Think You're Perfect For Truck Accident Law? Try This Quiz Truck Accident Law

A lawyer for truck accidents with expertise in the industry is well-versed in the laws that govern truck drivers and trucking firms. They will search for and uncover evidence such as maintenance records of the trucking company that could be evidence of negligence.

A NYC truck accident lawyer in NYC can help you determine who is the fault in your situation and assist you in recovering your injuries.

1. Fatigued or Injured Driver

The easiest way to determine who is at fault in a collision between an automobile and a car is to look at the driver's behavior. A lawyer who handles truck accidents will review the footage of surveillance and witness testimony to determine who was responsible for the accident.

Many places are equipped with surveillance cameras, such as most interchanges and intersections as well some gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments. This evidence can be used by a truck crash lawyer to identify a potential defendant, particularly if a driver appeared distracted or inattentive at the time of the incident.

In the event of a truck accident it is also possible that a driver was tired or injured at the time of the accident. The road logs of the drivers will reveal if they had a sleepless night or did not follow the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which limit the time that truckers are allowed to spend on the road.

The trucking company could also be held responsible for the reckless actions of their employees. A negligent hiring practice or training policy could have contributed to the accident. Policies that encourage drivers to drive for as long as they can, while reducing their rest and sleep times and putting them at risk for accidents, may also have contributed.

The government agencies that maintain roads can also be held accountable if a dangerous road contributed to the accident. A skilled truck accident lawyer will identify the relevant agency and hire an experienced maintenance or construction contractor to investigate the cause of the unsafe condition, if applicable. An experienced lawyer can identify various parties who could be liable, and pursue compensation from every source.

2. Defective Equipment

Many truck accidents occur because of defective equipment. This includes tires, brakes and cargo restraints. These items were designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear and must be properly maintained and repaired to avoid failure. If something goes wrong, it could leave the driver of a truck in a position to control the vehicle, and could result in serious or fatal collisions. The trucking company, manufacturer, parts dealer, or repair shop may all be accountable for the malfunction of truck parts and equipment.

If an accident happened because of a defect in a component or piece of equipment, the injured person may seek damages for economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages can include the current and future medical costs loss of income, loss of earning capacity. Noneconomic damages include pain and discomfort and brain injuries that cause trauma and emotional distress. In certain instances, punitive damages may be given to punish the defendant and prevent future negligent behavior.


Even with the best efforts by trucking companies and drivers, equipment malfunctions are bound to happen. If this happens, it is important to determine the liable parties so that you can seek compensation for your losses.

If you've been involved in a truck crash and need help from an experienced attorney at the Burch Law firm can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation. Our lawyers will analyze the case, identify responsible parties and fight for the compensation you're entitled to. We can assist you in obtaining the amount you need to pay for medical bills loss of wages, physical or emotional suffering. We handle cases in Missouri, including Jefferson City and Columbia. We are available to take your calls 24/7 7 days a week.

3. Unloading Cargo Improperly

The cargo trucks carry on the road may appear easy enough, however there are strict guidelines that loaders and drivers must follow in terms of stacking and securing their loads. Any failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to serious issues. In a recent report, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration discovered that shifting cargo is among the most frequent causes of truck accidents.

The majority of these truck crashes are caused by cargo falling from the vehicle onto other vehicles or roads. This can be particularly dangerous since the cargo may create a risk or a problem on the road and cause other drivers to swerve. It can also fall onto people who are cycling or walking within the vicinity of the truck.

Based on the manner in which the incident was triggered, several parties could be responsible. If an individual driver was negligent in loading his or her cargo, for instance, that person might be held responsible under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. The trucking company that employed that driver may also be liable, as it is responsible for its employees' actions under the principle vicarious responsibility.

In cases where an accident happened because of unsecurely loaded or secured cargo, an experienced truck accident lawyer can make use of professional investigators and police reports to determine the cause of the accident and who is at fault. A Cordisco & SAIL LLC attorney can help victims determine the defendants they should submit a claim to compensation against. A successful claim could result in a verdict or settlement that will provide victims with the financial assistance they require to recuperate.

4. Road conditions that are unsafe

Trucking companies and their drivers are required to keep their vehicles in good condition. If they fail to do so, it can lead to serious accidents. Trucks often have mechanical parts that must be inspected and replaced to allow them to function properly. If this isn't done, it could result in a dangerous and unsafe road.

The cause of truck crashes is caused by hazardous weather and road conditions. Because of their dimensions, trucks are more likely to be involved in crashes when they travel in bad weather conditions or on roads with a lot of water. Additionally truck drivers are required to follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines regarding the number of hours they can travel each day. These rules are intended to safeguard the public. However truckers who ignore them in order to meet deadlines or to make more money from employers, they place the public at risk.

Unsafe road conditions may include slick pavement that stops tires from maintaining traction, potholes, and uneven surfaces that can cause skidding. Other issues include insufficient lane markings, such as solid or broken lines that confuse the driver about which lane they are in, or merging ramps that aren't long enough for large vehicles to safely change lanes.

If a truck accident occurs due to road conditions that are not safe, the trucking company or the government agency responsible for maintaining that road could be liable for the accident. mount vernon truck wreck lawyer for causing the hazardous conditions must be proven to have violated its obligation of care. This could include negligent hiring or maintenance of the vehicle, as well as testing for drugs. California law allows victims to claim damages for medical expenses, lost wages, suffering and loss of quality of life.

5. Injuries to pedestrians

Truck accidents pose danger to pedestrians who are walking along the roads or even in their yards. Pedestrians are often not protected from the weight and size of a truck and could be terribly injured or killed.

In these cases, a personal injury attorney will pursue compensation from any party that was negligent. In some cases it could be as simple as the truck driver if they ran a red light and struck the pedestrian, but in other cases it could be the trucking company who allowed the trucker to work longer shifts than allowed by law, did not maintain the vehicle, or even conducted an investigation into the background of the driver that would have found a history of unsafe driving habits.

Distraction or inattention are the most common causes of accidents involving trucks and pedestrians. While this kind of incident is not uncommon in any car accident, it may be more dangerous due to the fact that truck drivers are usually higher in their cabs and have larger blind spots that are difficult to see.

If a pedestrian is injured in a truck accident and is injured, they may be awarded damages for medical bills or loss of earnings pain and suffering, as well as property damage. However, there are cases where the plaintiff is found to be partially responsible for the crash due to their own actions, for example, not stepping over the left shoulder when a truck began to swerve, they could be awarded a lower amount of compensation. This is why it is essential to retain an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to manage your case. Contact us today to start.