Tractor Trailer and Truck Accident Lawyers in Kingston
Representing Injury Victims in Claims Against Powerful Trucking Companies
Truck accidents often cause extensive damage to drivers who are in vehicles smaller than tractor trailers, and the idea of suing a trucking company for those damages can be intimidating.
The Kingston truck accident attorneys of Basch & Keegan LLP are here to help you recover fair compensation for your collision-related injuries and damages. We are available to discuss the details of your case.
Complete our contact form or call (845) 251-4545 24/7 to schedule a free consultation with our Hudson Valley truck & tractor trailer accident attorneys.
Unique & Common Causes of Truck & Tractor Trailer Accidents
Many of the reckless driving behaviors that contribute to car accidents can cause truck accidents as well. For example, distracted driving and driver fatigue are often the cause of truck accidents. However, tractor trailer operation also presents risks that are unique to truck accidents. Truck drivers are often under strict and rigorous deadlines that require them. When they do get the opportunity to sleep, it is often in an unfamiliar place that is not conducive to proper sleep efforts. This makes fatigued driving an increased risk for truck driving accidents.
Additionally, negligence in a trucking company’s operations or the actions of a truck driver can be a cause of collisions.
Here is a breakdown of the most common causes of truck and tractor trailer accidents include:
- General reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Overweight or hazardous cargo
- Driver fatigue / Hours of Service violations
- Maintenance and repair issues
- Defective vehicle parts
- Road conditions
- Negligent hiring and training
- Other safety violations
Who is Liable for Truck Accidents?
As you can see, many of the most common causes of tractor trailer and truck accidents are factors that are out of the driver’s control. In these cases, who is liable for resulting damages?
Trucking companies are almost always involved in accident cases involving their drivers. A driver’s employer may be directly at fault for collisions resulting from safety violations, too-demanding schedules, or instances in which a driver was hired despite inexperience or a history of reckless driving.
Although drivers are often ultimately responsible for causing collisions, the cause of those collisions can often be attributed to the negligence of employers. Even in cases in which a driver is almost completely responsible for a truck accident — such as in cases of distracted driving or DUI — trucking companies are involved in litigation. Oftentimes, they have large legal teams and insurance providers to back them up.
Third parties may be liable for tractor trailer accidents in some instances. In cases in which poor vehicle or road maintenance is to blame, the people responsible for maintaining a truck or the road could be found at fault. If parties who are responsible for investigating and regulating the safety or trucking companies fall short, resulting in an accident, they may be liable for damages.
Evidence of Neglect in Tractor Trailer and Truck Accident Cases
Trucking companies often maintain extensive records of their business. These records can be useful if you are injured in a truck accident. Additionally, tractor trailers often have devices that track the use of the vehicles, such as the “black box,” which records data on a truck’s operations.
The following pieces of evidence may be useful in your truck or tractor trailer accident case:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photographs of your injuries
- Medical records
- Bills
- Evidence of your time off work and lost wages
- Traffic surveillance footage
- Witness accounts
- Black box data from the tractor trailer
- Hiring documents from the trucking company
- Safety violation records
- Hours of Service records, trip logs, and GPS data
- Police report
Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation
We offer around-the-clock support to people who have been injured by the negligence of truck drivers, their employers, and third parties. During a free consultation, you can discuss your unique circumstances with our experienced lawyers and learn how we can help you.
Our team can be contacted 24/7 via phone at (845) 251-4545, as well as through our online form. Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation with our truck and tractor trailer accident attorneys in Kingston.
Client testimonials
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This firm will fight for you and get results! We cannot recommend them enough!
“Above everything, John and Katie showed genuine concern for me and my family. It’s clear how passionate John is about his work and doing what’s best for his clients.”
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I will certainly recommend Maureen Keegan in the future!
“Throughout the 2+ years, Maureen Keegan continued to persevere on my behalf, contacting doctors, etc. and continually informing me of the status of my case.”
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Derek was extremely helpful and informative through every step of the way.
“Everyone in the firm was pleasant. Thank you for helping to achieve this victorious win! I highly recommend this amazing firm!”
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Your first mistake would be not to call Basch & Keegan because they truly are the very best in every way.
“All of the attorneys treated me like family which is very important when you are injured. Derek Spada has become my personal friend and holds a special place in my heart forever.”
What sets us apart?
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Win the FightBacked by our experience and insight, we’ve become known for taking on the toughest claims. If you or someone you love has been injured by the negligence or wrongful acts of another, we’re here to help you fight for the justice you deserve.
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Get Results
At Basch & Keegan LLP, we have the resources and experience to help victims level the playing field with even the most powerful adversaries – and we have the record of success to back it up.
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When You’re Hurt
We serve as the support system you can rely on as you begin your recovery. We go the extra mile to ensure you can focus on getting better while we work on the legal aspects of your claim.
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Regardless of Who You Ask
We place an emphasis on personal attention. This approach allows us to create legal strategies custom-tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and has earned us the respect of our peers.
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The Community
Our Kingston-based lawyers have deep roots in the community and a lengthy history of giving back to Ulster County. When the community needs us, we are always here to help.