Truck Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Fight for Victims in Rochester and Buffalo, New York
Truck driving and long-distance hauling are important to New York’s economy. However, the constant flow of large trucks throughout the state also means that truck accidents are a serious risk on NY roadways. Commercial trucks often carry heavy loads that can cause significant damage to the drivers of smaller vehicles such as cars, motorcyclists and trucks.
The safety risks are even greater when a truck that is traveling at a high speed crashes into another vehicle in a rear-end collision. Many truck accidents result in catastrophic injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, paralysis and even wrongful death.
Whether your accident involved a truck, semi truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or big rig, it is imperative that you have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to help guide you through the complicated legal process. The skilled and knowledgeable truck accident lawyers at LaDuca Law Firm have more than 30 years of combined experienced representing clients in truck accident cases in Upstate New York, including Perinton, Webster, Brighton and Buffalo. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve because we understand what you are going through right now.
New York Law Protects Motorists Injured in Truck Accidents
No matter how safe you are when driving on a NY roadway, you may not be able to avoid an out-of-control truck. Whether your accident was caused by an exhausted truck driver, a truck driver who was driving while intoxicated or simply driving recklessly or a defective truck part, you now face a difficult road to recovery. Moreover, the legal process for a person involved in a truck accident can be incredibly complicated. You need an attorney who understands New York commercial vehicle laws, NY truck insurance requirements and federal truck driving and maintenance guidelines.
Truck Driver Insurance Requirements in Upstate NY
New York law generally follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Trucking companies are required to carry greater insurance coverage than other motor vehicle operators. At a minimum, commercial trucks must be insured for $300,000 to cover property damage and injuries to other drivers. A truck weighing more than 10,000 pounds must have $750,000 of liability insurance; the figure goes up to $5 million if the truck is carrying hazardous materials.
Strict Standards and Guidelines for New York Truck Drivers
NY law also recognizes the dangers posed by fatigued truck drivers.
- As a result, all commercial truck drivers are limited to driving no more than 11 continuous hours, with mandatory rest periods.
- Additionally, the FMCSA sets medical fitness standards for all commercial truck drivers; they must take a special physical examination and be certified to operate a commercial vehicle.
- There are also rules for cargo securement and vehicle inspection that must be adhered to by all commercial truck drivers on New York roads.
Knowledgeable Buffalo, NY Personal Injury Lawyers Hold Liable Parties Accountable for Truck Accident Injuries and Property Damage
Depending upon the circumstances of your truck accident, the liable parties could include the truck owner, truck rig owner, truck loading company, trucking contractor, trucking insurance company and auto part manufacturer. Although New York is a no-fault state, which means that you can get compensation for injuries regardless of who was at fault for your accident, the law places limits on the types of damages that can be pursued through your insurance carrier. Since truck accidents often cause significant property damage and serious injuries, you may need to file a personal injury claim in order to get fair compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Car, Truck and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Rochester, NY
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New York, it is important for you to act quickly in order to preserve your legal right to file an accident or personal injury claim. In many cases, NY auto accident victims have just 30 days to notify the insurance company about the accident. The qualified truck accident attorneys at LaDuca Law Firm will help you meet all deadlines and handle all of the complicated legal issues in your case.
Rest assured, we will stay on top of your truck accident case and make sure that the accident scene is properly investigated, eyewitnesses are interviewed and physical evidence is preserved. If you have been involved in a truck accident anywhere in the Upstate NY area, including Orleans, Genesee, Buffalo or Penfield, we can help you. Call us today to schedule a visit to our Rochester, NY office.
