Poughkeepsie Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents are often more devastating than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Large semi-trucks and tractor-trailers can weigh more than 80,000 pounds, which is more than 15 times the weight of a normal passenger vehicle.

Injuries resulting from a truck accident can be catastrophic. Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Internal organ damage

These injuries can result in lifelong disabilities and steep medical bills. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and losses. At Basch & Keegan LLP, our Poughkeepsie truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Schedule a free consultation with our firm today. Contact us online or call (845) 251-4545.

Understanding Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a truck, which can vary in size from a small delivery truck to a large commercial tractor-trailer. These accidents can result in significant damage to vehicles, property, and cause injuries or fatalities.

Here are some common types of truck accidents:

• Jackknife: This occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. It's often caused by sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover: This happens when a truck tips onto its side or roof. It can be caused by factors like excessive speed, sharp turns, or uneven weight distribution in the cargo.
• Underride: This type of accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck. It's particularly dangerous for occupants of the smaller vehicle due to the potential for severe injuries or fatalities.
• Head-On Collision: In this scenario, a truck collides with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Factors contributing to this type of accident may include driver fatigue, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
• Rear-End Collision: This involves a truck hitting the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end collisions can occur due to various factors such as tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots where other vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver. Accidents can occur when a truck changes lanes or makes a turn without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot.
• Lost Load: If cargo is not properly secured, it can fall off the truck, leading to accidents. Debris on the road can cause other vehicles to swerve or collide, resulting in further accidents.
• Tire Blowouts: When a truck's tire suddenly bursts while in motion, it can cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to accidents. Tire blowouts can occur due to factors like overloading, poor maintenance, or road hazards.

Addressing these different types of accidents requires specific legal and technical knowledge to effectively establish liability and pursue appropriate compensation. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of the complexities involved in trucking operations and the unique challenges they present, allowing us to navigate these cases with precision and diligence.

Poughkeepsie-Specific Truck Accident Concerns

Poughkeepsie, located along major transportation routes such as Route 9 and nearby I-84, sees a significant flow of commercial traffic. These routes are vital for the transport sector but also add to the congestion and potential for truck accidents. Local road features, such as narrow lanes or sharp turns on smaller roads leading into Poughkeepsie, can pose additional threats, especially for larger vehicles like 18-wheelers.

Understanding local traffic patterns and common congestion points can be crucial in building a strong legal argument in a truck accident claim. Additionally, awareness of local trucking regulations and enforcement actions is vital. For instance, Poughkeepsie's adherence to New York State's truck weight and hours of service laws, which can significantly impact truck operators’ responsibilities. This local insight allows us to address cases with a precise strategy tailored to unique regional challenges, ensuring that all contributory factors are considered during legal proceedings.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can be caused by many factors, including:

In many cases, truck accident victims are hit by a truck driver who was not paying attention to the road. Truck drivers have limited visibility due to the vehicles' high profile and large size. This can make it difficult for truck drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road.

Beyond the immediate causes, systemic issues within the trucking industry, such as pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, can exacerbate the risk of accidents. When drivers are pushed to exceed safe driving hours, it increases the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents. Additionally, inadequate training and lack of regular vehicle maintenance contribute to the risk factors leading to truck accidents. Understanding these causes can be critical in identifying responsible parties and mitigating future risks.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

The liable party in a truck accident claim can vary based on the circumstances of the accident.

The most common liable party is the trucker, mainly due to driver error (e.g., distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, failure to obey the traffic laws, etc.). In some cases, both the truck driver and their employer will be liable for damages. The employer could be liable for making their truckers work longer hours and break federal and state trucking laws, as well as failure to hire or train qualified truck drivers.

When a truck accident is caused by a third party, such as a defective vehicle part or a vehicle malfunctions, then the auto part maker or manufacturer can be held responsible for the accident. Lastly, if an accident is caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, then the cargo loader or shipper can be included in the lawsuit.

Determining liability requires a nuanced understanding of the trucking industry regulations and the logistics involved in transportation operations. In some scenarios, multiple parties may share responsibility, including maintenance crews, logistics firms, and even government entities if inadequate road maintenance contributed to the accident. Professional legal guidance will help navigate the complexities of liability and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Devastating

Truck accidents can be particularly devastating compared to other auto accidents due to several factors:

