Lawsuits Against Trucking Companies

Can the Trucking Company be Held Liable for Truck Driver Accidents?

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the highest number of deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. More alarming facts include:

• In 2012 alone, 3,514 people died in large truck crashes, of which:
  • 17% of these deaths were truck occupants
• 67% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles
• 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists
• Large truck crashes resulting in death was 12% higher in 2012 than in 2009, when it was lower than at any year since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975.
• The number of truck occupants who died was 32% higher than in 2009.
• Since 1979, when deaths in large truck crashes were at an all time high, there has been a greater percentage decline among occupants of large trucks (57%) than among occupants of passenger vehicles (44%). 
  (source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

We’ve prepared a valuable list of things to do (and not do) in the case of an automobile accident.

Download a copy for easy reference.

NY Attorneys That Understand Accident Victim’s Rights and Get Results

While truck driver errors were a contributing factor in many commercial trucking accidents, one often overlooked cause of semi and tractor-trailer accidents is trucking company negligence. Examples of trucking company errors include:

• Negligent hiring and training of truckers: Trucking companies have a duty to hire truckers who are safe and responsible. Trucking companies may be liable for the negligent hiring and retention of dangerous drivers, including truckers that lack experience, training, or a safe driving record.
• Failure to prevent driver fatigue: Federal trucking laws require commercial truck drivers to take adequate rest breaks to prevent fatigue. Trucking companies have dispatchers who should take note of how many miles a trucker is driving and take appropriate precautions to prevent driver fatigue.
• Negligent maintenance: Tires, lights, and brakes must be routinely checked and replaced when necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, the experienced injury lawyers at Hacker Murphy, can help. Our attorneys have represented thousands of clients in personal injury claims across New York State. In truck accident cases including those involving a truck jackknife, our legal team takes time to properly investigate the causes of accidents and determine which parties are responsible for our clients’ injuries. To pursue the full and fair compensation our clients deserve, we aggressively pursue damages from every responsible party.

Contact Us Today

Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys who understand trucking company error lawsuits in New York State. We offer convenient appointments, including evenings and weekends upon request at one of our four regional law offices in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs.