We Fight for Justice for Truck Accident Victims in Corona
At Poltielov Law Firm P.C., our Corona semi-truck accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for victims and families. With a history of six and seven-figure verdicts and settlements, you can count on us when it matters most. Negligent trucking companies and commercial insurance providers must be held accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a major truck crash, we are here to help. Contact our Corona, NY truck accident attorney today for a free case review.
Understanding Truck Accidents and Personal Injury Law
Truck accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries on our roads. Accidents involving large trucks differ significantly from regular car accidents because of the size and weight difference. Large trucks like tractor trailers can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, while passenger vehicles typically weigh around 4,000 pounds.
Personal injury law provides victims a path to seek compensation when hurt in truck crashes. Personal injury attorneys help accident victims understand their legal rights and pursue fair compensation. The trucking industry operates under special federal and state regulations that don’t apply to regular drivers.
Catastrophic injuries from truck accidents often require lifetime medical care. Personal injury lawyers ensure victims receive full compensation for both current and future needs. These cases are more complex than typical car accident claims.
Your Guide to Truck Accident Liability in New York State
Hurt in an eighteen-wheeler accident in Corona or elsewhere in Queens? Your personal injury case will be handled under New York law. Our state has some of the most unique motor vehicle accident liability laws, including for truck accidents. At first, you must rely on your own insurance because of the state’s no-fault system. In other words, your insurer covers medical bills, part of your wages, and certain other losses. That is true no matter who caused the accident.
However, when injuries are severe, you can take the next step: filing a fault-based personal injury claim. A fault-based claim allows you to hold the negligent truck driver or negligent trucking company accountable. Winning such a claim depends on evidence. You will need to prove that the defendant (trucker, truck company, or otherwise) was responsible for causing your accident in Corona due to their failure to take proper care.
York law can be confusing for truck accident victims. The no-fault system covers basic medical expenses and lost wages, but doesn’t address pain and suffering. Only when injuries are serious enough can you step outside this system and file a lawsuit for full compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck driver error causes many crashes. Drowsy driving is a major problem in the trucking industry. Federal regulations limit how long commercial truck drivers can work, but violations still occur. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and make poor decisions.
Negligent truck drivers sometimes speed, run red lights, or drive distracted. These behaviors put other motorists at serious risk. When a truck driver causes a crash through carelessness, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Trucking company negligence also contributes to accidents. Poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver training, and unrealistic delivery schedules all create dangers. Cargo loaders who improperly secure loads may share liability when cargo shifts and causes crashes.
Understanding Vicarious Liability in Truck Accident Cases
Vicarious liability is a legal concept that allows victims to hold employers responsible for employee actions. When a truck driver causes an accident while working, the trucking company may be liable even if they did nothing wrong directly. This legal concept is important because trucking companies typically have much larger insurance policies than individual drivers.
New York Law recognizes vicarious liability in truck accident cases. This means accident lawyers can pursue claims against both the driver and the company. Having multiple parties to pursue increases the chances of recovering fair compensation.
Types of Injuries from Truck Accidents
Catastrophic injuries are common when smaller vehicles are rear-ended or struck by large trucks. Traumatic brain injuries from head impacts can cause permanent cognitive problems. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Spinal cord damage and paralysis destroy victims’ quality of life. Truck crash victims with these injuries face lifetime challenges and expenses. Personal injury attorneys ensure these future costs are included in compensation calculations.
Other serious injuries include broken bones, internal organ damage, severe burns, and amputations. Accidents involving large trucks create tremendous force that causes multiple injuries. Even accident victims who survive face long recovery periods.
What is the Truck Accident Statute of Limitations in Corona?
In New York, you must file your truck accident injury lawsuit within three years of the accident. It is this statute of limitations that sets the legal deadline for bringing your case to court. What happens if you wait too long to get started with your case? Failing to act before the deadline usually means your claim will be dismissed. There are only very narrow exceptions to the rule. Do not wait to act. Speak to a top-rated Corona, NY eighteen-wheeler accident attorney right away after a bad accident.
