Trucking accidents are all too common on Long Island. If you spend any time on the road, you are no stranger to the risk of accidents involving big rigs and semi-trucks. Accidents involving semi-trucks can result in severe injuries, and in some tragic cases, can result in death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, our Long Island commercial vehicle accident attorney at Winkler Kurtz, LLP can provide you with the expertise you need to handle your case.
What Percentage Of Truck Accidents Are Caused By Cars?
Unfortunately, the majority of truck accidents are caused by cars. According to the American Trucking Association, 80% of all truck accidents are caused by vehicles. Large trucks present unique dangers to smaller passenger cars. Truckers should be highly aware of the dangers presented by their vehicles, and other drivers need to exercise caution in their presence. As with any other motor vehicle accident, various factors cause trucking accidents. Drivers of passenger cars are often to blame for accidents involving large trucks. Some common things that drivers do that can cause accidents to include:
- Quickly changing lanes in front of a truck.
- Driving in the areas behind or beside the truck where the driver can’t see them.
- Improperly merging into traffic.
- Brake checking a truck.
- Unsafe passing.
- Driving between trucks.
- Distracted driving.
A large truck can weigh over 8 tons, and a collision between vehicles of different sizes presents a significant risk of injury or even death. To become a truck driver, you have to undergo many hours of training. However, some companies can cut corners on driving fundamentals like defensive driving and safe operation of semi-trucks. The trucking industry can be quite demanding. Unrealistic schedules set by companies to increase profits can put a lot of stress on drivers. When these goals are set in place, a driver might compromise their safety and the safety of others in order to meet the expectations set in place for them. Trucking accidents can also involve multiple responsible parties. This can include the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and other negligent drivers. Filing a claim in a trucking accident can be complicated and requires a strong understanding of state and federal regulations governing truck drivers and trucking companies. Our Long Island commercial vehicle accident attorney understands the regulations and laws set in place. This knowledge is critical for achieving the best results.
Long Island Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney
After an accident involving a commercial truck, you will need an experienced Long Island commercial vehicle accident attorney to advocate for you and protect your rights so you can get the compensation you deserve. Our team at Winkler Kurtz, LLP, is dedicated to supporting our clients that have been harmed in accidents. To schedule a consultation, call 631-928-8000 or contact us online!