Large truck accidents are traumatic. When they collide with a car, especially at high speeds, they can be torn apart. In many cases, trucks carry hazardous material that can catch fire quickly or explode. Survivors of large truck crashes often suffer catastrophic injuries that may alter their lives forever.
The experienced truck accident attorneys in Buffalo can help. At Towey Law, PLLC, we understand the significant impact severe truck accident injuries can have. If a negligent truck driver has injured you or a loved one, call our dedicated Buffalo personal injury lawyer today and schedule a free consultation by calling (716) 300-8232.
Why Hire A Buffalo Truck Accident Attorney From Towey Law?
The truck accident attorneys of Towey Law, PLLC are dedicated to serving the needs of the community:
- We will fight to protect our clients’ rights through vigorous representation.
- Our clients will always have direct access to their attorneys.
- We get results, having recovered over a million in damages for our clients.
Why Do You Need an Attorney to Represent Your Best Interests in a Truck Accident?
The dedicated New York injury lawyers at Towey Law, PLLC will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Our truck accident attorneys know that the success of your claim depends upon the skill of your representation. When you have suffered serious injuries that may have life-long effects, you need a lawyer who can aggressively fight for your best interests.
Unfortunately, the worse your truck accident is, the harder you must fight to reach a fair settlement. When injuries are severe enough to need extensive treatment and long-term care, the case’s value increases exponentially. Insurance companies and trucking companies will attempt to minimize the payout and protect their bottom line.
With such high stakes, you need a truck accident attorney who will not back down. At Towey Law, PLLC, our truck, and Buffalo car accident lawyer have the skills, experience, and resources you need to obtain your full settlement. Call our offices for an appointment today.
Who Is Affected by Large Truck Accidents in Buffalo?
Large trucks, commercial trucks, big rigs, and semi’s, all have their place on the road. However, when the truck driver acts with negligence, they can cause horrific damage.
In the last reporting year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that:
- There were nearly 500,000 large truck collisions.
- 57 percent of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas.
- 3 percent were carrying hazardous materials.
- 6 percent of truck drivers involved in a fatal crash tested positive for drug use.
- 50 percent of truck drivers were never tested.
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Buffalo?
Truck drivers have a very difficult occupation. They are trained to drive 80,000-pound commercial trucks due to the hazards they pose on the road. If a truck driver or trucking company fails to act reasonably, the consequences can be devastating.
The leading causes of large truck crashes include:
- Excessive speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to obey traffic rules
- Lack of experience and poor judgment
If someone has died due to a preventable truck accident, contact the Buffalo wrongful death attorney at Towey Law, PLLC today.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Accidents involving these larger commercial vehicles in and around the Buffalo area can result in major injuries due to their sheer weight and size. Our legal team regularly helps individuals who sustain the following truck accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These can result from a severe blow or jolt to the head, causing long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting an individual’s quality of life.
- Broken bones. The impact of a truck accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs, such as the intestines, liver, spleen, or kidneys, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Severe lacerations and contusions. Deep cuts and bruises can occur due to broken glass, metal, and other debris during the accident.
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries. These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing significant pain and limited mobility.
Liability in a Buffalo Truck Accident
Determining liability after a truck accident occurs in Buffalo is of paramount importance so victims can recover the compensation they are entitled to. Unfortunately, figuring out what happened after a truck collision is harder than it is for most types of regular vehicle accidents. These incidents involve more potential liable parties, even some who you may not even consider. In many truck accident claims, the following parties are held liable:
- Truck driver. The commercial vehicle driver may be liable if the collision was caused by negligence, such as distracted operation of a vehicle, speeding, or driving under the influence.
- Trucking company. The company that employs the driver can be held responsible for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the truck properly.
- Truck manufacturer. If a defect in the truck or its items potentially caused or contributed the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Cargo loaders. Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can affect the truck’s balance and handling, leading to an accident. Those responsible for loading the truck may be liable.
- Maintenance providers. Companies or individuals responsible for the truck’s maintenance can be held liable if poor maintenance practices contributed to the accident.
Damages Available After a Truck Accident in Buffalo
Victims of truck accidents in Buffalo may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover their losses. These can include:
- Economic damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket costs directly related to the accident. Medical expenses cover hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required. Lost wages compensate for the income you have lost during your recovery and any reduction in earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
- Non-economic damages. These damages compensate for the intangible impacts of the collision, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering reflect the anguish caused by the injuries, while loss of enjoyment of life considers the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
How Long Do I Have To File My Truck Accident Lawsuit?
In New York, the limitation set by law for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including truck accident claims, is generally three years from when the incident occurs. This means you have three years to initiate legal proceedings against the liable parties. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
However, certain circumstances can affect this deadline. For instance, if the accident involved a government vehicle or entity, you may have a shorter timeframe to file a notice of claim. Additionally, if the victim is a minor or mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be extended. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Buffalo truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe and to preserve your right to compensation.
Contact a Buffalo Truck Accident Attorney Today
The Buffalo truck accident lawyers of Towey Law, PLLC are here for you. We know how to represent our clients’ best interests with diligence and efficiency. Let us protect your rights by obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Some of the damages you are entitled to recover may include:
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent party
If a negligent truck driver has injured you or a loved one, contact the esteemed lawyers of Towey Law, PLLC today. To schedule a free case evaluation call (716) 300-8232 or fill out or online contact form.