Truck accidents are most dangerous to the other motorists, pedestrians, motorcyclists or bicyclists involved. These collisions can lead to significant, life-altering injuries, as well as be fatal for victims. Serious injuries also come with serious medical expenses and other costs associated with recovery. Those who are responsible for causing such injuries should be the ones who pay for them. Howard Beach, Queens truck accident attorney Michael J. Redenburg is dedicated to making sure the proper parties are held legally and financially accountable for a victim’s injuries. Mr. Redenburg and his team help truck crash victims and their families pursue the appropriate legal actions to ensure that they have the compensation they will need to heal and move forward. If you’ve suffered an injury, or a relative has passed away due to a truck accident, contact our office at (212) 240-9465 or online to talk with an attorney today.
Truck Accidents in Howard Beach
As the main commercial strip of Howard Beach, Cross Bay Boulevard can be a street with a lot of trucks, including massive tractor trailers making deliveries while loading and unloading cargo. Truck accidents on Belt Parkway, which runs north through Howard Beach to access JFK airport can also affect residents of the area. Truck accidents often lead to the most devastating injuries for victims involved. These injuries can include spinal and back injuries, paralysis, broken bones, burns, and traumatic brain injuries. In the aftermath of a serious truck crash in Howard Beach, it is important to consult a knowledgeable injury attorney who can help you gather the proper evidence and determine your next legal step.
Although commercial trucks are less than five percent of all vehicles that travel the roadways, they are involved in over ten percent of all fatal collisions each year. Commonly, these accidents are due to a truck driver’s negligent actions. Negligence exists when a driver breaches their duty of reasonable care owed to another motorist, bicyclist, pedestrian, or other party. Truck drivers have a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would, given the same, or similar, circumstances. Examples of unreasonable actions that often factor into a truck accident case include:
- Excessive speeding
- Over-fatigue
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance or inspection
- Improperly loaded cargo, which may cause it to shift inside the trailer
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Negligence also requires a showing that the unreasonable breach caused a victim’s injury or death and resulted in damages. Trucking companies may also be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their employee-drivers, as well as any of their own negligent acts. For instance, a trucking company who fails to engage in proper background checks or adequately supervise their drivers can be found negligent as well. An experienced Howard Beach, Queens truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining who is at-fault for your harm.
To prove negligence in a personal injury or wrongful death claim arising out of a truck crash, extensive evidence is vital to showing a defendant’s fault. Victims’ medical records, driver’s logs regarding their meal and rest breaks, maintenance records, pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports and other documentation are important to preserve and collect. A vehicle’s black box can also help establish what happened leading up to a collision. Many times, a police accident report is a vital piece of evidence in these claims. For truck accidents that occur in Howard Beach, these reports can be obtained from the 106th Precinct of the NYPD, which serves South Central Queens. Their headquarters are located at 103-53 101st Street in Ozone Park. Reports are available within 30 days of an accident. If your collision took place over 30 days ago, you can request an accident report from the State of New York by mail.
Truck Accident Attorney Serving Howard Beach
Victims injured in a dangerous truck crash may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical bills, loss of income, and diminished earning capacity. These victims may also be awarded pain and suffering damages. When a truck accident is fatal, family members will need financial assistance for burial and funeral costs, loss of support, and to pay outstanding medical expenses associated with a victim’s cause of death. Howard Beach truck accident lawyer Michael J. Redenburg is committed to ensuring these victims receive that compensation from the parties responsible for their harm. We offer and provide compassionate and comprehensive legal services to clients throughout Howard Beach and elsewhere in Queens. If you have questions regarding your legal rights in the aftermath of a serious truck collision, contact our office online or call (212) 240-9465 to speak with an attorney today.