The New York truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have been litigating trucking accidents for over 20 years. They have an in-depth understanding of all relevant state and federal laws and regulations, including New York Vehicle & Traffic Law, the New York State Department of Transportation Regulations, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations. In addition to having a thorough understanding of traffic laws and regulations, we are experienced in investigating truck accidents. In order to be able to vigorously advocate for our clients who have been injured in a truck accident, we in interview witnesses, review accident scene evidence include police reports, surveillance video of the accident (if any), photographs, and reports from accident reconstruction experts. A thorough review of and understanding of all evidence is the only way to build the strongest possible case for their clients in order to ensure maximum recovery.
Types of trucksThere are several different types of commercial trucks. We can handle cases that involve any type of commercial trucks including, 18 wheeler, flatbed trucks, cement trucks, tankers, semis, tractor trailers, and garbage trucks.
Regardless of the type of commercial truck, there are common reasons for truck accidents. For example, truck driver fatigue is a common cause of accidents. Other factors which contribute to truck accidents include failure to maintaining the truck and its parts, failure to provide adequate training to drivers, and failure to conduct adequate background checks before hiring drivers.
The type of truck involved in an accident can contribute to the severity of injuries in a truck accident. For example, because they often used to haul hazardous, highly flammable liquid, which can erupt into flames and may cause an explosion, tanker truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and death.
Liability in truck accidentsBecause of the size and weight of commercial trucks and because of the loads they carry, injuries resulting from truck accidents can be severe. Common injuries include broken ones, head injuries, amputations, and paralysis. Such injuries can result in the victim being unable to work for weeks or months. In some cases the victim is permanently injured and never able to return to work. Furthermore, the medical bills associated with catastrophic injuries are substantial. A commercial truck accident may completely change life for the victim as well as the victim’s spouse, children and other loved ones.
When a commercial truck causes an accident, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates understand that there are multiple people or entities who may be liable. The driver of the truck may be at fault. For example, if the driver runs through a red light, is speeding, or breaks some other traffic law and as a result causes an accident, then the driver would be at fault. In a commercial truck accident, the owner of the truck may also be liable. The person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner may be liable. That person may be the driver, or it may be another person or company. If the accident was caused by a defective part or poor design of the vehicle, then the manufacturer of the vehicle, tires, or other parts that may have contributed to the cause or severity of the accident. If the accident was related to the load the truck was carry, then the shipper or loader of the truck's cargo may be liable.
While those who may be potentially liable may argue among themselves over whose insurance will compensate the victim, we review all of the evidence to get a clear picture of why the accident happened in order to pinpoint liability and file our claims against the appropriate person, persons, or entities. It is not unusual for there to be multiple contributing factors to a truck accident.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates take a no-nonsense approach to investigating each case. We meticulously gather, assess, and preserve all evidence related to each client’s case. While we often are able to negotiate favorable settlements for our clients without litigation, we are willing and capable of going to trial when necessary. We represent clients throughout Nassau County, Manhattan, Suffolk County, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Call us at 800.696.9529 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.