Experiencing a collision with a semi truck can be life threatening and traumatic. Their sheer size and brute force they exert upon impact can turn a regular commute into a nightmare. If you’re involved in a truck accident, there are a few key steps to take in the aftermath. Granted, this is a scary situation, so having the knowledge to manage this is critical to building your potential truck accident case. If you or someone you know has been involved in a New York City truck accident, contact an experienced Brooklyn Truck Accident Attorney immediately.

Report the crash.

The first and most vital step is to report the accident. After safely moving your vehicle to the side of the road and ensuring everyone is okay, contact 911. Local authorities can help facilitate any medical care and file an accident report. Request a copy to keep for your records and to help move your potential case along more smoothly.

Exchange information.

Before leaving the scene of the crash, it’s critical that you exchange information with the trucker and any other people involved. Be sure to collect the driver’s name, company name, insurance information and policy number, and driver’s license number. These details will be crucial should you choose to seek compensation from them.

Gather information from witnesses, if applicable. Having them testify in court can be a significant benefit to you if you choose to bring a case against the trucking company.

Get medical attention.

Even if you don’t feel any obvious signs of pain or injury, it’s still wise to seek medical care. Adrenaline can prevent you from recognizing your symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out by your doctor even if you don’t go straight to the hospital from the accident scene. Keeping a record of your injuries, treatment and costs can help you recover these funds later on.

If your injuries require a treatment plan, document them through your treating physician(s) and a personal journal. This will come in handy to prove the time and money you’ve spent on recovery.

Take photographic evidence.

It’s difficult to argue when there’s photographs of the scene, including damage to your vehicle and yourself. If you’re able, take photos of the site to include in your accident report.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

After a truck accident, it’s common for their insurance agent to reach out to you. However, it’s advised that you contact an attorney beforehand to help you navigate these calls on what to say. If not, you could potentially say the wrong thing out of stress or anxiety, which could be used against you. These types of cases are complex, and you shouldn’t go it alone.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident in NYC, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who can fight for you. We know how complex the process is and how to navigate trucking companies, insurance companies, and the legalities of federal and state trucking laws. Contact the Law Firm of Nicholas Tzaneteas for a free consultation today.

Driving in New York City can be overwhelming and challenging, even for experienced drivers. While a motor accident in any capacity is frightening, being involved in a trucking accident is inherently more dangerous due to the sheer capacity and weight of the vehicle. In this article, we’re going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding trucking accidents and how a personal injury lawyer can help you after such a traumatic event. If you’re involved in a trucking accident, you need the help of your experienced NYC personal injury attorney.

Are there any specific laws for truckers that ensure motorists’ safety on the road?

The short answer is yes. All truck drivers must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations concerning equipment and hours of service. The federal regulations in place dictate the length of time a truck driver can travel, how the driver must operate and maneuver based on the type of freight being transported, the speed limits, and the minimum break times required to prevent driver fatigue. If the truck driver or the company is negligent in any of these areas and caused a wreck, you may have a case

When should I begin my lawsuit?

Contact your personal injury lawyer right away. The sooner you reach out, the more efficient it will be to recollect facts, collect data and video footage, and review driver logs. Remember that some trucking companies only require the trucker’s logs to be kept for 6 months until they are permitted to be destroyed. As this component can be a crucial factor in your case, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.

Who will pay for relevant medical bills?

Trucking companies are not going to foot the bill for your injuries immediately. If you have your own insurance, they’ll cover your medical expenses. However, if you engage an experienced personal injury attorney  in pursuing your case, they will fight to get you the damages you deserve and be reimbursed for the money you spent on your own recovery from the accident.

What damages am I entitled to after a trucking accident?

There are several types of damages that can be recovered after a trucking accident, including:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of income
• Loss of earning potential
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

A trucking accident involves many parties, which is why you should entrust an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you. We know how complex the process is and how to navigate proving the liability trucking companies, insurance companies, and the legalities of federal and state trucking laws. Contact the Law Firm of Nicholas Tzaneteas for a free consultation today.

Consumers throughout America depend on the goods transported by trucking companies, which was especially true during the height of the pandemic. While their essential travel kept our communities afloat, the increase in semi trucks on the road contributed to more accidents and subsequent injuries. If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident in New York City, now is the time to contact an experienced Brooklyn Truck Accident Attorney. So, how do you know you have a case, and that the trucker was at fault for the accident? Read on to find out. 

Proving You Weren’t at Fault

Accidents happen. But, when it comes to colliding with a semi truck, proving your innocence is arguably more important than a traditional car accident. Navigating trucking and insurance companies is complex, which is why you need an experienced and effective attorney in your corner. Here are some major factors to consider to prove your innocence in a truck accident.

