
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, our attorneys work tirelessly to pursue justice for victims of truck accidents across New York. We understand how daunting the aftermath of a severe accident can be, which is why we’re ready to fight for justice on your behalf. No matter how complex your case may seem, our team can leverage our comprehensive knowledge of personal injury law and insight into local courts to build a powerful claim and secure the compensation you’re owed.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Rochester?
There is no exact estimate of how much your Rochester personal injury lawyer will cost, as pricing varies from case to case. Most New York truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee pricing structure. This means that a client will only pay the lawyer if they successfully secure compensation, as the lawyer receives a specific percentage of the settlement. However, factors like the complexity of your case and your lawyer’s experience can impact what you pay.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in New York?
Truck accident settlements in New York can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the type of property damage sustained, whether you lost income because you had to take off work, and liability considerations. Your final settlement may include compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation possible.
When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in New York?
Generally, you should hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as you’re involved in an accident and receive medical attention. This is especially important if you sustained injuries or extensive property damage. Legal support delivered promptly after an accident can safeguard your rights while protecting evidence for your future claim. Your lawyer can then help you build a powerful claim that fights for the compensation you’re rightfully owed.
How Do I Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer in New York?
It’s important to consider the following details when trying to choose the right New York truck accident attorney. You want a lawyer who has experience working on cases similar to yours, meaning it’s imperative that you find a personal injury lawyer who has success with New York truck accident cases. From there, you should find an attorney with a strong reputation, knowledge of local laws, and a history of successful verdicts.
Talk to Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC
When you sustain damages or injuries in a Rochester truck accident, the team at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, can fight for you. Contact us today to start fighting for justice.