Bronx Stopping Distance Accident

Because commercial trucks such as semis, tractor trailers, dump trucks and tank trucks are so large and heavy, they gain more momentum than smaller passenger vehicles. As a result, they are more difficult to stop, especially when road or traffic conditions require a quick stop. Truck drivers are trained on proper braking technique and how to respond to various road and traffic conditions. However, failure to take stopping distance into account is one of the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents. For example, failing to brake at the proper stopping distance could result in a rear-end truck or car accident, a rollover accident, or some other type of collision. Victims of truck accidents often suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, contusions, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, in many accidents involving a large truck that was unable to stop, there are victims that are injured so severely that they do not survive. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a braking problem, it is important that you immediately contact a Bronx Stopping Distance 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, if during the course of the treatment for your injuries your doctor, nurse, or other medical professional is negligence and commits medical malpractice, the truck driver or trucking company may be required to compensate you for that as well.

Just like drivers of passenger cars, the law requires that trucks follow at a safe distance behind other vehicles. Failing to do so may result in a serious accident, such as a rear-end accident. There are several factors that a truck driver must consider when determining stopping distance.

• Weight of truck. Because large trucks carrying heavy loads typically weigh up to 80,000 pounds, it takes such a truck a lot longer to stop than a car or another vehicle that is significantly lighter.
• Speed. Another important factor affecting stopping distance is the speed at which the truck is traveling. The faster the truck is traveling, the longer it will take it to stop.
• Weather and road conditions. An icy, wet, or slick road makes it more difficult to stop. Thus, a longer stopping distance is required.
• Mechanical defects: Stopping distance calculations are based on the size and weight of a truck that his fully functioning equipment. If the truck’s tires are worn or the brakes need to be repaired, longer stopping distances are needed.

Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries, 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. In addition, if the accident resulted in the death of a member of your family, you may be able to pursue damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Beware that New York law has a specific time limit for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If you do not file your claim within the time period, you will be forever barred from collecting damages even if your case has merit.

If you were involved in a truck accident because the truck driver failed to brake in time or use proper braking technique, it is important to immediately contact an experienced truck accident attorney since the rules that apply to a truck accident and in many ways different from those that apply to a car 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.