Binghamton Truck Accident Attorneys

Representation for Big Rig Accident Claims in Binghamton, NY

Commercial trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on the highways, streets, and roads in the Binghamton, NY area. The truck routes in the area include State Route 7, State Route 12, State Route 17, I-86, I-81, Route 363, Route 11 and others. These highways are often used by commercial truckers carrying goods to the region, and then entering the city itself, using various thoroughfares to reach a destination.

The risks of sharing the road with a commercial truck is usually much more than most people are aware. In fact, truck accidents occur at a staggering rate. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), reports 510,000 truck crashes involving in the USA in a recent year, with 4,479 fatalities and 114,000 injuries – almost 1400 crashes every day, some of which occur in the local Binghamton area.

If you've been involved in a semi-truck accident in Binghamton, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. Our Binghamton, NY truck accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today at (607) 600-2748 to discuss your Burlington truck accident case.

Types of Truck Accidents

The most common types of truck accidents include:

• Unsafe lane changes: When a truck driver changes lanes without checking for blind spots or signaling properly, it can lead to a collision.
• Unsafe turns: Making turns too wide or too sharp can cause trucks to veer into oncoming traffic or strike parked vehicles.
• Unsafe merging: Merging into traffic without yielding or maintaining a safe following distance can result in accidents.
• Rollovers: Trucks can roll over due to excessive speed, sharp turns, or improper loading.
• Jackknifes: When a truck's trailer swings out to the side, often due to sudden braking or loss of control, it can create a jackknife situation.
• Rear-end collisions: Trucks can rear-end smaller vehicles due to their longer stopping distances or driver error.
• Head-on collisions: These occur when two vehicles collide head-on, often due to driver inattention or driving on the wrong side of the road.
• Sideswipe accidents: When two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide with each other's sides, it's called a sideswipe accident.
• Wide turn accidents: When a truck driver makes a turn that is too wide, it can cause the truck to strike parked vehicles or pedestrians.

Truck Accident Injuries

The injuries sustained by a driver or passenger in a vehicle impacted by a large commercial truck include:

Severe Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation.
• Amputations: In severe cases, limbs may need to be amputated.
• Internal Organ Damage: Damage to organs like the heart, lungs, liver, or spleen.
• Fatal Injuries: Sadly, truck accidents can result in fatalities.

Other Common Injuries

• Broken Bones: Fractures of the legs, arms, pelvis, ribs, or other bones.
• Burns: Can be caused by fires or chemical spills.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts or gashes.
• Disfiguring Injuries: Injuries that can affect a person's appearance.
• Psychological Trauma: Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Who Can Be Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Determining liability is often a complex issue in a commercial truck accident. Several parties may be named in a claim or lawsuit, including:

• The Truck Driver
  • Negligence: The truck driver may be liable if they were negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or not following traffic laws.
  • Fatigue: If the driver was driving for excessive hours without adequate rest, they could be held responsible for their actions.
• The Trucking Company
  • Vicarious Liability: The trucking company can be held vicariously liable for the actions of its employees if they were acting within the scope of their employment.
  • Negligent Hiring or Supervision: If the company hired an unqualified driver or failed to provide adequate training or supervision, they may be liable.
• The Truck Manufacturer
  • Defective Design or Manufacturing: If a defect in the truck caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• The Cargo Loader
  • Improperly Secured Cargo: If cargo was not secured properly and caused the accident, the loader could be held liable.
• Other Parties
  • Road Conditions: If poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the responsible government entity could be liable.
  • Third-Party Interference: If a third party's actions caused the accident, they could be held liable.

Filing an Injury Claim after a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can be devastating. The injuries they cause often require extensive medical care and significant financial compensation. If you've been injured in a truck accident in New York, here are some essential steps to take:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Prioritize your health: Even if your injuries seem minor, it's crucial to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
• Document your injuries: Keep detailed records of your medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, and medications. This documentation will be crucial when filing a claim.

2. Gather Evidence

• Police report: Obtain a copy of the police report from the accident scene. This report will contain vital information about the incident.
• Photographs: Take pictures of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and any visible injuries.
• Witness statements: Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Their testimony can be valuable in your claim.

3. Contact an Attorney

• Experienced legal representation: A qualified truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and maximize your compensation.
• Understanding your rights: Your attorney will explain your legal rights and options, including filing a truck accident injury lawsuit.

4. File Your Claim

• Statute of limitations: In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident.   
• Insurance claims: If you or the truck driver have insurance, file a claim with your respective companies. Our truck accident attorney can assist you in this process.
• Potential lawsuit: If you cannot reach a fair settlement through insurance, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.

Once the liable parties are determined, a claim or lawsuit can be filed to pursue full and fair compensation for the injured. Settlements are generally paid by the liable party's insurance company. As with most profit-based companies, an effort is made to reduce the value of the claim, and the negotiating skills of your lawyer are a critical factor in the outcome of a truck accident case.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we are trial attorneys who are committed to our clients and ready to take on corporate defense attorneys who try to reduce the value of a valid injury claim by taking them to court if necessary.

What is a Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of a truck accident case in New York can vary significantly. Every truck accident injury case is unique and must be valued correctly and professionally, with the help of medical experts, financial experts, and other resources.

It depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of Injuries: The extent of your injuries is a primary factor. Severe injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or amputation can lead to substantial settlements.
• Medical Expenses: The cost of your medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, will directly impact the settlement amount.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: The emotional and physical distress caused by the accident can be significant.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Liability: The degree of fault assigned to the truck driver or trucking company will influence the settlement amount.

It's important to note that there is no average settlement amount for truck accident cases. Each case is unique, and the value can range from a few thousand dollars to millions. Your case must be valued by a professional to ensure you do not accept a settlement offer far lower than you deserve.

Why Choose Us?

At Horn Wright, LLP, we represent clients who have been seriously injured in truck accidents in the Binghamton area. We are proud of our reputation for excellence in our legal work, and for the many favorable outcomes we have achieved for our clients. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and seek the justice you deserve. We’re available to meet with you anywhere in the Northeast and offer free consultations. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your case.

All truck accident cases are taken on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win. Contact us at (607) 600-2748 today to discuss your case.