Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes that can occur on the road. They are also some of the most complex types of cases in personal injury law and require the help of an experienced accident attorney.
If you have been hurt in a truck accident in Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx, please contact Reid B. Wissner Law Offices today by completing the form on this page or calling 212-406-9288 to discuss your case for free. Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, which means that you owe nothing unless your case reaches a successful outcome.
On this page, we will discuss:
- How our truck accident attorney can help you
- Common causes of truck accidents
- Determining liability in a tractor trailer accident
- Common injuries in trucking accidents
- Recovering compensation in a semi truck accident
- Federal motor carrier regulations
- Contact us today for a free consultation
How Our Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
Truck accident claims are very complicated and detail-focused cases which involve a number of factors and parties who can be held liable for your injuries. You should never face these complex cases alone, especially if you have been injured and need to focus your full attention on healing.
Reid Wissner has been helping accident victims successfully fight for the maximum compensation to which they are entitled for more than three decades. He understands personal injury law and the myriad of factors involved with truck accident cases. He knows how to determine liability, build your best case and fight on your behalf.
The trucking company has its own insurance company and team of lawyers that will do everything they can to disprove, deny or diminish the value of your claim. With Reid Wissner on your side, you optimize your chances for obtaining a fair settlement.
When you choose Reid Wissner to handle your truck accident claim, you can expect:
- Personal attention: Unlike large firms that shuffle clients between lawyers, paralegals and assistants, at Reid B. Wissner Law Offices, you will work directly with Mr. Wissner from your initial consultation until the completion of your case.
- Thorough investigation: Reid Wissner has extensive experience with proving liability in accident cases. He carefully reviews accident scene evidence, police reports, witness testimony, driver history, trucking logs and more. You can rest assured that no stone will be left unturned when working to prove your case.
- Experience: Reid Wissner has established a hard-earned reputation for protecting the rights of accident victims. He has helped thousands of clients and recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages for those he represents. He has operated out of the same building for more than 30 years and understands the neighborhoods, districts and communities of New York City. If your accident occurred in Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx, Mr. Wissner can truly offer you a home field advantage in your case.
- Aggressive and fair representation: Reid Wissner hasn’t built a reputation of success by backing down to insurance companies. He understands your rights and is passionate about helping you get the full and fair compensation you deserve to get your life and family back on track. He never backs down from a fight and will not be intimidated by trucking companies, legal teams or insurance providers.
Client Testimonial:
"I would like to Thank Mr. Wissner and His Assistant Stella for all of the hard work and dedication they put into my case. He is the BEST!!! And I would definitely Recommend him to you and anyone you may know!!!!!!! Team Wissner!!!! Thank you sooo much again it a pleasure working with you!..." - S.S.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While there are not as many tractor trailers on the road as other vehicles, they are at a higher risk for devastating accidents than the average car. There are a number of potential factors that increase the risk of truck accidents occurring, such as:
- Distracted driving: In the age of the cell phone, distracted driving is more of a danger than ever before. However, there are many other reasons why some truck drivers may shift focus away from the road, such as eating, grooming and adjusting radio controls.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is a dangerous practice for any vehicle on the road, but considering the excessive size and weight of tractor trailers, high speeds are particularly hazardous fro trucks. Unfortunately, many trucking companies hold their drivers to impractical schedules that may compel truck operators to drive faster and longer than is safe.
- Inadequate time to stop: Trucks are very heavy and require an adequate amount of time to come to a stop. Misjudging the distance needed to stop can result in serious collisions.
- Jack-knifing: When a semi truck loses control, the truck’s trailer and cab can come together at an angle. This dangerous occurrence is known as jack-knifing.
- Improperly trained drivers: Driving a large 18-wheeler requires skill and training. When trucking companies fail to provide adequate training to their drivers, the risk for accidents increases dramatically.
- Poor truck maintenance: This can include engine and electrical problems, poor brake maintenance and even mirror issues.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If cargo is too heavy, unsecured or not distributed evenly in the trailer, it can cause the trailer to tip and in some cases, the cargo to fall out altogether and cause an accident.
- Fatigued driving: In order to meet deadlines and stay on schedule, some drivers stay behind the wheel for extended periods of time. These drivers may become drowsy or less alert and less able to respond to situations than if they were well rested.
- Driving while impaired: Whether under the influence of drugs or alcohol, impaired drivers are incredibly dangerous to themselves and to those with whom they share the road.
Determining Liability in a Tractor Trailer Accident
Determining liability in a semi truck accident is a complicated task that requires knowledge of the trucking industry and a careful examination of a variety of details. In an 18 wheeler accident, there are a number of parties that may be held accountable for your injuries, including:
- The driver
- The driver’s employer
- The company that owns the truck
- The company that owns the truck’s trailer
- The company that manufactured or designed components of the truck or trailer
- The mechanic responsible for servicing the truck
- The person who loaded cargo into the truck’s trailer
Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents
Simply due to the sheer size of 18 wheelers, the injuries in a semi truck crash are often much more severe than typical car accidents. These can include:
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Disfigurement
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you should contact our lawyer even if you are unsure if your injury is grounds for a claim. All types of injuries can have long lasting consequences for your ability to work and your enjoyment of life. Many injuries can take weeks or even months to fully manifest. Even an injured finger or wrist has the potential to worsen and keep you from performing daily tasks at work and at home.
If you’ve been injured in any way, call us. It’s free to discuss your situation with Mr. Wissner. If he doesn’t think you have a case, he’ll tell you. If he believes you deserve compensation for your injury, he will work closely with you to develop a strong case on your behalf.
Recovering Compensation in a Semi Truck Accident
Every client, crash and case is different. Depending on the extent of your injuries and the details of your situation, you could be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses: Your medical costs could include appointments, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, medical devices, physical therapy, fees and other medical bills.
- Lost wages: If you have to take time away from work or are unable to work as a result of your accident, you can seek compensation for your lost wages. You can also seek damages for future lost wages and a diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This includes both the physical suffering you have endured as well as emotional pain you have experienced as a result of your crash.
Federal Motor Carrier Regulations
A number of federal regulations govern the trucking industry, and any large trucking company will have a legal team dedicated to protecting its interest in the event of a lawsuit. When seeking a truck accident lawyer to represent your best interests, it’s crucial to choose someone who has a clear understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and how to effectively apply them to your case.
The regulations apply to all employees, employers and commercial vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more that transport passengers and property in interstate commerce. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations thoroughly address a number of topics related to commercial trucking practices, such as:
- Employee safety and health standards
- Transportation of hazardous materials
- Driving and parking rules
- Inspection, repair and maintenance
- Hours of service for drivers
- Parts and accessories for operation
- Driver qualifications
- CDL program compliance
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) standards, requirements and penalties
- Controlled substance and alcohol use and testing
In some cases, the trucking company itself could have could have contributed to the conditions that led to your accident. Reid Wissner will examine every aspect of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused you.
Call Today For Your Truck Accident Consultation in NYC!
It costs you nothing to speak with our experienced truck accident attorney and discuss the details of your case. To schedule a free consultation, please call Reid B. Wissner Law Offices today at 212-406-9288. We protect the rights of accident victims from Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
