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New York Truck Accident Lawyers
Wilson, Grochow, Druker & Nolet Attorneys at Law
A
trucking accident occurs when large trucks (10,000+ lbs.) collide
with other vehicles or pedestrians. Around 500,000 trucking accidents
occur every year in the United States. Of these, approximately 5,000
trucking accidents result in fatalities. In fact, one out of every
eight traffic fatalities involves a trucking accident. Most of the
deaths and injuries involve the passengers of vehicles; truck drivers
usually escape trucking accidents with little or no personal injury.
Like other traffic accidents, trucking accidents have a number of
potential causes, but some of the contributing factors are specific
to trucking accidents. The size and weight of trucks, large blind
spots, and driver fatigue can cause trucking accidents, or significantly
increase the damage. Trucking accidents are especially likely when
the truck driver has exceeded federal regulations for standard working
hours.
Trucking accidents can be prevented if passenger vehicle drivers take
special care when driving near tractor-trailers. If a trucking accident
does occur, record as much information as possible, including names
and contact information of witnesses. Trucking accidents usually involve
extensive property and personal damages. Lawsuits may recover losses
due to trucking accidents, and consulting an attorney familiar with
the specific laws and insurance regulations governing trucking accident
settlements can help you determine your best legal course of action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The implementation of the interstate highway system
in the mid-fifties brought to fruition a half century of incredible
growth of the motor truck as a carting device. While simultaneously
destroying the American railroad system, the new highway program was
a major boom to America's economy and has in the interim contributed
mightily to uplifting the average American's standard of living. Yet,
despite all these gifts, big truck fleets have brought with them death,
destruction and devastation to those unfortunate persons who simply
happened to get in the way.
More trucks have meant more drivers
which in turn has meant an ever decreasing pool of skilled drivers.
Deregulation of the industry has meant more impecunious owners and
more owner-operators living on the edge. This has also brought about
higher speeds, an increase in poorly maintained equipment and an exacerbation
of accident rates until we are closing in on 6,000 deaths per year.
Today more people die in truck collisions than expire in all other
forms of transportation combined. The number of injuries is virtually
countless.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should a New York Truck Accident lawyer
be hired as soon as possible?
1. The major trucking companies will immediately have their lawyers
hired and working for them.
2. The scene must be secure. Photographs and statements must be
taken as soon after the accident as possible.
3. Many important pieces of evidence helpful to you can be lost,
misplaced or be purposely destroyed.
What kind of a New York Truck Accident lawyer should I
hire?
1. You should choose a law firm that has handled many trucking injury
cases.
These cases require a specialist in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Rules and Regulations. They also require lawyers familiar with fleet
maintenance procedures.
What are the qualifications of Wilson, Grochow, Druker
& Nolet?
We have been handling complex trucking injury litigation since 19__.
We have obtained many settlements and verdicts worth millions and
millions of dollars.
Where will my case be filed?
This will be determined by where the accident happened and the residence
addresses of all parties.
What will this cost me?
At Wilson, Grochow, Druker & Nolet we advance all costs and
they are deducted from the verdict or settlement after the fee has
been determined.
TRUCK ACCIDENT CAUSES
Driver fatigue causes 30-40% of truck crashes
(National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Jan. 1995)
19% of truck drivers said they fell asleep at the
wheel in the previous month (NTSB) 1992
Improper maintenance
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states:
- 5,355 people died in 44,400 truck-related crashes in 1997;
- 133,000 were injured; and
- 26,000 suffered severe brain damage or loss of limb
Falsified log books are common
Hours of Service Regulations are violated
Here at Wilson, Grochow, Druker &
Nolet we use our many years of experience in handling New York truck
accident cases to investigate every possible factor that would cause
an accident, and to ensure that you receive full compensation for
you or your loved one’s injuries.
If you or one of your loved one’s
has been injured in a New York truck accident please call or
click here to ensure you take
the right measures. The initial consultation is free
so call immediately.
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