“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:

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.

Commercial driving accidents occur in New York just as they do in other states. However, they can be particularly dangerous due to New York’s dense population and congested streets. Here are some reasons why you may be at greater risk of injury if you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident: In addition to these risks, drivers carrying freight and parcels often drive faster in an effort to meet delivery deadlines. The combination of speeding, congested roads, blind spots, and poor awareness of vehicle laws has proven to be especially devastating to cyclists, passenger drivers, and pedestrians who share the roadways with commercial trucks. As a result of some of these concerns, New York’s governor and elected officials continue to pass special laws designed to help prevent accidents and keep pedestrians and other drivers safe. However, it’s always best to use caution when walking, riding a bike, or driving another vehicle in New York.

If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident, try to remain as calm as possible. If you have suffered a life-threatening injury, or if your mobility is severely compromised, it’s best not to try to move. Otherwise, it’s important to act as quickly as possible to protect yourself from further injury. Here are some critical steps to take following a commercial vehicle accident: As you wait for the ambulance to arrive, do your best to follow any instructions the authorities and your attorney give you. Also, try not to get into a dispute with the driver of the commercial vehicle. It’s best not to avoid arguing with the driver as you wait for police to arrive.

Being involved in a motor vehicle can be a scary experience. After calling 911, the single best thing to do is to call a commercial vehicle accident attorney. An experienced lawyer will serve as your advocate and strongly increase the likelihood that you are properly compensated for your injuries and suffering. A skilled lawyer will also support you in the following ways: We encourage you to reach out to the legal team at Chaikin LaPenna, PLLC. We have a proven track record of success helping victims who are injured by commercial vehicles. With our legal team in your corner, you can move forward after your accident with confidence knowing that we will help you receive the compensation you deserve. We look forward to hearing your story and scheduling your complimentary consultation today!