NYC Rollover Truck Accident Lawyers

Have You Been Hurt in a New York City Rollover Truck Accident?

Fortunately, accidents involving large trucks and tractors are fairly rare, compared to the average number of motor vehicle accidents each year involving smaller cars. Due to the large size of these trucks, however, when an accident does occur, it is more likely to be very serious and often result in fatality or severe injury. One of the most common types of accidents that is fairly unique to large trucks is a rollover, which occurs when a truck topples over either onto its side or completely upside-down.

Going through a rollover truck accident in New York City can be traumatic for any driver, regardless of injury. A serious back, neck, or head injury only makes the situation worse, and can result in loss of income, medical bills, and long-term care requirements. The New York City truck accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP know how to protect your rights and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. A rollover truck accident is stressful enough without the need for worry about bills and future employment. Call us today at (212) 986-7353 to discuss the details of your case.

Who Is Liable After a Rollover Accident?

In the event of a serious rollover truck accident, there is often a tendency to place blame on the driver of a truck. While the driver is certainly responsible for controlling the vehicle, there are often mitigating circumstances that can take that control out of the driver's hands. For example, if the trailer was overloaded beyond a safe weight limit, without the driver's knowledge, then he or she may end up in a rollover accident even though every reasonable safety precaution was taken while operating the vehicle.

Similarly, a mechanical flaw can cause an accident. If a truck is built with a flawed trailer attachment or other design mistake, then a rollover accident can occur. These types of issues can make the manufacturer of a truck liable for an accident, if the manufacturing mistake caused the rollover and there is evidence that the company was aware of the issue or failed to discover the issue due to negligence on its part.

What Usually Causes a Rollover Truck Accident?

Although different factors can create a situation in which a rollover occurs, there are a few common causes that should be avoided to prevent such a crash.

  • Speeding. Unfortunately, speeding and the desire of a truck driver to more quickly reach a destination are the most common causes of a rollover truck accident. This can be avoided by setting reasonable schedules for a truck driver, and ensuring drivers are properly trained to operate a truck at a safe speed.
  • Sharp Curves. Roads are designed with all types of vehicles in mind, but sharp, sudden curves are usually easier for a smaller car to handle than a massive truck and trailer. Trucking companies should keep these types of features in mind when planning out a route for a driver.
  • Overloaded Trailers. Trucks are meant to haul loads up to a specific weight limit. If a trucking company knowingly goes over that limit, then it can create a hazardous situation in which a rollover is more likely to occur. Such negligence can make the company liable for the accident, especially if the driver was unaware of the weight violation.

What Should I Do if I Have Been in a Rollover Truck Accident?

The first thing you should do after any accident, including a rollover, is contact emergency services and seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel like you only sustained a few bruises or scrapes, you may have suffered injuries that do not become immediately obvious. Follow any instructions emergency workers provide, and be honest when talking to police, though you should not admit to any fault for the accident.

Once your medical needs have been taken care of, contact a lawyer with experience in motor vehicle law and rollover cases. The NYC personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP have years of experience fighting for the rights of drivers and can answer your questions and discuss the details of your case. It is extremely important following an accident that you do not talk to any insurance company, and never sign anything offered to you by an insurance company.

Other Locations We Serve in New York

Get In Touch With a Truck Accident Attorney in New York City

Contact our experienced NYC truck rollover lawyers at (212) 986-7353 to set up a free consultation. Let us deal with the insurance company, file your compensation or civil claims, and protect your rights.

Additional Information