• Size and Weight Discrepancy: Trucks, especially commercial tractor-trailers, are significantly larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the impact force is much greater, often resulting in severe damage and injuries.
• Cargo Load: Trucks often carry heavy loads, which can exacerbate the impact of a collision. If cargo is improperly secured, it can shift during an accident, leading to additional hazards and damage.
• High Speeds and Inertia: Trucks, especially on highways and freeways, often travel at high speeds. When a truck is involved in a collision at high speed, the force of the impact is amplified, causing more significant damage and increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities.
• Stopping Distance: Due to their size and weight, trucks require longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. This means that in situations where sudden braking is necessary, such as traffic congestion or unexpected obstacles, trucks may be unable to stop in time, resulting in rear-end collisions or multi-vehicle pile-ups.
• Specialized Handling: Trucks have different handling characteristics compared to cars, especially when it comes to maneuvers like braking, turning, and changing lanes. If a truck driver loses control or makes a mistake, it can have catastrophic consequences due to the size and momentum of the vehicle.
• Cargo Hazards: In addition to the physical impact of a truck accident, cargo spills or hazardous materials carried by trucks can pose additional risks to the environment and public safety. Chemical spills, for example, can lead to contamination of soil, water, and air, as well as potential health hazards for nearby residents.
• Complex Liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, cargo owners, and manufacturers. Determining liability and navigating legal proceedings in the aftermath of a truck accident can be more complex compared to standard auto accidents involving passenger vehicles.

The devastation caused by truck accidents extends beyond immediate physical damage and injury. The emotional and psychological impacts on victims and their families can be long-lasting, as they cope with the trauma of the event and potential changes in lifestyle due to injuries or loss of life. Addressing these impacts is part of our comprehensive approach to supporting clients through every stage of the legal process and recovery.

Recovering Damages in a Truck Accident Claim

When you work with our Kingston truck accident attorneys, we will help you recover compensation for all of your damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future lost earnings
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering

In many cases, trucking companies and insurance companies will try to minimize their liability. They may try to blame the truck driver, claim that the accident was not caused by a truck, or claim that the accident was not the truck driver's fault. If a truck accident was caused by a third party, then the trucking company and its insurance company will not be liable for damages.

Understanding the full scope of available compensation options is crucial in these claims. Our team meticulously evaluates all potential avenues for recovery, ensuring that clients receive restitution not only for current and past losses but also for anticipated future expenses related to their injuries. With an in-depth understanding of insurance tactics, we are well-prepared to counteract attempts to undercut our clients' rightful claims.

At Basch & Keegan LLP, we are committed to helping you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We will work to prove that the liable party is responsible for your damages and losses, and we will fight for the most favorable outcome inside or outside the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Truck Accident Claim Usually Take?

The duration of a truck accident claim can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the accident, the degree of the injuries, and the willingness of the involved parties to settle. Generally, these claims can take several months to a few years to settle fully. Initially, an investigation must be conducted to gather evidence and establish liability. This could involve the collection of police reports, medical records, witness statements, and potentially hiring accident reconstruction experts. Once this evidence is compiled, negotiations with insurance companies can begin. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the claim may proceed to trial, prolonging the process. At Basch & Keegan LLP, we strive to streamline this timeline through efficient case management and by leveraging our extensive experience to anticipate and navigate potential legal hurdles effectively.

What Should I Do Immediately Following a Truck Accident in Poughkeepsie?

After a truck accident, your primary concern should be safety. Ensure you are out of harm's way and check for injuries to yourself and others. Call emergency services immediately to report the accident. While waiting for professionals, gather as much information as possible about the accident, including photos of damages, the scene, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from other drivers, witnesses, and first responders. Refrain from discussing fault at the scene, and contact Basch & Keegan LLP as soon as possible for legal advice. Collecting this information and taking prompt action can be crucial for building a strong foundation for your potential claim.

Why Is It Important to Hire a Local Attorney for a Truck Accident?

Hiring a local attorney, such as those at Basch & Keegan LLP, can offer distinct advantages due to their familiarity with regional laws and regulations specific to Poughkeepsie. Local attorneys also have insights into how local courts operate and may have established relationships within the legal community that can facilitate more effective proceedings. Additionally, their understanding of local traffic patterns and common accident sites can provide strategic advantages in investigating and presenting your claim.

What Challenges Might Arise When Proving Liability in a Truck Accident?

Proving liability in a truck accident claim involves complex challenges, such as establishing negligence, assessing compliance with federal and state trucking regulations, and interpreting electronic logging devices data. Multiple parties could be at fault, including the driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturer, which complicates the liability process. At Basch & Keegan LLP, our team is adept at investigating these multifaceted elements, utilizing an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks and technical aspects to build a compelling argument for our clients.

What Are My Options if the Trucking Company Denies Responsibility?

If a trucking company denies responsibility for an accident, there are still several avenues to explore in pursuit of fair compensation. Gathering robust evidence that demonstrates negligence or regulatory non-compliance by the truck driver or company can be pivotal. Additionally, the pursuit of claims against other potentially liable parties, such as part manufacturers or maintenance providers, might be necessary. At Basch & Keegan LLP, we are equipped to navigate these situations, providing strategic counsel to ensure all possible solutions are considered in the pursuit of justice for our clients.

Contact us online or call (845) 251-4545 today to schedule a free consultation.