Suffolk County Truck Accident

As the demand for commercial goods increases, so does the need for big rigs, semi-trucks and 18-wheelers. This means more big trucks traveling on the same roads as passenger vehicles, and more accidents involving serious injury. Because of its size and weight, when a large commercial truck is involved in an accident, there is a great chance that the injuries will be significant are much greater than if the accident involved only cars. In addition to the physical injuries, victims also often face financial problems as the bills from treating injuries can be substantial. Just as the bills pile up the victim is not able to work because of the injuries. The Suffolk County truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are here to help. Victims who suffer injuries in truck accident have the right to make the negligent person pay for the related medical bills and other expenses. We can help you file a complaint and demand fair compensation.

Just like drivers of smaller vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, drivers of large commercial trust must also follow the basic rules of the road, such as stopping at stop signs, and complying with speed limits. However, the trucking industry is subject to additional rules both on the federal and state levels related to the licensing of truck drivers, the insurance trucking companies must carry, properly loading the truck, and the operation and maintenance of the trucks.

Just like a car accident or a motorcycle accident, there a many different causes of truck accidents including distracted driving, intoxication, and violating other traffic laws such as speeding and unsafe lane changing. In addition, because drivers of semi-trucks are often under pressure to meet deadlines, they often drive long distances with little rest. Thus, another common reason for truck accidents is that the driver was sleep-deprived.

Truck accidents are sometimes due to a defect in the way the truck was assembled, a defect in way the truck was designed, or a defect with a particular part of the truck. For example, if a there is a defective tire or gas tank, the truck could end up crashing. If a defective in the truck is a factor in the accident, then an injured victim would have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product.

Truck accidents can have a lasting impact on a victim and his or her entire family. Because of the enormous size and weight of trucks, even low-impact, low-speed accidents can have tragic results. One common type of truck accident is a jack-knife. This occurs when something happens that causes the trailer of the truck to swing out to form a 90-degree angle. The trailer collides with other vehicles, sometimes causing multi-vehicle pile-ups leaving multiple injured victims.

Other truck accidents do not involve collisions with the truck and other vehicles. They occur when a truck's load was not properly secured. The load then shifts or even falls causing other vehicles to collide as they try to avoid the debris. Tire blow-outs on a truck driving at a high speed can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and end up in an accident.

Truck accidents leave to life-changing injuries such as a spinal cord injury, bone fractures, back injuries, amputations, paralysis, and sometimes, death. As an experienced truck accident attorney in Suffolk County will explain, through a personal injury claim New York law allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for the losses you suffered. The damages that you may be entitled to receive include past and future medical expenses, lost income and loss of future earnings capacity, and pain and suffering. In addition, if a family member died in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

If you were a victim of a truck accident do not try to settle the case on your own by talking to the insurance company or trucking company. While they may offer you what may seem like a generous settlement, it is not likely that the offer is in your best interests. Instead, contact an experienced truck accident attorney serving Suffolk County to review your case. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates 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. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.