Small-Firm Personalized Service With Big-Firm Results.
Photo of Zeidan, Mr. Raji S JD

Representing New York Clients Injured In Crashes With Trucks

New York’s network of highways and byways are congested and populated by aggressive drivers operating vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Obviously, trucks are just some of the massive vehicles traveling through Ulster and Dutchess County. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers take the necessary care to protect themselves and other drivers on the road. Truck drivers have stressful jobs. They must balance the needs of their employer but follow the laws that govern a truck company’s operations. Sometimes, this can be almost impossible and it puts others at risk. Being in a truck accident can be devastating. If you get into a collision with a truck, you could face serious injury and worse.

When your injuries are caused by a truck driver’s negligence or the negligence of the company responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle, you may need to consider legal action. If you need to explore your legal options and pursue compensation, contact The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC, for a consultation.

What Are Some Reasons Truck Accidents Happen?

There are many reasons why a truck accident can happen. It is important to discuss your legal situation with an attorney who can help determine who is at fault. Below is a small sample of reasons why truck accidents are commonplace.

  • A stressful job: Truck drivers have one of the most difficult jobs in America and it continues to get harder. Regulations that govern a truck driver’s workweek continue to tighten. Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour work day. A truck driver may not work more than 70 hours in a workweek, down from the previous 82 hours. While the Federal Motor Carriage Safety Administration had the full intention of protecting exploited drivers, employers expect no change in productivity. Finding the right balance between following the law and appeasing their employers makes a stressful job almost overwhelming, leading to negligent driving.
  • The weight of the vehicle: Some trucks are enormous. They can hold an amazing amount of weight. When a driver doesn’t fully appreciate the braking distance of their vehicle, it can lead to serious accidents. A truck can be up to 65 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It would take that truck about two football fields to come to a complete stop, around 525 feet. The greater the speed, the greater the braking distance. When a truck drives at an unsafe speed or at an unsafe distance from the car in front, it can lead to serious accidents.
  • Visibility: It is no secret that trucks are large and hard to maneuver. Trucks have major blind spots that can impact their ability to see others on the road. If a truck driver is not fully paying attention, a small vehicle could be trapped, hit, and/or run off the road.
  • Mechanical problems: Breakdowns, tire blowouts and brake issues are just some of the many mechanical problems that plague truck drivers. While some of these issues are just normal wear and tear, others can be avoided with the right care. Sometimes, this care is the responsibility of the company and not the driver. Assigning negligence can be difficult in these cases and deserves the attention of an effective personal injury attorney.

Contact A Dutchess County Truck Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a truck accident, it is important to explore the circumstances to determine the liable party. The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC, is an experienced personal injury law firm that helps clients across the Hudson Valley acquire maximum compensation for their injuries. If you need quality legal support, contact our firm for a free consultation.