Rochester Truck Accident Attorneys

Rochester, with its network of highways, busy interstates, and commercial traffic, sees a significant number of truck accidents each year. Heavily traveled roadways such as I-490, I-390, and Route 104 are common locations for collisions involving large commercial trucks. Congested intersections, including those near Monroe Avenue, West Ridge Road, and Lyell Avenue, also pose high risks for truck-related crashes. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these massive vehicles often lead to catastrophic injuries and, in many cases, are fatal. If you or a loved one were involved in a trucking accident, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your potential claims. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Rochester truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of cases involving commercial truck collisions, and if we represent you, we will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable outcome. We frequently represent victims injured in truck crashes throughout Rochester as well as in Syracuse and Upstate New York.

After a truck accident, obtaining a police accident report is crucial for building a strong legal case. In Rochester, truck accident reports can be obtained through the local police department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, or the New York State DMV. The report contains critical details like the time, location, and circumstances of the accident, as well as statements from the involved parties and witnesses. It may also include the responding officer’s assessment of who was at fault. This document is particularly valuable in truck accident cases, as it can provide evidence of negligence by the truck driver or trucking company.

Rochester truck accident attorneys can help obtain reports and use them as part of a thorough investigation into the accident. The information within the report may highlight violations of federal trucking regulations, such as hours-of-service infractions or improper vehicle maintenance, which can be key to proving liability. Without an official report, it can be more difficult to demonstrate the cause of the accident and who should be held responsible.

Truck accidents differ from regular car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with passenger vehicles particularly devastating. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, and permanent disabilities. In many cases, these injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Federal trucking regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establish rules that trucking companies and drivers must follow to prevent accidents. These include restrictions on the number of hours a driver can be on the road, mandatory rest breaks, truck maintenance requirements, and guidelines for securing cargo. Unfortunately, violations of these regulations are common, leading to driver fatigue, mechanical failures, and improperly loaded trucks. When trucking companies and drivers disregard these rules, innocent motorists pay the price.

Victims of truck accidents in Rochester have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. To establish liability, the injured party generally must prove that the truck driver, trucking company, or another responsible party acted negligently.

To establish negligence, a plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty. In a trucking accident case, the duty owed may be to act with reasonable care under the circumstance, or it may arise out of federal trucking regulations or another law. The plaintiff then must show that the defendant breached the duty owed and that the breach caused the accident and the victim’s subsequent injuries.

One of the key aspects of truck accident lawsuits is determining who can be held liable. In many cases, the truck driver may be responsible for the accident, particularly if they were speeding, driving while fatigued, or operating the truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, trucking companies can also be held accountable for their role in the crash. Employers may be liable for failing to properly train drivers, encouraging drivers to exceed legal driving hours, or neglecting to maintain their fleet in safe working conditions.

In some cases, third parties, such as truck manufacturers or cargo-loading companies, may also bear responsibility. For example, if a defective truck part caused the accident or the cargo was improperly secured, these entities could be held legally accountable. A thorough investigation conducted by a Rochester truck accident attorney can uncover all potentially liable parties and help victims pursue the maximum compensation available.

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, future medical costs, and rehabilitation expenses. Non-economic damages compensate victims for the pain and suffering they endured as a result of the crash. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disabilities.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident, you should talk to an attorney about your options. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our capable Rochester truck accident attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families, and if you engage our services, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. We have an office in Syracuse, and we represent clients throughout Rochester, Syracuse, and Upstate New York. To discuss your case in a free and confidential consultation, contact us today through our online form or call 833-200-2000.