Truck Accidents Caused by Negligence
Figuring out what to do after a serious truck accident can be difficult. There are multiple causative factors involved in truck accidents. In these scenarios, negligence can fall into the hands of the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or other drivers involved. Determining who was negligent requires collecting evidence and recalling how the accident started. Knowing the different types of negligence can help you figure out which party was negligent. Be sure to talk to a New York Truck Accident Lawyer to start the process of filing a personal injury claim.
Truck Driver Negligence
There are several ways truck drivers can cause car accidents through negligence. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include errors in non-performance, recognition, decision, and performance. These make up 87% of the reasons truck accidents happen, the other reasons involving problems with the truck and environment.
Non-performance errors happen when the truck driver falls asleep at the wheel or experiences an unexpected medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke. Recognition errors involve not paying attention to the road or other cars on the road, distractions, and failing to accurately predict what other cars are about to do on the road. Common distractions involve eating and using an electronic device while driving.
Decision errors may involve breaking traffic laws like speeding, but this type of error also means misjudging how fast other cars are traveling. Tailgating is another example. Errors in performance can mean driver panic, last-minute changes in driving, and exercising poor control over the truck.
Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies are expected to uphold certain standards to protect the truck driver and reduce the chances of a truck accident. These companies are expected to uphold the following regulations:
- Truck driver employees have a commercial driver’s license
- Truck drivers cannot drive longer than 14 hours
- Mandatory 10-hour breaks must occur between driving periods
Breaking these rules can add to the stress truck drivers already face with long driving hours, low physical activity, limited access to healthy meals, and irregular work shifts. Trucking companies who breach regulations may be held liable for a truck driver’s injuries and whoever else was injured in the accident.
Truck manufacturers can also be held liable for defective product parts that hinder with the truck’s performance. A defective truck part, like faulty brakes, can be traced back to the product manufacturer or mechanic who knowingly installed faulty brakes.
Truck Accident Lawyer in New York
Figuring out who to sue and where to seek compensation after an unexpected truck accident can be challenging. Try talking with a Camillus Personal Injury Lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries from a truck accident caused by another driver, your trucking company employer, or a defective product. You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have years of experience with truck accident claims. Call us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Our offices are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. We will work with you to investigate your claim and collect the evidence you need for compensation.