• Black box recorders: Many modern trucks are equipped with black box recorders that monitor activity, fuel consumption, speed, the driver’s identity, stops, and even braking patterns. Since these also record hours of operation, they can prove whether or not a trucker violated his or her hours of service laws set forth by the FMCSA..
• Driver logs: Drivers are required by law to keep records detailing their pre- and post-trip inspections for maintenance purposes. These logs can help prove whether or not the company was negligent in maintaining the truck, which could have led to your accident. 
• Substance screenings: When an accident occurs, the driver is required to take a drug and alcohol screening test. If any alcohol or illegal substances are detected in the report, this could help your case. Keep in mind, commercial truck drivers have stricter blood alcohol level limits than other drivers- with a 0.04% maximum, as opposed to 0.08% for passenger vehicles. 
• Truck camera: These cameras offer insight into the driver’s behavior and patterns. This footage could potentially prove reckless driving, improper lane changes, distracted driving, aggressive driving, speeding, or any other traffic violation. Because some trucking companies will try to hide or tape over this footage, it’s imperative you contact your personal injury attorney as soon as possible to get a copy of it.
• Eye witnesses: While everyone might complain about NYC traffic, the good news is that if and when there’s an accident, there are likely going to be eye witnesses. After an accident, gather written or recorded testimony from people who witnessed the event. Be sure to gather the important details after an accident, too, including the name of the driver, the trucking company’s name, and driver’s license information. 

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident in NYC, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who can fight for you. We know how complex the process is and how to navigate trucking companies, insurance companies, and the legalities of federal and state trucking laws. Contact the Law Firm of Nicholas Tzaneteas for a free consultation today.

It’s no secret that truckers are the lifeblood of the American economy. Without their commitment to long hours transporting goods throughout the United States, we’d be left without the essentials that make our cities and homes function. So, while we have a lot to be grateful for, the truth of the matter is that trucking accidents can and do occur. The sheer size and weight of semi trucks make these accidents significantly more dangerous for those who collide with them. What happens when you’re involved in one of these unfortunate yet critical events? If you’re involved in a trucking accident, you need the help of your trusted NYC personal injury attorney.

What Causes Trucking Accidents?

Did you know that there are approximately 500,000 trucking accidents per year? What’s more, 68% of fatalities resulting from these crashes are the occupants of the passenger vehicles. There are various reasons that these accidents occur, most of which are the result of human error. Some of these include: 

• Driver fatigue
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Inexperience handling an 18-wheeler
• Failure to obey traffic signals and laws

These errors can lead to various accidents and subsequent injuries to passenger vehicles, including:

• Back and neck injuries
• Lacerations
• Seat belt injuries
• Internal injuries
• Paralysis or spinal cord damage
• Mental anguish and emotional duress
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of career and earning capacity
• Death

What to do After a Trucking Accident

Being involved in a trucking accident can be traumatic. Ensure everyone is okay following an accident, and seek medical attention right away if necessary. It’s also critical to file a police report and write down witnesses to the event. Jot down the name and company of the trucker as well. Then, contact your NYC personal injury lawyer.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?

There’s a lot of moving parts with a truck collision, and we’re here to help. Here’s how an experienced personal injury lawyer can help navigate you through the process:

Investigate the accident: We’ll review your medical records, the police report, and interview witnesses. Gathering incident data from the trucking company is also vital, and we’ll contact them on your behalf. 

Discover the cause of the accident: Whether the accident was caused by driver fatigue or the company was negligent in conducting government-mandated maintenance, we’ll get to the bottom of the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the trucker, the company he or she drives for, or the manufacturer can be held liable for damages.

Manage paperwork and file a lawsuit: A lot of paperwork is involved in filing an insurance claim. We’ll negotiate a proper settlement with the insurance company to earn you the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and fully recover. If we can’t negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf, we’ll help you build a strong case, file a lawsuit, and fight for you in court. We’re committed to securing compensation for you that’s fair and appropriate.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident in NYC, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who can fight for you. We know how complex the process is and how to navigate trucking companies, insurance companies, and the legalities of federal and state trucking laws. Contact the Law Firm of Nicholas Tzaneteas for a free consultation today.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is responsible for overseeing what is one of the largest mass transit systems in the world. With commuter railways, subway lines, bus routes, bridges, bus rapid transit, and tunnels, it is a complex system that certain requires plenty of attention careful management in order to ensure commuter safety. This is particularly important given that the mass transit in question services all five boroughs in New York City in addition to a variety of suburban counties and roughly 5.7 million individuals make use of the subway lines alone every day. With so many passengers, ensuring a safe ride should be the primary concern of the MTA.

Thousands Injured

Unfortunately, accidents involving MTA bus and subway drivers and conductors are not unknown. According to the  MTA itself, in fact, its drivers have been involved in preventable fatalities that should never have happened. This doesn’t take into account accidents that leave individuals injured, either, which has resulted in some very high-profile incidents recently. Sometimes these accidents involve derailments that unexpectedly crash into nearby buildings, harming individuals that were completely unaware that they were at risk. Other times, buses strike and injure, or kill, pedestrians due to unsafe speeds (in addition to other preventable factors).

