Truck Accident Lawyer in Melville
Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries. If you or someone you love was hurt in a preventable collision with a truck, a Melville personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
The Harrison Law Group has won over $450 million for clients like you. If you were injured in a truck crash that wasn’t your fault, a truck accident lawyer in Melville can help you obtain compensation for your losses.
What Can a Melville Truck Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
Commercial vehicle accident cases typically require in-depth investigations and lengthy negotiations.
A Melville truck accident lawyer can assist with your case by:
- Collecting evidence: A lawyer can gather police reports, photographs, witness statements, crash-scene evidence, and other information to prove what caused the crash and who is responsible.
- Reviewing trucking records: A lawyer can examine driver logs, inspection records, maintenance documents, and other records that may reveal safety violations or negligent conduct.
- Calculating your losses: A lawyer can calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses to determine the value of your claim.
- Negotiating a settlement: A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and seek a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Preparing for litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can prepare your case for court.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
The compensation available after a truck accident depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the other losses you experienced.
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs associated with emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical care.
- Future medical treatment: You can seek compensation for reasonably anticipated medical expenses resulting from long-term injuries.
- Lost wages: You can recover income you lost because your injuries prevented you from working.
- Reduced earning capacity: You may seek additional damages if your injuries affect your ability to earn income in the future.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: You may be entitled to additional compensation if your injuries interfere with hobbies, activities, or other aspects of your daily life.
- Punitive damages: If the other party acted with gross negligence or conscious disregard for your safety, punitive damages may be awarded.
What Is the Deadline to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New York?
Per NY CPLR § 214, the statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits in New York is generally three years from the date of the crash. If you don’t file your claim within this window, you will likely forfeit the right to recover damages.
Different rules may also apply in certain circumstances, such as if your case involves a government entity, wrongful death, or injured minors. A truck accident attorney in Melville can help make sure you file your claim on time.
What If I Was Partially At Fault?
Being partially responsible for an accident does not necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation in New York. The state follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means your compensation can be reduced according to your percentage of fault, even if you are more than 50% responsible for the crash.
In the event you are found to share liability for the crash, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 30% responsible for an accident and your total damages were $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000.
Who Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident liability can be more complicated than liability in a typical two-car collision.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Truck driver: The driver may be liable if speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, unsafe lane changes, or another form of negligence contributed to the collision.
- Trucking company: The trucking company may be responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, unsafe scheduling, poor supervision, or the actions of an employee who was driving for the company.
- Truck owner: A truck owner may share responsibility if poor maintenance or other problems involving the vehicle contributed to the accident.
- Cargo loading company: A company responsible for loading cargo may be liable if improperly secured or distributed cargo caused the truck to become unstable or contributed to the crash.
- Maintenance provider: A repair or maintenance company may be responsible if negligent inspections, repairs, or maintenance caused a mechanical failure.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Melville
Truck crashes can happen for many reasons. Sometimes the truck driver is responsible, while other accidents stem from problems involving the trucking company, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, or roadway conditions.
Common causes of these crashes include:
- Driver fatigue and violations of hours-of-service requirements
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Brake or tire failures
- Unsafe road conditions
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Melville
Everything you do after an accident in New York matters.
It’s critical to:
- Report the crash: Contact law enforcement and make sure the accident is properly documented.
- Document the scene: If it is safe, take photographs or videos of the vehicles, roadway, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Collect information: Obtain the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance information, license plate number, and other available identifying information.
- Speak with witnesses: Get contact information from people who witnessed the accident.
- Get medical attention: Seek prompt medical care, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
- Avoid admitting fault: Do not speculate about what caused the accident or make statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility.
- Be cautious with insurers: Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement before consulting a lawyer.
- Speak to an attorney: Reach out to our lawyers to get help with your claim.
Get Help from a Truck Accident Attorney in Melville
The truck accident claims process can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with serious injuries. A Melville truck accident attorney from The Harrison Law Group can take on your case, help you build a strong claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.