Bronx Equipment and Safety Regulations Accident

Large commercial trucks such as tractor trailers, semis, tank trucks and garbage trucks are massive vehicles, weighing up to 80,000 pounds. When such a large vehicle is involved in an accident, the consequences are typically tragic for both the driver of the truck as well as occupants of other vehicles that are in the path of the careening truck. Victims of such accidents often suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, contusions, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. Sadly, many victims of truck accidents do not survive. Just like a car accident, when a truck is involved in accident there are a variety of factors that could have contributed to the accident. A common contributing factor to truck accidents includes some type of equipment failure such as a problem with the brakes or a tire blowout. If you were injured in a truck accident it is important that you immediately contact a Bronx Equipment and Safety Regulations Accident Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through a personal injury claim. In addition, whether you were involved in a truck accident or a car accident, if during the course of the treatment for your injuries a doctor, nurse or other member of the medical staff commits medical malpractice and injuries you further, the negligent truck or car driver may be required to compensate you for that as well.

While there are many types of equipment problems that can compromise the safety of truck drivers and occupants of other vehicles, common issues include:

• Brake problems. According to statistics reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 29% of all truck accidents each year in the United States involved a problem with the brakes. Those who drive large commercial trucks such as tractor trailers are required by federal law to inspect brakes before they get on the road and to maintain an inspection log detailing their visual inspections.
• Tire problems. Those who drive large commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers or semis are required by federal law to inspect tires before they get on the road and to maintain an inspection log detailing their visual inspections.
• Load shifting. Federal law requires that trucks not be overloaded. A truck’s weight must not be greater than the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) set by the truck’s manufacturer. If a vehicle is overloaded and overweight, it becomes less safe to drive.

Even if the truck driver and trucking company followed all federal and state laws regarding equipment maintenance, inspection and safety, equipment may still fail if it is defective. If this happens, the manufacturer of the equipment may be legally liable for any accident that occurs as a result of the defect.

Truck 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. 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 a family member was killed in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

If your injury was the result of a work-related 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.

Being involved in a truck accident can be devastating. You may have to face not only physical pain and a long recovery process, you may also face financial distress. A proper investigation into the accident will determine the cause of the accident. Contact 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.