There are large numbers of trucks on New York’s busy highways, and a collision with a large truck can cause serious injuries, total your vehicle and have many other major effects on all areas of your life.
Truck drivers face many challenges on the road
Like any other drivers on the road, truck drivers are susceptible to distracted driving, drowsy driving, impaired driving or various other factors that cause accidents. Some of these factors are even more prevalent among truck drivers, such as drowsy driving, due to their demanding schedules and long hours on the road.
Truck accidents remain a major problem in New York and throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that truck accidents increased by 53% between 2009 and 2017.
Many people don’t like driving because of vehicles like large trucks on the roads. This is understandable.
Truck accident injuries are usually severe
Because trucks are such large vehicles, injuries sustained in a truck accident are usually extremely serious. If you are involved in a truck accident, you may suffer from a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or whiplash.
These injuries can be permanent or life-threatening, leaving you unable to work and costing you huge amounts in medical bills.
Many truck accidents are caused by a truck driver’s negligence. Truck drivers have a legal duty to drive safely and reasonably on the road. This means following all traffic laws, such as obeying the speed limit.
New York negligence law
When truck drivers breach this duty and cause an accident, they are negligent. Victims of negligence can potentially receive compensation for their damages, but that requires proving negligence in court.
This is often difficult, so if you pursue compensation, it is best to have professional advice. The circumstances of your accident will be closely scrutinized, since New York law states that if your compensation could be reduced, it may be determined that you were also negligent.