The time limit for filing truck accident lawsuits is firm. Missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. Limited time makes it important to contact a truck accident lawyer promptly.
Some situations may extend or shorten the time limit. Wrongful death cases have different deadlines than personal injury cases. Claims against government entities require notice within 90 days. An experienced truck accident lawyer explains how these rules apply to your situation.
Fighting for the Maximum Compensation for Truck Crash Victims
Involved in a truck crash? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of both your economic losses and your non-economic damages. Do not rely on any insurance company to step up and pay you full and fair compensation. Our firm is ready to go the extra mile for victims and families. After a bad truck crash in Corona, victims may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the following types of damages:
- Property loss, such as vehicle repairs;
- Hospital bills, including emergency room care;
- Other health care costs, including physical therapy;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish;
- Long-term physical disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Maximum compensation includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These have specific dollar amounts that can be calculated from bills and pay records.
Non-economic damages address pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. Catastrophic injuries from truck crashes deserve substantial compensation for how they’ve changed victims’ lives. New York law allows recovery of these damages in serious injury cases.
Wrongful Death Claims from Truck Accidents
Wrongful death cases arise when truck accidents kill someone. Family members can file a wrongful death case to recover compensation for their loss. These tragic situations require compassionate yet aggressive legal representation.
A wrongful death case allows recovery of funeral expenses, medical expenses before death, and lost wages the deceased would have earned. Non-economic damages include loss of companionship and guidance. New York City law provides specific rules about who can file these claims.
Truck crash victims who die often leave families facing financial hardship. Wrongful death compensation provides security during a difficult time. Personal injury lawyers help families understand their legal options and pursue justice.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Cases
Insurance companies insuring commercial trucks often have large legal teams working to minimize payouts. They may contact accident victims quickly after a crash, hoping for statements they can use to deny claims. Insurance company adjusters use various tactics to reduce claim values.
Never trust an insurance company to protect your best interests. These companies profit by paying out less than claims are worth. Having a truck accident attorney levels the playing field against these well-funded opponents.
Tractor trailers must carry higher insurance coverage than regular vehicles. While this means more compensation is available, insurance companies fight harder to avoid large payouts. Experienced accident attorneys know how to negotiate with these powerful insurers.
Why Trust Our Corona, NY Truck Accident Lawyer
R. Ariel Poltielov is a leading New York truck accident lawyer. With a proven record of successful case results and a commitment to personalized legal advocacy, Attorney Poltielov invests time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case. We believe that you deserve the maximum financial compensation after a bad accident. Along with other things, our Corona, NY semi-truck accident attorney is prepared to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about your case;
- Investigate your truck accident in Corona, gathering all relevant evidence;
- Represent you in settlement talks with the truck company or its insurers; and
- Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the absolute maximum compensation.
Our law firm provides great service to every client. We understand the legal needs of truck accident victims and work tirelessly to meet them. Our firm represents clients throughout Corona, Queens, and New York City.
Personal injury attorneys at our firm focus on truck accident claims. This specialized experience helps us achieve better results. We know the regulations governing commercial trucks and how to prove violations.
Building Strong Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident lawyers build cases through thorough investigation. We gather evidence including police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage photos, and driver logs. Electronic logging device data reveals whether truck drivers violated hours-of-service rules.
Accidents involving large trucks require expert analysis. Accident reconstruction specialists determine how the crash occurred and who was at fault. These experts use physics and engineering to recreate the collision.
Medical experts document the full extent of injuries and future treatment needs. Economic experts calculate lifetime earning losses. Building a strong truck accident case requires assembling all this evidence into a compelling presentation.
Truck Accidents in Corona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I see a doctor after a truck accident in Corona?
Yes. If you suffered any type of physical injury in a crash, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention from a qualified professional. The sooner you see a doctor after a crash, the better positioned you will be to protect your health, safety, well-being, and legal claim. Some injuries from truck accidents don’t show symptoms immediately. Getting prompt medical treatment creates records documenting your condition.
