Representing Those Injured by Reckless Truckers

Both the federal government and New York state have strict rules and regulations governing truck drivers. When truckers fail to abide by these regulations, accidents frequently occur, injuring or killing innocent passenger car occupants, motorcycle riders, pedestrians and others.

At the premier personal injury law firm of Block O’Toole & Murphy, we are committed to helping injury victims throughout New York recover maximum compensation for the damages they have suffered due to truck driver negligence. With an impressive record of verdicts and settlements – including more than 300 recoveries in excess of $1 million* dollars – our attorneys provide clients with personalized service and attention.

Examples of Potential Truck Driver Negligence

Unfortunately, many truck accidents happen each year because truck drivers fail to operate their vehicles in a responsible manner. Operating a large commercial truck is inherently dangerous, and drivers have a legal responsibility to take certain precautions for the safety of everyone on the road.

Examples of negligent behavior by truck drivers may include:

• Truck driver fatigue – Many truck drivers do not get sufficient rest because of trucking companies’ demand for long hours. The lifestyle of many truck drivers can also lead to health problems that cause fatigue and unsafe driving.
• Speeding – Similarly, many truckers are pressured to drive too fast in order to meet strict deadlines and increase profits.
• Distracted driving – Talking on the phone, texting, eating or drinking, operating equipment and adjusting music can all be dangerous in cab distractions.
• Driving under the influence – Using drugs or alcohol before getting on the road is never acceptable, particularly when a large, heavy truck is involved.
• Aggressive driving – Road rage is all too common in New York, and some truck drivers may feel as though they own the road. Entitled, aggressive driving can be extremely dangerous.
• Failing to check mirrors before changing lanes – Truck drivers often have limited visibility around their large trailers, so they must be vigilant when checking blind spots and changing lanes.
• Failing to safely maintain the truck and all equipment – Skipping an inspection or driving with broken safety equipment may give rise to liability for a truck driver following an accident.
• Tailgating or driving too closely behind other vehicles – Leaving inadequate space between vehicles can quickly turn dangerous. High-speed trucks may not leave enough space to operate safely.

In some cases, the driver is not the only responsible party. If the trucking company had reason to suspect that the driver was negligent, or failed to conduct adequate training and background checks, it may share liability. Our attorneys investigate each accident thoroughly to determine all possible causes, then pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Representative Case: $2.7 Million in Trucking Negligence Matter

Block O’Toole & Murphy represented a client who sustained serious injuries in a crash with a commercial truck. Our client, a 23-year-old construction worker, was driving through an intersection in Babylon, Long Island. Despite not having a clear view of oncoming traffic, a truck driver traveling in the opposite direction made a left turn into the intersection and hit our client at about 40 miles per hour.

Our client sustained extensive leg and back injuries, requiring several operations. He has continued to experience pain and limitation in his lumbar spine. The trucking company attempted to argue that our client should have slowed down at the intersection where the accident occurred, but the court found that the accident was 100 percent the fault of the truck driver. We negotiated a pretrial settlement of $2.7 million for our client.

The Importance of Experienced Counsel

Even though truck drivers work alone in their cab, they rarely face legal proceedings by themselves. When a truck driver is involved in a collision, drivers usually receive backup right away from their employer and insurance company. Investigators, accident reconstruction experts and insurance claims adjusters will often rush to the accident scene to begin gathering evidence. Their goal is the same regardless of who caused the accident: they want to absolve the truck driver of liability and minimize their payout to others affected by the crash.

Often, these trucking company representatives are hard at work before other motorists have even secured medical care. That puts other drivers at a serious disadvantage. While you are busy trying to heal from the wreckage caused by the truck driver, their employer is already trying to undermine your claim for damages.

It is critical that motorists who are hurt in trucking collisions speak with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. If the survivor is incapacitated or receiving urgent medical care, a family member like a spouse, parent or adult child can often speak with a lawyer to get things started.

Call Today to Speak With a Lawyer

If you were seriously injured or a loved one was killed due to distracted driving or other truck driver negligence in New York, we encourage you to speak with a lawyer. You may schedule a FREE consultation with Block O’Toole & Murphy, where our attorneys will answer your questions and explain how we can protect your rights. Please call our office at 212-736-5300, or contact us online today. Serving Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island and all of New York State.

Se habla español | Мы Говорим по-Русски | Mowimy po Polsku

*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.