New York Stopping Distance

Driving a large truck such as an 18-wheeler, semi, or tractor trailer is very different from driving a sedan, SUV, or even a pickup truck. For this reason both the federal government and New York state have issued regulations regarding various aspects of driving a “big rig.” Furthermore, before a driver is permitted to get behind the wheel of a large commercial truck, the driver must complete extensive training in order to get a special driver’s license. Part of the training includes learning the proper technique for braking effectively and safely. For example, failing to brake at the proper stopping distance could result in a rear-end truck or car accident or some other type of collision. When a large truck such as an 18-wheeler, semi, or tractor trailer is involved, failure to brake properly could have catastrophic results. If a large truck that is traveling at a high speed needs to stop, it is critical that the driver understand how to brake effectively and safely. If the truck driver is not able to stop in time to avoid a collision, there is a high probability that the victims of the accident will suffer serious injuries. 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 New York Stopping Distance 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.

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.