In many cases the contributing factors for a truck accident are similar to the common contributing factors for a car accident. However, many truck accidents also result from factors related to the height or width of the truck. If a truck is oversized or is carrying an oversized load, it is more likely to cause a serious accident with both property damage and personal injury. An oversized truck may pose problems when driving under overpasses and maneuvering through and around other parts of a roadway. Because of the potential problems related to the height or width of large trucks, both the federal and state government has rules regulating the size of trucks. In addition, a truck carrying an oversized load may be overweight, violating federal law regarding the maximum weight of a truck. Each large truck has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) set by the truck’s manufacturer. No truck should ever be loaded beyond its GVWR. If a vehicle is overloaded, it becomes less safe to drive. For example, if the truck is too heavy its brakes may not be as effective, the suspension components can become ineffective, and its tires are more likely to blow out. Victims of truck accidents often suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, contusions, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. Many truck accidents are fatal. If you were injured in a truck accident because the truck was oversized, it is important that you immediately contact a New York Height and Width Limits Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You will also be entitled to compensation for any medical malpractice claim that arises based on treatment you received for the truck accident injuries.
Truck Height and Width LimitationsState law regulates the height and width of trucks. In New York, the height limit for trucks is 13’6’’. The maximum width of trucks is 8’ 6”. To travel on New York roads, drivers of taller trucks or wider loads must obtain an over-dimensional vehicles permit. Trucks that do not follow height and width limitations run the risk of damaging property such as by hitting an overpass. Furthermore, such a collision could also involve other vehicles, resulting in serious injury to occupants of those vehicles. If a driver disregards these state regulations, that driver or the trucking company may be held liable for any property damage or personal injury that results from the truck accident.
Pursuing a Claim for a Truck AccidentTruck accidents can be devastating to a victim as well as to the victim’s family. Because of the size and weight of large trucks, even low-impact, low-speed accidents can have catastrophic results. Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries such as back injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, amputation, paralysis, and all too often, death. Through a personal injury lawsuit, New York law allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for the losses you suffered. Victims who suffer serious injuries in truck accidents have significant medical bills. In addition, because victims of serious injuries often have to miss a great deal of work or are unable to return to work at all, victims have the right to sue for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
If your injury was the result of a work-related truck accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. New York's workers' compensation laws state that injured parties are entitled to compensation if they sustain a work-related injury. Compensation often comes in the form of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of ability to earn, and more. However, it is important to know that worker’s compensation benefits are limited. Just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefit available through workers’ compensation.
If a family member was killed in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
New York Height and Width Limits LawyerIf you were involved in a truck accident that occurred because the truck was too tall or too wide it is important to immediately contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims resulting from truck accidents, as well as SUV accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.