Distracted Driving Truck Accident Attorneys in Garden City, NY 

The Hidden Dangers of Distracted Truck Drivers 

Garden City, NY, is a community filled with charm, but its roads can become treacherous when distracted truck drivers take their eyes off the road. Whether it’s on Franklin Avenue or Old Country Road, these accidents are devastating, especially for those caught in the aftermath. When a distracted driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck, the stakes couldn’t be higher.  

If you’ve been in this kind of collision, it’s time to speak with a Garden City truck accident lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP. You deserve one of the best law firms in America to fight for your rights and help you take the first steps toward justice. 

How Distracted Truck Drivers Turn Roads into Battlegrounds 

Distracted truck drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. These massive vehicles require constant attention and skill to operate safely, but all it takes is one moment of distraction to turn them into deadly weapons.  

• Delayed reactions: A distracted driver may not notice a red light or stopped car in time to react. 
• Increased force: Fully loaded trucks can generate over 100,000 pounds of impact, often crushing smaller vehicles in a collision. 
• Longer stopping times: Trucks already take much longer to stop than passenger cars. Add distraction, and they’re nearly impossible to stop in time. 

Why Are Distracted Truck Accidents Still Happening? 

You’d think professional drivers would know better, right? But distracted truck accidents remain a serious problem. Long hours on the road and pressure to meet tight deadlines often lead to risky behaviors. Here’s what’s causing these dangerous accidents: 

• Cell phone use: Despite laws like Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1225-d, some truck drivers still text or browse while driving. Texting increases crash risk by 23 times, according to the FMCSA. 
• Fatigue: Truckers often work long hours, even with federal Hours of Service rules in place. New York drivers must comply with the FMCSA’s Hours of Service Regulations to avoid fatigue-related accidents. 
• Eating or drinking: Grabbing a bite behind the wheel might seem harmless, but it divides attention at the worst possible time. 
• GPS adjustments: Many truckers rely on navigation systems, but trying to input directions mid-drive takes their eyes off the road. 

These are preventable choices, but they continue to happen, leaving innocent victims to suffer the consequences. 

What You Do After a Crash Could Change Everything 

After a truck accident, it’s hard to think straight. You’re dealing with pain, fear, and uncertainty. But taking the right steps now can protect your rights and help secure the compensation you deserve. 

Here’s what to do after a distracted driving truck accident: 

1. Call 911. Police and emergency responders will create an official report and ensure everyone gets medical care. The police report will be important for proving fault, but you’ll also want to provide all details when filling out the MV-104 form. 
2. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—may not show symptoms immediately. 
3. Document everything. Take photos of the crash, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. 
4. Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable. 
5. Contact a lawyer. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law § 605 requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. An attorney can ensure you follow these steps correctly. 

These actions can protect your legal rights and position you to seek justice against negligent parties. 

Who’s Really to Blame? Let’s Expose the Negligence 

When it comes to distracted truck accidents, the driver isn’t always the only one at fault. Responsibility often extends to other parties, and holding everyone accountable is key to your case. 

The truck driver: Their decision to text, eat, or zone out directly caused the crash.  

The trucking company: Employers who fail to enforce safety policies or push unrealistic deadlines might also be held accountable under New York’s Labor Law § 200, which requires companies to maintain safe practices. 

Equipment manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other components that contributed to the crash could mean liability for the manufacturer. 

Third-party drivers: Another reckless driver might have triggered the chain of events leading to the collision. 

Determining fault is complicated. That’s why you need a lawyer to investigate thoroughly and hold every negligent party responsible. 

The Truck’s Black Box: A Game-Changer in Your Case 

Did you know commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), often called black boxes? These devices record critical information about the truck’s operation before and during the crash. Black box data can reveal: 

Speed and braking patterns: Was the trucker speeding or failing to brake? 

Hours of service compliance: Was the driver adhering to the FMCSA’s Hours of Service Regulations? 

Mechanical performance: Did faulty brakes, tires, or other issues contribute to the crash? 

Black box data is invaluable, but trucking companies often resist sharing it. Our team will ensure that evidence is preserved and used to strengthen your case. 

You Deserve Justice and Compensation 

Recovering from a truck accident is hard—physically, emotionally, and financially. But you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. 

With the help of a truck accident lawyer, you can pursue compensation for: 

• Medical bills: Covering everything from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation. Getting your No-Fault insurance benefits setup right away is incredibility important. 
• Lost wages: If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost. 
• Pain and suffering: Recognizing the emotional toll and physical pain caused by the accident. 
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, courts may award additional damages to punish those at fault. 

It’s not just about getting what you’re owed—it’s about holding the responsible parties accountable and rebuilding your life. 

Horn Wright, LLP: Your Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers 

Our mission is quite simple: to fight for accident victims. We understand how to approach trucking companies, their insurance companies, and their lawyers.  

You deserve a team that cares about your future. Our truck accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, don't back down from a fight. Help rebuild your future by obtaining justice through proper compensation. 

Contact us today for a FREE consultation.