Orchard Park Truck Accident Lawyers
Orchard Park Truck Accident Lawyers
Large commercial trucks play a critical role in the economy, transporting goods throughout Orchard Park, New York, and beyond. However, when these massive vehicles are involved in accidents, the results can be catastrophic. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and even fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, our Orchard Park truck accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Orchard Park
Truck accidents happen for various reasons, many of which stem from negligence on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or other third parties. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, but some push past their limits to meet delivery deadlines, leading to drowsy driving.
- Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Trucks require longer stopping distances, making speeding and sudden maneuvers extremely dangerous.
- Impaired Driving: Some truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, impairing their judgment and reaction times.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo must be properly secured to prevent dangerous weight imbalances or shifting loads that can cause a truck to tip over.
- Poor Truck Maintenance: Failing to inspect and repair brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components can lead to serious mechanical failures.
- Bad Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads hazardous, and trucks require extra time to stop or maneuver safely in such conditions.
If any of these factors played a role in your accident, our Orchard Park truck accident attorneys can help you gather evidence and build a strong case for compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Determining responsibility requires a thorough investigation into the accident and the trucking company’s practices. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties may be held accountable:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible for the accident.
- The Trucking Company: Companies that fail to train their drivers properly, encourage unsafe driving practices, or neglect truck maintenance can be held liable.
- Cargo Loaders: If the accident resulted from improperly loaded cargo, the company responsible for loading the truck could be at fault.
- Truck Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash, the truck’s manufacturer may be liable.
- Other Negligent Drivers: In some cases, another driver’s actions can lead to a truck accident, making them partially or fully responsible.
At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, we conduct in-depth investigations to identify all responsible parties and maximize your compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
Victims of truck accidents in Orchard Park may be entitled to substantial compensation due to the severe and often life-altering injuries these crashes cause. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover damages for:
Economic Damages (Tangible Financial Losses)
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If the accident affects your ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Long-term physical impairments caused by the accident.
Punitive Damages
If the truck driver or company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety (e.g., driving under the influence, severe regulatory violations), punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
How Can Our Orchard Park Truck Accident Lawyers Help?
Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple insurance companies and aggressive defense lawyers working to minimize payouts. At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, we fight for you to get the compensation you deserve by:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis.
- Obtaining Black Box Data: Many commercial trucks have event data recorders that provide crucial evidence.
- Reviewing Trucking Company Records: Examining driver logs, maintenance reports, and safety violations.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Pushing for a fair settlement that covers all damages.
- Taking Your Case to Court if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to go to trial.
We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Orchard Park
If you have been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, some may take days or weeks to manifest.
- Call the police. A police report can document the accident and serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Gather evidence at the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Get witness information. If possible, collect contact details from any bystanders who saw the crash.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters. Do not give recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting a truck accident attorney.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your case will be.
Why Choose Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys?
At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, we understand the life-changing impact of truck accidents and are dedicated to helping victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve. When you work with us, you get:
- Decades of experience handling truck accident cases.
- Personalized attention and dedicated legal support.
- Aggressive representation against large trucking companies and insurers.
Contact Our Orchard Park Truck Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Today for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Orchard Park, don’t wait to take action. New York law limits the time you have to file a claim, so it is crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, we offer free case reviews to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Call our Orchard Park truck accident lawyers at 716-648-3030 or contact us online. Located in Hamburg, New York, we serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.