Our Long Island Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get The Compensation You Deserve
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident on Long Island or in Queens, The Law Office of Jeena R. Belil, PC, is here to help you get the full financial compensation you deserve. With over 50 combined years of experience — including experience representing insurance companies — our Long Island truck accident lawyers have the skills and knowledge you are looking for in an attorney.
We have all had to share the road with a semi truck, a garbage truck, a delivery truck or another large commercial vehicle. You were likely nervous driving near these trucks, and that is with good reason. Semis and other large commercial vehicles can weigh 20-30 times more than a standard car. For this reason, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injury or death for occupants in the smaller vehicle.
For a free consultation, please call our Long Island personal injury law firm at 631-990-3235 or send us an email. The Law Office of Jeena R. Belil, PC, serves clients throughout Long Island, Suffolk County, Nassau County and Queens.
Truck Accident Injuries And New York’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
Victims of truck accidents are likely to face serious and permanent injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Crushed limbs
- Multiple broken bones and fractures
- Cuts, bruises and skin abrasions
- Permanent disfigurement
- Fatal injuries
Because of New York’s no-fault insurance laws, victims must file a claim with their own insurance provider first. If costs exceed coverage limits, victims can sue the at-fault party for injuries. In most truck accident cases, this is an easy standard for victims to meet.
Who Is Liable After A Long Island Truck Accident?
In many cases, truck accidents are the result of:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Speeding, distracted driving or other poor choices behind the wheel
- Trucks that are poorly maintained or in disrepair (worn-out brakes, bald tires, etc.)
- Cargo loads that are too heavy, imbalanced or improperly secured
- Failure to make regular safety inspections as required by federal regulations
When the truck driver is at fault, the trucking company shares fault by extension and will be named as a defendant. The insurance company that provided the commercial policy will also be a party to the litigation.
Our car accident lawyers have decades of experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions about truck accidents and the personal injury process.
New York Truck Accident FAQs
Q: What are the common causes of truck accidents?
A: Truck accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver error, fatigue, improper loading, poor truck maintenance, defective truck parts, and defective roadways.
Q: Who is responsible for paying my medical bills, lost wages, and other losses after a truck accident?
A: Insured New York drivers will look to their own insurance company which is responsible for providing compensation for medical treatment, lost wages and collision damage. However, it may also be possible to file a lawsuit against the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties who are liable for your injuries for your pain and suffering from serious injuries you have sustained.
Q: What is considered a serious injury in New York?
A: A serious injury in New York is defined by statute. A personal injury lawyer must prove you have sustained dismemberment, significant bodily disfigurement, bone fractures, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a bodily organ or system, or significant limitation of a body function or system.
Q: How do I determine who is at fault for my truck accident?
A: Establishing liability often involves identifying the cause of the accident and proving that one or multiple parties were at fault. Responsible parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer of a defective truck part, or party responsible for loading cargo. Evidence is crucial, including, but not limited to: police accident report, DOT records, Black Box information, truck maintenance information and bills of lading.
Q: What are the benefits of hiring a truck accident attorney?
A: Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney on Long Island can help you navigate the complex legal process, identify liable parties, gather evidence, and advocate for your maximum recovery and justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney in New York?
A: Truck accident attorneys in New York work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you typically won’t have to pay upfront costs, and your attorney fees will be paid out of the compensation recovered from your case. At The Law Office of Jeena R. Belil, PC, we handle trucking accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in New York?
A: In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three years from the date of the accident, but this may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s best to contact us quickly after a Long Island truck accident in order for our firm to begin collecting and preserving evidence on your behalf.
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
A: Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as New York follows a comparative negligence standard.
Q: How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
Ar: The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident case varies depending on a number of factors: The complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement, and more.
Q: What kind of compensation can I recover in a truck accident case?
A: You may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages not covered by No Fault, emotional distress, and other related damages, as well as punitive damages in certain cases.
It Is Important To Seek Legal Help As Soon As Possible
Commercial insurers risk losing a lot of money whenever one of their policyholders is involved in a truck accident. To protect their bottom line, insurance companies respond both quickly and aggressively to crash sites in an attempt to secure evidence and control the narrative.
You won’t be able to respond nearly as quickly, but you should seek legal help as soon as you can after the crash. When you hire my firm, I set to work immediately, investigating the crash and building a case against the at-fault driver and trucking company.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
With two convenient office locations in Riverhead and Hauppauge, The Law Office of Jeena R. Belil, PC, serves clients across Long Island. To discuss your legal options with us in a free consultation, please call 631-990-3235 or send us an email.