Are truck accident settlements taxable in New York?
As a general rule, compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering is not taxable under federal or New York law. With that being said, punitive damages and certain types of interest on settlements may be taxable. Still, the majority of a truck accident injury settlement (or verdict) generally does not count as taxable income in New York. Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.
How does New York’s “serious injury threshold” apply to truck accident claims?
Under New York’s no-fault law, you cannot step outside the insurance system and file a lawsuit unless you meet the “serious injury threshold.” Some notable examples of injuries that qualify include fractures, permanent disfigurement, significant limitation of a body function, or full disability lasting at least 90 days. Once the threshold is met, you can bring a lawsuit for pain and suffering and other damages. Do not assume that your injury is not “serious” enough to qualify. Consult with a top-rated Corona, NY truck accident lawyer right away after a crash.
What role does electronic logging device (ELD) data play in New York truck accident cases?
They can play a very big role in certain cases. Since federal law requires most commercial trucks to use electronic logging devices, ELD data is often looked at as evidence. Along with other things, these devices track driver hours, speed, and rest breaks. They help to reveal whether a trucker violated hours-of-service rules or was fatigued. Your Corona, NY semi-truck accident attorney can help take action to help you get the ELD data and all other relevant evidence that you need to prove liability.
What if multiple parties contributed to my truck accident?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties who share liability. The truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo company, and even vehicle manufacturers could all be responsible. New York Law allows you to pursue claims against all negligent parties. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer helps identify everyone who should be held accountable. This increases total available compensation for your injuries.
How long does a truck accident lawsuit take to resolve?
The timeline varies based on case complexity and injury severity. Some truck accident claims settle within months through negotiations. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or disputed liability often take a year or more. Your attorney works to resolve cases efficiently while ensuring you receive full compensation. We won’t rush you into accepting an unfair settlement just to close the case quickly.
Can I still file a claim if the truck driver wasn’t directly at fault?
Yes. Even if the driver didn’t cause the crash, other parties may be liable. The trucking company might be responsible for poor vehicle maintenance or inadequate training. Cargo loaders who improperly secured loads can be held liable when cargo shifts cause accidents. Manufacturers of defective truck parts may also face liability. A truck accident attorney investigates all possible sources of compensation.
What makes truck accident cases different from regular car accidents?
Accidents involving large trucks involve federal regulations that don’t apply to regular car accidents. Commercial truck drivers must follow hours-of-service rules, and trucking companies face strict maintenance requirements. Large trucks also carry much higher insurance coverage. These differences make truck accident cases more complex than typical car accident claims. You need accident lawyers who understand these special rules.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?
While not legally required, having a truck accident lawyer significantly improves your chances of fair compensation. Trucking companies and their insurance companies have large legal teams protecting their interests. Personal injury attorneys level the playing field. They understand trucking industry regulations, know how to investigate crashes, and can negotiate effectively. Most work on a contingency basis, so there’s no financial risk in hiring representation.
What is the value of my truck accident case?
The value depends on factors including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and impact on quality of life. Catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care typically result in higher compensation. Wrongful death cases also have substantial value. An experienced truck accident lawyer can assess your case during a free consultation. We calculate all damages to ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Corona, NY Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Poltielov Law Firm P.C., our Corona truck accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can rely on when it matters most. If you or your loved one suffered a bad injury in a wreck, we are here to protect your legal rights and your interests. Do not go it alone. Call us now at 718-880-2911 for a free, no obligation initial case review. We handle eighteen-wheeler accident claims in Corona, Queens, and all across the wider region.
Our law firm serves truck crash victims throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. We understand the challenges accident victims face after crashes with tractor-trailers and commercial trucks. Our personal injury lawyers provide comprehensive support throughout the entire legal process.
Whether you need help with a truck accident lawsuit, wrongful death case, or truck accident claim, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We’ll explain how we can help you pursue a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you deserve.