As a bustling borough of New York City, Queens hosts a significant amount of truck traffic every day. This high concentration of heavy vehicles increases the risk of truck accidents, leading to severe injuries and significant property damage. If you find yourself in such an unfortunate circumstance, a skilled Queens Truck Accident Attorney can be your best ally in securing fair compensation.
The Prevalence of Truck Accidents in Queens
Queens witnesses close to 250,000 semi-trucks annually, plus thousands of delivery trucks, tow trucks, and work trucks. This considerable number of trucks makes motor accidents a common occurrence.
Each year, Queens reports about 3,300 truck accidents, averaging nearly 10 accidents per day. While some of these accidents result in minor damages, many lead to severe injuries and significant property damage.
The Role of a Queens Truck Accident Attorney
A Queens truck accident lawyer specializes in representing your interests to obtain a settlement or damages award following a truck accident. They perform several crucial tasks, including:
- Evaluating damages in collaboration with medical professionals. These damages could encompass medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation fees, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries or chronic disabilities.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to reach a settlement.
- Litigating against those responsible for the accident if a fair settlement is not achievable.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
A truck accident attorney plays an essential role in dealing with insurance companies. These companies are financially motivated to reduce their payouts and employ tactics to minimize the compensation they provide.
Some tactics include:
- Projecting a friendly demeanor to extract information that can be used against you.
- Delaying the payout to exploit your desperation.
- Applying pressure tactics, such as setting short deadlines for accepting offers and sending low-ball offers.
Multiple Insurance Companies
Depending on the truck driver’s arrangement with the trucking company, several insurance companies could be involved in your accident. These may include insurance policies held by the truck driver, the trucking company, the shipper, and the truck manufacturer.
Resolving Truck Accident Cases
Determining fault in a truck accident can be a complex process. Law enforcement usually cites the truck driver as at fault if they have violated any laws. However, other drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians can also contribute to the accident and be assessed a percentage of “comparative fault.”
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Trucks can cause extensive damage due to their significant weight. The energy transfer during a truck accident can lead to serious injuries, including:
- Back and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Death
Consultation with a Queens Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced Queens truck accident lawyer can provide numerous benefits, such as:
- Expertise in dealing with insurance companies
- Understanding how to evaluate total damages, including hidden injuries
- Explaining all your options at each stage of the case to maximize your chances of winning
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Queens
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is essential to:
- Contact the police and medical responders
- Gather contact information of all parties involved
- Take photos of the vehicles and the accident scene
- Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Avoid discussing the accident or fault at the scene
- Consult a Queens truck accident lawyer
How a Queens Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
A truck accident lawyer can help in various ways, including:
- Investigating the accident and determining who is responsible
- Understanding your own no-fault insurance and what it may cover
- Answering your questions about the law and how it affects your claim
- Taking the pressure off you by dealing with insurance companies
- Aggressively negotiating for your compensation
Compensation After a Truck Accident
A Queens truck accident lawyer can help ensure you’re pursuing the compensation you deserve, which may cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and wages
- Cost to repair or replace your property
- Pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Punitive damages
Conclusion
Finding the right Queens Truck Accident Attorney can make a significant difference in your truck accident case. They can navigate the complex insurance landscape, understand the legalities involved, and represent you effectively, helping you get the justice you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Queens, New York, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal assistance.