Truck Accident Lawyer in Queens, New York

How Can a Queens Truck Accident Attorney Help My Case?

The nationally recognized Queens truck accident lawyers of Finz & Finz, P.C. will help you by:

• Answering your questions and evaluating your legal options in a free case review
• Conducting an independent investigation to determine the cause of the accident and potential value of your case
• Identifying and pursuing all possible sources of compensation
• Securing valuable evidence, including difficult-to-obtain items such as truck “black box” data and truck driver cell phone records
• Communicating with motor carriers, insurers, and other parties on your behalf
• Interviewing eyewitnesses to acquire compelling testimony for your claim
• Working with highly qualified expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts and medical, financial, and vocational experts
• Managing important case documents and filing deadlines on your behalf
• Negotiating forcefully to maximize your settlement
• Preparing your case for trial, if necessary, and utilizing the most state-of-the-art digital and documentary courtroom presentation tools

How Common Are Truck Accidents in Queens?

Queens is the largest borough by area and the second-largest by population. Most freight bound for Long Island has to pass through its highways. It’s hardly surprising that traffic collisions, including those involving commercial trucks, are a major problem in Queens.

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) releases crash data monthly due to the large number of collisions in the city. The following statistics from one recent month illustrate just how frequently truck wrecks occur in Queens and throughout the five boroughs:

• In a single month, there were more than 8,500 traffic accidents involving over 700 commercial vehicles in New York City.
• Almost 2,500 of these crashes involving nearly 200 commercial vehicles occurred in Queens.
• The top contributing factors in Queens traffic accidents that month included driver distraction, failure to yield, following too closely, and improper passing.

Causes of Big Rig Accidents in Queens, New York

A wide range of circumstances can contribute to a truck accident. Some of the most common reasons for truck accidents in Queens include the following:

Cargo issues – Sometimes, truck companies overload their vehicles past their cargo limits, either by accident or in a deliberate attempt to increase profits. Cargo must be within specified weight limits, as excess weight can reduce the effectiveness of tires and brakes. Cargo must also be properly balanced and secured by loading teams. If it isn’t, the cargo can shift in transit and throw off the truck’s center of gravity, further reducing its maneuverability.

Defective truck parts – The average commercial vehicle experiences much more wear and tear than the average personal car. All of the parts in a commercial truck must be routinely inspected, maintained, and repaired as necessary to avoid mechanical failure. If truck parts are poorly designed, manufactured, or maintained, hazardous defects can develop and cause collisions.

Distracted driving – Distractions are dangerous for any driver. When a distracted driver is behind the wheel of a massive truck, it can be downright deadly. If a truck driver is more focused on phone calls, text messages, or other distractions than the road ahead, they are much more likely to overlook potential hazards around them.

Driver error – The American trucking industry has struggled with a nationwide driver shortage for decades. As a result, many trucking companies have resorted to hiring inexperienced drivers and drivers past the normal retirement age. When these drivers commit serious driving errors, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Driver fatigue – Truck drivers commonly work long shifts and odd hours. But like everyone else, they need adequate sleep. When truckers or trucking companies prioritize productivity over safety, they risk causing devastating drowsy driving collisions.

Driver impairment – Alcohol, recreational drugs, and even certain prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications can severely impair critical driving abilities. No one should get behind the wheel while intoxicated, particularly when that wheel is attached to an 80,000-pound truck.

Poor road conditions – Potholes, hazards, missing signs, and other poor road conditions often contribute to loss-of-control accidents. Truck drivers should know to slow down and take extra precautions in bad weather and certain traffic conditions. However, some crashes happen when the government fails to keep the local roads safe for motorists.

Reckless driving – Large commercial trucks require much more time and distance to slow or stop than smaller vehicles. This makes many reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating, especially dangerous when committed by truck drivers. Impatient truck drivers who are driving too fast or following too closely behind other vehicles cause devastating rear-end collisions.