Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorney in Bronx, NY

Truck accidents are frequently the result of negligence, whether by the driver, trucking company, or other involved parties. Each cause involves unique factors that can significantly impact the outcome of a legal case. Below is a detailed exploration of the most common causes of truck accidents and how these factors contribute to devastating collisions.

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours, traveling hundreds of miles in a single shift. Federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are designed to limit driving hours, but many drivers violate these rules due to pressure from their employers or financial incentives tied to on-time deliveries.

Key Issues With Driver Fatigue:

• Federal Hours-of-Service Violations:
  • Regulations limit truckers to driving 11 hours within a 14-hour workday, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest period.
  • Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours of driving.
  • Fatigued drivers may falsify logs to hide extended hours.
• Drowsy Driving Effects:
  • Reaction times slow significantly, similar to driving under the influence.
  • Fatigue leads to impaired judgment and difficulty staying alert.

Real-World Example:

A truck driver, nearing the end of a 14-hour shift, dozes off and rear-ends a car stopped at a red light, causing severe injuries to the occupants.

How We Address It:
We obtain and analyze driver logs, GPS data, and electronic logging device (ELD) records to uncover violations of federal regulations.

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers are responsible for operating heavy vehicles while managing navigation systems, onboard devices, and communication with dispatchers. These distractions, coupled with long hours behind the wheel, can lead to devastating collisions.

Forms of Distracted Driving:

1. Manual Distractions:
   • Texting, adjusting GPS, or handling food and drinks.
   • Reaching for objects in the cab.
2. Visual Distractions:
   • Looking at maps, screens, or roadside distractions.
   • Taking eyes off the road for even 5 seconds at 55 mph means traveling the length of a football field blindly.
3. Cognitive Distractions:
   • Fatigue, stress, or overthinking delivery schedules can reduce focus.

Real-World Example:

A distracted truck driver checks a text message while merging lanes, colliding with a passenger vehicle traveling in their blind spot.

How We Address It:
We subpoena phone records, analyze dashcam footage, and interview witnesses to establish the driver’s inattentiveness at the time of the crash.

3. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

The FMCSA imposes strict weight limits and loading standards to ensure trucks operate safely. Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck and increasing the likelihood of rollovers or jackknife accidents.

Hazards of Improper Loading:

1. Exceeding Weight Limits:
   • Trucks exceeding the 80,000-pound maximum gross vehicle weight limit can strain brakes and tires, making it harder to stop or control the vehicle.
2. Unsecured Cargo:
   • Loose cargo can spill onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers.
3. Uneven Weight Distribution:
   • Improperly balanced loads increase the risk of tipping during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.

Real-World Example:

A truck carrying unsecured construction materials loses its load on the highway, causing multiple rear-end collisions.

How We Address It:
Our attorneys review loading records, weigh station data, and bills of lading to identify violations. We may also work with industry experts to evaluate the loading process.

4. Mechanical Failures

Trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Mechanical failures, whether due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects, are a leading cause of accidents.

Common Mechanical Issues:

1. Brake Failures:
   • Improperly maintained brakes or worn-out brake pads make it impossible for trucks to stop in time.
2. Tire Blowouts:
   • Overloaded cargo, worn treads, or underinflated tires increase the likelihood of blowouts.
3. Steering Malfunctions:
   • Faulty steering systems can cause trucks to veer off course, leading to head-on collisions.
4. Lighting and Visibility Problems:
   • Broken or dim lights reduce visibility, especially during nighttime driving or inclement weather.

Real-World Example:

A truck with defective brakes fails to stop at a red light, colliding with multiple vehicles in an intersection.

How We Address It:
We examine maintenance logs, service records, and manufacturer recalls to determine whether negligence by the trucking company, maintenance provider, or manufacturer contributed to the failure.

5. Speeding and Reckless Driving

The size and weight of commercial trucks amplify the dangers of speeding. Drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in reckless maneuvers put everyone on the road at risk.

Risks of Speeding Trucks:

1. Longer Stopping Distances:
   • A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop.
2. Increased Impact Force:
   • Speeding amplifies the force of collisions, resulting in more severe injuries and fatalities.
3. Loss of Control:
   • High speeds make it harder to navigate curves, avoid hazards, or recover from sudden maneuvers.

Real-World Example:

A truck driver, trying to meet a tight delivery deadline, speeds through a residential area and fails to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

How We Address It:
We analyze black box data, traffic camera footage, and police reports to prove the driver was exceeding the speed limit or driving recklessly.

6. Traffic Law Violations

Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to complete deliveries quickly, leading them to violate traffic laws and take unnecessary risks.

Examples of Violations:

1. Unsafe Lane Changes:
   • Failing to signal or check blind spots before merging lanes.
2. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs:
   • Ignoring traffic signals to avoid delays.
3. Tailgating:
   • Following vehicles too closely, reducing reaction time in emergencies.
4. Failure to Yield:
   • Not yielding to smaller vehicles or pedestrians at intersections.

Real-World Example:

A truck driver runs a red light and collides with a passenger vehicle crossing the intersection, causing multiple injuries.

How We Address It:
Our team works with accident reconstruction experts and reviews traffic camera footage to demonstrate how the driver’s violations directly caused the crash.