Many people feel nervous driving alongside large trucks. Accidents involving large trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries because of the size of the vehicle involve. Accordingly, there are multiple categories of monetary damages available to victims of truck accidents.
In Buffalo, most accident victims must file claims for damages with their own insurance companies. However, those who suffer serious injuries may recover non-economic damages from at-fault drivers. Many truck accident victims suffer injuries that classify as serious injuries under New York law.
If you were injured because of a truck accident, get help recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Buffalo truck accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Common Types of Truck Accidents that Occur in Buffalo
There are many types of truck accidents that occur in Buffalo. Some types arise more frequently than others. In any type of accident, however, serious injuries can occur. Our Buffalo truck accident lawyers can offer assistance to victims of any of the following types of truck accidents:
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents are types of accidents where large trucks with articulated joints between tractors and their attached trailers swing around their pivot point like a folding knife. Such accidents can cause trucks to skid and lose control. They are most often caused by improper loading and dangerous turning and braking.
Rear-End Collisions
Large trucks may also have difficulty braking or slowing down because of their size. Therefore, when truckers are acting carelessly or recklessly, their improper conduct can lead to devastating rear-end collisions. Our Buffalo truck accident lawyers can help recover compensation for victims of rear-end collisions.
T-bone Accidents
T-bone accidents are also a common type of truck accident that occurs in Buffalo. T-bone accidents are crashes where one vehicle strikes the side of another. Such accidents often occur because a driver illegally enters an intersection while the other driver has the right of way. T-bone accidents involving large trucks can also cause serious and even fatal injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions describe crashes of two vehicles that are travelling directly towards each other. There are many truck accidents that occur because a trucker drifts out of his lane and towards oncoming traffic. Accordingly, head-on collisions are another common type of truck accident that occurs in Buffalo.
Truck Rollovers
Truck rollovers are an extremely scary type of accident. Large trucks have a higher rollover risk than standard size vehicles. When truck drivers make sudden turns or swerves, rollover accidents can occur. Truck rollover accidents often occur on highways and can involve multiple vehicles.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Buffalo
Truck accidents can occur for any number of reasons. Furthermore, such accidents can be caused by truck drivers, trucking companies, or other motorists. Our Buffalo truck accident lawyers can help recover compensation after accidents stemming from any of the following forms of negligence.
Improper Use of Tiedowns
A common cause of truck accidents is the improper use of tie downs. Truck drivers and trucking companies are expected to properly secure their loads. Tiedowns are the securing devices they use. The following devices are examples of tiedowns:
- Ropes
- Webbing ratchets
- Webbings
- Chains
- Shackles
- Binders
- D-rings
Tiedowns are necessary to ensure that cargo is secured safely. Improper cargo securement can lead to catastrophic trucking accidents.
Unbalanced Loads
Truck drivers and trucking companies also must make sure their loads are properly balanced. Unbalanced loads are tough to control on windy days or when truckers are changing lanes. Therefore, unbalanced loads are also a common cause of truck accidents in Buffalo.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Furthermore, truck drivers and trucking companies should appropriately maintain their vehicles. Failure to maintain brakes, tires, and other vehicle components can also lead to trucking accidents. Our Buffalo truck accident lawyers can help discover if a crash was caused by poor vehicle maintenance.
Defective Equipment
In some cases, manufacturers can be held liable for damages after truck accidents caused by their defective products. Defective vehicle mechanisms such as faulty brakes and malfunctioning engine components can lead to crashes. Furthermore, truck accidents may also be caused by defective cargo securement devices.
Distracted Driving
Additionally, distracted driving is a common cause of truck accidents. Distracted driving refers to situations where drivers take their hands off the steering wheel, eyes off the roadway, or attention off the task of driving. The following are examples of activities that distract drivers:
- Texting
- Scrolling through the internet
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating
- Utilizing a GPS
- Talking with other passengers
- Talking on their cell phone
Our experienced Buffalo truck accident lawyers can help gather evidence to discover if a crash was caused by a distracted driver.
Speeding
Large trucks are even more difficult to handle at high speeds. Furthermore, drivers of large trucks will have a more difficult time moving out of the way of motorists travelling at excessive speeds. Accordingly, speeding is another common cause of truck accidents in Buffalo.
Tired Driving
Truck drivers are often asked to drive for extended period, so their cargo can reach its destination on time. There are rules in place that limit how long truckers can stay on the road without rest. Trucking companies who force their drivers to break these limits can be held liable for serious injuries caused by their drivers. Our Buffalo truck accident lawyers can help find out if an accident occurred because of tired driving.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is another form of negligence that causes truck accidents in Buffalo. Drunk drivers will exhibit poor judgment, blurred vision, and slow-reaction times. When drunk drivers cause truck accidents, serious injuries often occur.
Other Traffic Violations
Lastly, other traffic violations also frequently lead to truck accidents in Buffalo. Truck drivers, like all motorists, are expected to follow the rules of the road. When truck drivers fail to use turn signals, run red lights, or change lanes improperly, severe crashes can happen.
If You Were Injured Because of a Truck Accident in Buffalo, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a truck accident, seek assistance from our experienced Buffalo truck accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.