Box trucks are a common sight in Glens Falls. These are medium-sized trucks shaped like a cube or box. Most UPS or FedEx trucks are like this. The U.S. Postal Service also has many box trucks. Unlike tractor-trailers, which consist of a cab and trailer joined at a wheel, the box truck is one piece. Typically, the driver can get into the back without needing to step outside the truck.
Box trucks are dangerous and can easily injure other motorists or pedestrians. Because we see them zipping around town, anyone in downtown Glens Falls is at risk of a collision. Call Larson & Gallivan today after an accident. A Glens Falls truck accident lawyer will review the facts of the case and advise whether you can seek financial compensation for your accident.
Why Box Trucks Are Dangerous
In some ways, box trucks are more dangerous than semis or 18 wheelers. It’s true that semis are larger and heavier, with higher centers of gravity. But box trucks are still dangerous:
- The typical person will see more box trucks around town than semi-trucks. Box trucks drive around Glens Falls at all hours of the day to make deliveries to homes and businesses. Semi-trucks pull into town less frequently.
- Box trucks are still hard to maneuver. If you’ve ever driven a U-Haul, you know it’s like driving a different vehicle. Inexperienced delivery drivers can get into wrecks.
- Delivery drivers have tight deadlines. They are trying to finish up their shift so they can go home, and might tailgate, speed, run a red, or take other illegal maneuvers—all of which increase the chances of an accident.
- These are still heavy vehicles. Any collision can damage your car and cause significant bodily injuries.
- Cargo can come flying out the back of the truck and smash into cars or force them to swerve.
Always leave plenty of space between you and one of these trucks, if you can. As a pedestrian, never assume the driver of a box truck will stop for you. Look both ways, even if a traffic control signal tells you it’s safe to cross.
Box Truck Injuries
Pedestrians or motorists can suffer familiar injuries:
- Serious fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries, including severe whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Shoulder injuries
Victims often require immediate medical care and possibly surgery. They have major medical bills, in addition to property damage, such as necessary car repairs. Please receive medical care before picking up the phone and calling Larson & Gallivan Law to discuss a consultation.
Who is Responsible for Your Accident?
Our firm will perform an investigation and review evidence to assign fault for the accident. In New York truck accident cases, the following parties are usually to blame:
- Truck driver. He or she might be negligent. A tired, intoxicated, or distracted driver is a real risk. Other drivers cause accidents by failing to yield or by speeding or tailgating. Any dangerous maneuver could make the truck driver liable for your accident.
- Trucking company. In New York, an employer has vicarious liability whenever an employee negligently hurts someone on the job. But the company might also have independent liability for various reasons, such as a failure to supervise or negligent hiring. Delivery companies like Fed Ex should have large liability policies to pay compensation to injured victims.
- Mechanics. A defect on the truck might lead to a collision. For example, the brakes could completely fail because a mechanic failed to identify whether they were worn out.
It’s possible that you might also be partially to blame for the collision. New York recognizes comparative negligence, which applies even to truck accidents. UnderNew York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 1411, your own negligence will reduce your compensation. If you were 33% at fault, then you’ll receive 33% less than you otherwise would.
Let our firm jump in and review all evidence. Comparative negligence can dramatically reduce your settlement, so defendants usually fight aggressively to pin the accident on you. The defendant might claim you were jaywalking when their truck struck you, or they will allege you cut off the truck. We never accept these assertions at face value. Instead, we marshal the facts to show that you bear very little blame, if any.
What Should You Do After a Box Truck Accident?
Please remember to take the following steps:
- Call the police and report the accident. An officer should stop by the accident scene and create an accident report.
- Obtain information from the truck driver. Also share your name and, if you were driving, your license and insurance information.
- Document your accident. Note any odd behavior, such as the driver stumbling around or reeking of alcohol. Also take pictures of the vehicles and talk with any witnesses who stop.
- Seek medical treatment at the first opportunity. You should do everything possible to get well.
- Refuse to give a recorded statement to an insurance company or the trucking company. They might be digging for information to prove you bear some blame. It’s best to say nothing until you hire an attorney.
- Avoid accepting any settlement offer. The defendant might rush out with a settlement offer. You can be sure it’s not generous. Never accept an offer until you speak with a lawyer, who can negotiate to get more.
Following these steps gives you the best chance for obtaining compensation. The most critical step, however, is hiring an experienced attorney to represent you.
Call a Glens Falls Truck Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Accident
Victims are entitled to seek damages for all losses associated with a crash. We have negotiated settlements for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, along with car repairs. Delivery companies should pay for all financial losses when they put a dangerous truck on the road or their driver hits you. You deserve a fair settlement for your injuries. Give Larson & Gallivan Law a call today to begin the claims process. We never charge upfront legal fees to our truck accident clients.