Types of Injuries

Injuries caused by the MTA can vary widely depending upon the circumstances. Some individuals might suffer traumatic brain injuries as a result of being struck by a bus, while others might sustain catastrophic injuries that permanently alter the way their body operates. Some might find themselves injured as a result of falling down stairs or ending injured on the platform itself. Still, others might suffer from broken bones, lesions, or scrapes and bruises and damaged property. And, as illustrated above, death is, unfortunately, something that can also result from MTA accidents including those involving city buses in NYC. With so many potential accidents and such a range of potential injuries, it is important to work with attorneys who are skilled and experienced in this area. Victims will likely find themselves struggling to receive compensation at all, let alone enough to cover the medical bills or loss of wages that resulted from the accident in question.

The Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas can help represent you if you have been injured in an MTA-related accident. This includes accidents that result from being directly injured while riding a bus, train or subway, and also from accidents including slips and falls on the stairs or platforms needed to access the aforementioned forms of transportation. We can help determine who was at fault in your case and work with you to make sure you recover the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident, you know how devastating and scary these accidents can be. Commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and box trucks can be incredibly destructive, especially given their immense weight and size.

Large trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds account for only 3% of all registered motor vehicles, but unfortunately account for 25% of all reported fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Did you know that a full-size commercial truck can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded with cargo? The average four door sedan vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. Just these massive differences in weight will make even a seemingly small fender-bender collision into something much worse. There is also a significant amount of physical evidence and debris after a large truck crashes, meaning the forensic process may be lengthy and complicated.

In addition to the 80,000 pound large truck weight limit, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also has regulations in place to limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can drive each day and week, mandates regular maintenance checks of the truck, rest periods between driving, limits on cargo weight loads, rules about driving in dangerous weather conditions. Some trucking companies attempt to break these rules to save time and money.

Truck drivers and trucking companies are regulated by both state and federal laws. Thoroughly knowledgeable about these regulations, Attorney Tzaneteas is able to fight on your behalf and hold the insurance company, the driver, and the commercial trucking company responsible to get you compensation for things such as medical bills and expenses, the costs of physical therapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, and even loss of career or earning capacity over your lifetime.

Commercial and large truck drivers are required to hold specific records and make reports throughout their drive, and our truck accident lawyers will be able to request access to these, along with evidence, debris, wreckage, dash cameras, and the Event Data Recorder (EDR) many trucks have installed.

It is not just a truck driver who could be liable for the accident. There could be several parties involved, such as:

• The owner of the truck
• Any truck and cargo loaders who transferred the cargo from a different truck to the one involved in the accident
• The owner of the trucking company
• The truck manufacturer
• The owner of the cargo in the truck
• The end location or store waiting for the cargo to be delivered
• Construction companies, if the accident was caused by debris or roadway obstruction as a result of construction.

Human error is the number one cause of motor vehicle collisions. Human error includes driving while tired, unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, or ignoring posted signs and signals. Mechanical or manufacturer issues such as bad brakes, broken axles, or defective parts can also cause a collision. Professional truck accident attorneys will be able to sift through paperwork and evidence to find out what specifically went wrong in your accident and how it could have been avoided. We are also able to use expert witnesses and accident reconstruction experts to get a complete understanding of the incident.

If you have been involved in a collision with one of these trucks, you must contact a New York City truck accident attorney right away. Trucking companies and drivers know the laws and will quickly move to protect themselves, as should you. The Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas is extremely experienced in NYC and Brooklyn truck accident cases and will work to protect you and your rights, navigate the legal claims involved, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Recent Cases We Won For Our Clients:

• Our client, a 58-year-old bus driver was hit head-on by the defendant. As a result of the accident, the client sustained injuries to the neck, lower back, shoulder, and knee. She went through four painful surgeries and was unable to return to work. She received $4,300,000 in compensation.
• Our client was riding in the passenger seat of a small car when the vehicle she was in was involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer. A jury awarded her $1,973,153 for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Our client was a 50-year-old Brooklyn man who was rear-ended, and as a direct result of the accident, sustained injuries to his lower back, hip, and knee. After treatment failed to improve his condition, he underwent a lower back fusion and hip surgery to repair ligaments and was able to resume his job later. The case settled for $1,953,102 after four days of testimony during the trial.
• Our client was rear-ended and awarded summary judgment as to liability. The accident caused our client to re-injure their low back from to a prior accident and then required a spinal decompression surgery to relieve disc pressure. Our client was awarded $1,750,000.
• Our client, a 65-year-old school teacher, was involved in an accident. As a result of the accident, she received treatment to her spine, which led to a surgery.  She was disabled and could not return to work. She was awarded $1,700,000 for her injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New York City and especially Brooklyn, you need a qualified and experienced truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal procedures for these types of cases. It can be a complex situation between federal and state trucking laws, insurance companies, truck driver employers, and even unions. Call the Law Firm of Nicholas Tzaneteas for a free consultation.