Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
If you find yourself involved in an accident with a FedEx truck, UPS truck, or Amazon delivery vehicle, you may experience shock, fear, and worry. And if you’re like most Americans, you may wonder what you should do to protect your well-being and your livelihood. Below is a look at the various types of commercial vehicle accidents and some simple steps you should take if you are injured by a delivery truck or other commercial vehicle.
“A vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of property or for the provision of commercial services and bearing commercial plates is considered a commercial vehicle.” – New York City Department of Transportation
Before exploring the best way to handle a commercial vehicle accident, it’s helpful to understand exactly what constitutes a commercial vehicle in New York. The Empire State clearly distinguishes between passenger trucks and commercial vehicles, noting that the latter typically features the following:
- A gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds
- Capacity to transport 9 or more passengers
- Ability to transport freight or hazardous material
There are multiple types of vehicles operating in New York that share one or more of these features. They include box trucks, cargo vans, buses, vans, and recreational vehicles. Many trucks in New York are also registered as commercial vehicles, especially if their unladen weight is over 6,001 pounds and they are used primarily for business purposes.
- Blind spots in front of commercial vehicle cabs make it difficult to see pedestrians and cyclists immediately in front of them
- A lack of awareness of New York’s unique vehicle laws is common among commercial vehicle drivers from other states
- Sudden vehicle congestion on many roadways can make it challenging for drivers to stop quickly
- Extreme population density in New York City and other areas can result in injury to multiple people simultaneously
- Low bridges and narrow tunnel openings can lead to accidents among commercial drivers who don’t heed warning signage
- Streets are often narrow and unable to accommodate large commercial vehicles, increasing risk to other drivers and pedestrians
- Step One: Remove yourself from harm’s way. If your injuries are not life-threatening, move to the shoulder or off the road. Then call 911.
- Step Two: Call the police. Reporting your accident to the NYPD right away critical.
- Step Three: Contact an experienced car accident attorney. Look for a lawyer with expertise handling commercial vehicle accidents.
- Step Four: Request the driver’s contact details. Try to avoid blaming the driver, as this could cause them to become angry.
- Step Five: Obtain contact details of any witnesses. Request their contact details and ask them to make a note of what they saw.
- Step Six: Take some photos of the scene with your phone. You can also take notes about what happened before and after the accident.
- Step Seven: Create a file for all of your records. Keep all medical records, car repair bills, and other paperwork in a safe location.
- Provide supportive legal guidance after the accident and throughout the duration of your case
- Help you gather and organize important paperwork, such as police reports and doctor case notes
- Assist you as you prepare your insurance claim materials
- Use clear language to explain how commercial vehicle laws may impact your case
- Put an end to the intimidation tactics sometimes used by commercial trucking firms
- Work with you to help you win your case so you can take care of your financial responsibilities
Proven Results
From the moment our firm is retained on a case, we give it our undivided attention while working with the top experts, specialists, and investigators to prepare for victory at trial. This energy, passion and confidence truly sets the firm apart and has earned the reputation as a premier injury law firm in the New York City area.
$2,100,000
Bus Accident
$46,100,000
Car Accident
$3,400,000
Work Injury
$9,800,000
personal injury
$5,700,000
Work Injury
$3,600,000
Bus Accident
$6,200,000
personal injury
$29,000,000
Car Accident
Proven Results
From the moment our firm is retained on a case, we give it our undivided attention while working with the top experts, specialists, and investigators to prepare for victory at trial. This energy, passion and confidence truly sets the firm apart and has earned the reputation as a premier injury law firm in the New York City area.
$2,100,000
Bus Accident
$46,100,000
Car Accident
$3,400,000
Work Injury
$9,800,000
Personal Injury
$5,700,000
Work Injury
$3,600,000
Bus Accident
$6,200,000
Personal Injury
$29,000,000
Car Accident