There has been a notable rise in the number of trucks in Queens neighborhoods from delivery companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx. The rapid increase of e-commerce and the growth of trucking companies mean faster delivery, reliability, flexibility, and convenience.
Despite the notable benefits of trucking companies and delivery services, there is an increased risk of accidents. Road users are at an increased risk of injuries due to driver fatigue or speeding as drivers rush to make deliveries.
You may be entitled to compensation if you’re injured in a delivery truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Even so, you may face resistance from the insurer of the negligent party who caused the accident. A truck accident attorney from Poltielov Law Firm Injury Lawyers can investigate the crash and pursue compensation for your injury-related losses.
The E-Commerce Boom in Queens
In recent years, the surge in e-commerce has transformed how we shop and receive goods. With the convenience of online shopping, logistics companies have introduced numerous trucks in Queens to meet the demand for quick deliveries. As a result, the increase in delivery truck accidents in Queens neighborhoods has become a safety concern for road users.
The fast-paced nature of e-commerce operations often means that delivery drivers are under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to reckless driving behaviors that can result in accidents.
From improper lane changes to distracted driving, the risks associated with delivery trucks are amplified in densely populated areas like Queens.
You have a right to legal recourse if you’re injured in a delivery truck accident. An experienced delivery truck accident lawyer can explain your legal rights, investigate the crash, and initiate a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Areas Where Truck Accidents Occur in Queens
Delivery truck accidents occur in any part of Queens’ neighborhoods due to factors like overspeeding, aggressive driving, or tailgating. Even so, road users are vulnerable to accidents on certain roads, including:
- Long Island Expressway (I-495): Stretching across Queens, the Long Island Expressway sees heavy traffic, especially from commercial vehicles making deliveries to various businesses. The high volume of trucks navigating this expressway increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly during rush hours.
- Queens Boulevard: Known as the “Boulevard of Death” it is infamous for its dangerous intersections and frequent collisions involving delivery trucks. The wide lanes and multiple lanes can be challenging for large trucks to navigate, leading to accidents that can have severe consequences.
- Northern Boulevard: As a major thoroughfare in Queens, Northern Boulevard is a popular route for delivery trucks transporting goods across the borough. The mix of commercial vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists sharing the road increases the potential for accidents, especially at busy intersections.
- Astoria Boulevard: Connecting the residential neighborhoods of Astoria and East Elmhurst, Astoria Boulevard is often used by delivery trucks to reach local businesses and warehouses. The narrow lanes and heavy traffic on this road make it a frequent site for truck accidents, posing a risk to drivers and nearby residents.
- Jamaica Avenue: Running through the heart of Jamaica, Queens, Jamaica Avenue is a commercial hub with a high concentration of businesses and retail stores. Delivery trucks constantly ply this road to fulfill orders, leading to potential accidents due to congested traffic conditions and tight delivery schedules.
You should contact a truck accident lawyer after being injured in a delivery truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence. They can use images at the scene, traffic camera footage, and reports from accident reconstruction experts to prove your claim.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
If you sustain an injury in a truck accident, understanding who may be liable for the accident can help you pursue compensation. Here are the possible parties who may be liable for the crash:
The Truck Driver
The driver is the first and obvious party who may be liable for a delivery truck accident. If the accident occurred due to the driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, they can be liable for the damages.
A delivery truck accident attorney can use any of the following evidence to prove fault:
- Medical records
- Eye-witness statement
- Police accident report
- Accident reconstruction expert
The Trucking Company
In many cases, the trucking company that owns the vehicle and employs the driver can also be held responsible. If the company failed to maintain the truck, provide adequate training for the driver, or enforce safety regulations, it may be liable for the accident.
The Manufacturer
The manufacturer can be liable for the losses if a defect in the truck or its components led to the accident. An example of a manufacturer failure includes faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical issues that contributed to the crash.
A delivery truck accident attorney can use maintenance records, an expert’s report, a dash cam, or an eyewitness’s statement to prove negligence of the trucking company or the manufacturer.
The Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded cargo can also cause accidents. The loaders or shipping company could be at fault if the cargo is loose, unbalanced, or exceeds weight limits.
Government Entities
Poor road maintenance or inadequate signage can sometimes contribute to truck accidents. If a government entity is responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred, it can be liable for any resulting damages.
A truck accident can help maximize your settlement value by negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer. They may also litigate your case in court if you can’t settle with an insurance company.
Injured in a Delivery Truck Accident?
You may face hefty medical expenses, inability to work or enjoy life after being injured in a truck accident. Your mental health may also worsen if the events leading to the truck delivery crash were traumatic.
Further, the at-fault party’s insurer may reject your claim or make a low settlement offer that doesn’t cover your losses.
A delivery truck accident attorney from Poltielov Injury Lawyers can investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and pursue compensation from the negligent party. Most importantly, they will fight tirelessly for a fair settlement value that matches your losses.
Contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.