While the vast majority of trips along New York’s streets, roads, highways and freeways proceed uneventfully, the possibility of a vehicular accident is a fact of modern life. Unfortunately unsafe driving, the failure to performed required maintenance, fatigue, use of alcohol or other drugs, and lack of adequate training can all significantly increase the likelihood that a truck accident will occur. At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, our attorneys are well-versed in the mechanics of a vehicular accident and the underlying legal doctrine, and are dedicated to making the law work for accidents victims who have been injured through no fault of their own.
Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Accidents in New York
According to statistics provided by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 4,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured by large trucks in 2012. This was a 4-percent increase from the year previous. Of those accidents that produced a fatality, 73-percent of those killed were in the vehicle that was struck by the large truck or commercial vehicle. Thus, accidents caused by large trucks have a disproportionate impact on the occupants of other vehicles. Unfortunately for other motorists, commercial truck traffic is the lifeblood of the American economy and as the economy improves, commercial truck traffic should also increase.
Who Regulates Commercial Trucks?
Commercial vehicles, whether they are hauling cargo or passengers, are regulated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA regulations define safety procedures and standards. These safety regulations can define the hours of service that are permitted for a truck driver, inspection requirements, rest periods, rules for securing cargo, registration requirements and more.
What Should I Do After a Trucking Accident?
Following a serious accident involving a large truck or other commercial vehicle, you should first ensure your safety so as to avoid secondary injury. What this means is if your vehicle is in a travel lane and it can be moved, move it safely to the shoulder. If the vehicle will not run and is in a travel lane, you should exit the vehicle safely and move out of the flow of traffic. If you see smoke or smell a burning odor, you should increase your distance from the disabled vehicles immediately as a fire or explosion may occur.
Once you have reached safety, you may choose to document the scene of the accident. Today, this ability is within reach of nearly every motorist. Most modern cell phones are equipped with at least one high-resolution camera that is capable of capturing still images or video. Images can show dangerous highway or roadway conditions, defective vehicle conditions, and other factors that may have contributed to or caused the accident.
What Types of Injuries Can Occur in a Truck Accident?
While each and every accident is unique and produces its own types of injuries and severity of injuries, there are some injury types that are common to vehicular accidents and trucking accidents. Some of these common, potential injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – The brain is the control center of the body. As such, injuries to the brain can be devastating and can transform tasks you once took for granted into impossible endeavors. However, with time and supportive care, even serious brain injuries can heal to an extent. Common problems due to a brain injury include issues with attention and focus, nausea, problems with social functioning, difficulty with abstract concepts and more.
- Bone fractures – While typically referred to as a broken bone, a bone fracture can range from a simple bone chip to a complex fracture where the bone passes through the skin. Broken and fractured bones take months or years to fully heal. In the meantime your ability to function is limited and you must deal with the severe pain a fractured bone can cause.
- Severe burns – A vehicle fire, spilled chemicals, or friction can cause severe and painful burn injuries. Severe second or third degree burns can take years to recover from and can leave permanent damage.
- Whiplash – Perhaps the most common injury reported after a motor vehicle accident, whiplash is an injury caused by rapidly changing, violent forces involved in a car or truck accident. Whiplash injuries can be mild or they can be result in severe and life-long consequences.
Regardless of the type of injuries you sustain, the experienced attorneys of Sullivan & Galleshaw can fight and advocate for you. To schedule your free and confidential truck accident legal consultation, call 718-843-0300 or contact us online.