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 that result 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.

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.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can be caused by many factors, including:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver inexperience
• Driver negligence
• Vehicle malfunction
• Vehicle defect
• Poor road design
• Vehicle blind spots

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.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

The liable party in a truck accident case 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 party maker or manufacturer can be held responsible for the crash. Lastly, if an accident is caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, then the cargo loader or shipper can be included in the lawsuit.

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.

Recovering Damages in a Truck Accident Case

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.

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.

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