Both long-haul and local truckers face challenges on Long Island’s narrow and congested roadways. An accident with an 18-wheeler can have disastrous consequences for the victim and their loved ones.
Trantolo & Trantolo’s Valley Stream personal injury lawyers have been fighting for accident victims on Long Island since 1938. We have the knowledge and resources to get the compensation you deserve, and we charge no legal fees up front. Contact our office for a free case review with a truck accident attorney in Valley Stream, NY.
Don’t Fight Solo – Put Our Firm’s Experience to Work
Getting compensation after a truck accident is complicated, but Trantolo & Trantolo is here to help you through the process. When you hire us, we assign a team of legal professionals to manage every aspect of your case.
You can expect:
- Constant communication and 24/7 assistance
- No fees or costs until we win your case
- Personalized attention from a team focused on your needs
Our attorneys are united in one goal: to get the best possible results for every client. We are committed to providing outstanding legal representation to those in need.
What We Do for Your Truck Accident Case
To start you on the road to recovery, our firm helps you get a letter of protection (LOP) for critical treatment and rehabilitation. While you get better, we will do the legal work it takes to recover compensation for your trucking accident injuries. This can include:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining driver logs and delivery schedules
- Securing driver phone records
- Getting footage from dashcams, traffic cameras, and other sources
- Identifying the driver, trucking company, or other responsible party
- Submitting a claim or demand to the liable party’s insurance
- Handling negotiations and communication related to your claim
- Filing a lawsuit and advocating for you in the courtroom, as needed
The Dangers of Sharing the Road with Commercial Trucks
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 4,000 people sustain injuries and 100 pass away in New York every year due to large truck collisions.
Truck crashes are particularly damaging for several reasons:
- Vehicle mass: Semi-trucks may weigh 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle
- Center of gravity: Tractor trailers are often taller, making override and underride accidents more likely
- Momentum: Commercial trucks cannot maneuver or slow down as quickly as smaller cars
- Dangerous cargo: Large trucks often haul cargo such as explosive, corrosive, or flammable materials that can pose dangers to those nearby
- Blind spots: Truckers have large blind spots on the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle and trailer, making it harder to avoid sideswiping or rear-ending vehicles with lower profiles.
Truck operators learn to address most of these risks during their commercial driver’s license (CDL) training. In spite of this, many trucking accidents still arise due to driver negligence.
Negligence and Trucking Accidents in Valley Stream, NY
Negligence can appear differently depending on the accident circumstances. Common causes of trucking accidents include:
- Drug or alcohol impairment: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol cause more accidents due to impaired judgement, slowed reaction time, and reduced motor control. The FMCSA also prohibits CDL drivers from using certain drugs, including amphetamines, narcotics, opiates, and benzodiazepines, while operating a commercial vehicle.
- Drowsy driving: Commercial truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. Studies show that the effects of sleep deprivation are similar to alcohol intoxication. To reduce accidents caused by tired drivers, the FMCSA has established hours of service regulations for commercial drivers. Drivers who fail to adhere to driving limits can cause dangerous and deadly accidents.
- Speeding and Aggression: Truck drivers must ensure sufficient space when following, passing, and stopping in traffic. When vehicle operators drive over the speed limit, go too fast for conditions, or act aggressively, truckers may be unable to avoid a collision. Collisions at higher speeds are more likely to cause catastrophic or deadly injuries.
- Distracted driving: Drivers are dangerous any time they operate a vehicle while doing a non-driving activity. Such activity may include cell phone use, texting, reading, fiddling with navigation, grooming, or eating while driving. New York law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving under VAT § 1225-D. Other non-driving actions are generally prohibited as reckless driving under VAT § 1212.
- Vehicle maintenance or defective parts: Negligent vehicle maintenance and repairs can lead to truck crashes, as can defective vehicle components. Trantolo & Trantolo’s truck accident attorneys have experience holding trucking companies, manufacturers, and other parties accountable for accidents caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment.
- Incorrectly secured cargo: When truck cargo is not properly secured, it can shift, causing the driver to lose control, jackknife, or roll the vehicle. Such accidents can be especially dangerous for both truckers and others sharing the road.
These are only a few of the ways that careless or negligent behaviors can lead to catastrophic or fatal trucking accidents. Trantolo & Trantolo’s Valley Stream truck accident lawyers have more than 85 years of experience helping auto collision victims secure compensation from those responsible.
Recoverable Damages After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Valley Stream
Since every case is different, we focus on identifying the ways the truck collision affected you and your loved ones specifically, including:
- Short- and long-term medical expenses
- Diminished current and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
If you lost a loved one in a trucking accident, our wrongful death attorneys in Valley Stream can help you navigate the legal process. We are here to provide guidance and support during this challenging time.
Our Case Results
We are dedicated personal injury lawyers focused on getting results, and we have the track record to prove it. Some of our highest truck accident settlements include:
Our firm knows how to fight insurers to secure maximum compensation, and we will not settle for less than you deserve.
Don’t Miss These Important Deadlines for a Tractor Trailer Collision in Valley Stream
You have a short time to file a lawsuit or insurance claim before you lose the chance to recover compensation. In New York, the statute of limitations is usually three years for personal injury and two years for wrongful death lawsuits. However, the details of your accident can greatly affect this time limit. For instance, you generally have only 30 days to notify your personal injury protection (PIP) carrier if you plan to file a no-fault claim. If your injuries were caused by a government entity, you have only 90 days to notify the municipality responsible for your injuries.
Trantolo & Trantolo’s Valley Stream 18-wheeler attorneys are well aware of the time limits and legal requirements for truck collision claims. We can help you avoid missing critical deadlines, so you don’t leave money on the table. Contact our truck accident lawyers in Valley Stream as soon as possible after your accident to get started.
FAQs About Valley Stream Truck Crashes
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Trantolo & Trantolo operates on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront for our services. We recover our fees and costs from a final settlement or award in your favor.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlement values vary depending on the following factors:
- Injury severity: More severe injuries like spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury often lead to higher settlement values.
- Liability: The level of liability carried by the at-fault driver and other responsible parties can affect your settlement amount.
- Damages: Your settlement is largely calculated based on the extent of your damages, including lost income, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
- Insurance limits: Some insurance companies have policy limits, which can affect the value of your payout.
- Legal representation: An attorney can help maximize your settlement value by handling negotiations and other legal work on your behalf.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Truck Accident Settlement?
Truck accident claims can take months or years to resolve. The length of your case will depend on your claim’s complexity, the number of parties involved, your injury severity, and negotiations with insurers. Trantolo & Trantolo is committed to getting results for your claim as quickly as possible.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
After a crash with a commercial truck, make sure you:
- Gather evidence if safe to do so
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Report the accident to the Nassau County Police
- Report the accident to your insurance provider
- Follow your medical provider’s instructions and recommendations for medical care
Make sure you also call our firm for help. We can help protect your right to seek compensation.