Albany Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Albany Truck Accident Lawyers

At William Mattar Law Offices, our Albany truck accident lawyers understand that dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can feel like a burden in many ways. That's why our compassionate team of experienced Albany truck accident lawyers are here to support you every step of the way.

We understand that reaching out for help can be difficult, which is why our truck accident lawyers are on standby, ready to take your call. Remember, you don't have to face this challenging time alone.

Let our caring and experienced legal team help you recover the fair compensation you need, so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

How Can an Albany Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?

If you’ve suffered an accident injury, a truck accident lawyer can assist you in many ways. He or she can guide you through every step of the legal process to help ensure you receive the best outcome for your case.

An Albany truck crash attorney can:

• Investigate your case: A truck accident attorney can begin investigating your case right away to determine how your accident occurred. Evidence, such as driver and trucking company information, will be critical to an accident claim and can help establish liability. For instance, your attorney can help determine if the company or driver violated any rules or regulations contributing to the collision.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Multiple insurance companies may be involved in your particular case, including the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. Your truck accident lawyer can negotiate with these companies and review your insurance policy to find sources of compensation for your injury-related expenses.
• Meet applicable legal deadlines: There are many legal documents involved in a truck accident case, and your accident attorney can help make sure all deadlines are met. Of course, your accident attorney will also assist you with filing your claim or lawsuit to receive the compensation you need.
• Help you obtain compensation: William Mattar attorneys will work tirelessly to get you a fair and just settlement if a negligent truck driver has injured you. Compensation amounts are based on several factors, including lost wages, medical treatment, and severity of injuries.

At William Mattar law offices, we offer initial confidential consultations at no cost to you. Schedule your free case consultation today to learn more about how our truck accident attorneys can help you during this difficult time.

What to Do the Day After an Albany Truck Accident

The day after a truck accident in Albany, you may be dealing with a range of emotions, pain, and uncertainty about what to do next.

While the immediate aftermath of the accident is crucial, the steps you take in the following days can also have a significant impact on your health and legal rights. Here's what you should consider doing the day after your truck accident:

Follow Up with Medical Care

If you didn't receive medical attention at the scene or visit a doctor immediately after the accident, make an appointment to get checked out as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and prompt medical care is essential for both your health and your legal claim.

Contact an Albany Truck Accident Attorney

If you haven't already, reach out to a skilled Albany truck accident lawyer to discuss your case. They can advise you on your legal options, help you deal with insurance companies, and start gathering evidence to support your claim. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better they can protect your rights.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

If you didn't notify your auto insurance provider on the day of the accident, do so as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash.

Document Your Injuries and Recovery

Start a journal or log to keep track of your symptoms, medical appointments, treatments, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life. This information can be valuable evidence for your legal claim.

Keep Track of Expenses

Begin saving all accident-related bills and receipts, including medical bills, prescription costs, vehicle repair estimates, and any other expenses you incur due to the accident. Your Albany truck accident attorney will use this information to calculate your damages.

Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters

If the truck driver's or trucking company's insurance provider contacts you, politely decline to give a recorded statement or discuss the details of the accident. Instead, refer them to your Albany truck accident attorney, who can handle these conversations on your behalf.

Be Cautious on Social Media

Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media platforms. Insurance companies may monitor your online activity, and any inconsistencies or posts that downplay your injuries could be used to undermine your claim.

Take Time to Rest and Recover

Focus on following your doctor's instructions and giving yourself time to heal. Avoid pushing yourself too hard or returning to work or activities before you're ready, as this could worsen your injuries and complicate your recovery.

Remember, the day after a truck accident can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate this process alone. The dedicated truck accident attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices are here to support you every step of the way and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you protect your health and your legal rights.

Trucking Industry Laws and Your Rights

In addition to regular traffic laws, truckers and the trucking industry must adhere to a comprehensive list of particular laws and regulations referred to as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Trucking companies are also required to maintain insurance minimums to cover damages caused by their truck drivers during accidents, whether solitary or involving other vehicles.

Trucking companies are expected to maintain their trucks and keep them in safe operating conditions. Failure to inspect and repair faulty tires, brakes, and other components can put drivers and pedestrians at risk. It can also make the trucking company responsible for any accident resulting from a mechanical failure.

Whether you were the victim of a fatigued or reckless truck driver or suffered injuries due to an unsafe truck losing control, you are entitled to compensation. A truck accident lawyer at our firm is ready to take your call to discuss your case today.

Statute of Limitations for Albany Truck Accident Claims

If you've been injured in a truck accident in Albany, it's crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is the legal time limit within which you must initiate a lawsuit, or you risk losing your right to seek compensation for your damages.

In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those arising from truck accidents, is three years from the date of the accident (NY CPLR § 214).

This means that you have three years from the day of your truck accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, whether that's the truck driver, trucking company, or another negligent entity.

While three years may seem like ample time, it's essential to take swift legal action for several reasons:

1. Evidence Preservation: Over time, crucial evidence such as witness memories, vehicle damage, and road conditions can disappear or degrade. The sooner you involve an attorney, the more effectively they can gather and preserve evidence to support your claim.
2. Timely Investigation: Truck accident cases often involve complex issues of liability and multiple potentially responsible parties. Starting the legal process early allows your attorney to conduct a thorough investigation while the evidence is still fresh and accessible.
3. Insurance Negotiations: In many cases, truck accident victims can recover compensation through out-of-court settlements with insurance companies. However, insurers are more likely to take your claim seriously and offer a fair settlement if they know you're prepared to file a lawsuit if necessary.
4. Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck accident can be stressful and overwhelming. By taking prompt legal action, you can focus on your recovery with the peace of mind that your claim is being handled by a professional and within the required timeframe.

It's important to note that while the three-year statute of limitations applies to most truck accident injury claims in Albany, there are some exceptions. For example, if the at-fault party is a government entity, you may need to file a notice of claim within a much shorter time frame (often 90 days) before proceeding with a lawsuit.

Our knowledgeable legal team at William Mattar Law Offices can evaluate your case, inform you of the applicable time limits, and guide you through the process of pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Albany

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more common than others. In the Albany area, several factors frequently contribute to serious commercial trucking accidents:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may skimp on sleep to meet tight delivery deadlines. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, slowing reaction times and increasing the risk of nodding off behind the wheel. Hours of service violations are a leading cause of fatigue-related truck crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Like any other motorist, truck drivers can get distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, eating, or other activities that take their attention off the road. However, due to the size and weight of their vehicles, a moment of distraction can more easily turn deadly in a truck.
• Speeding: Trucks require greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles, especially when fully loaded. Excessive speed makes it harder to slow down or maneuver safely to avoid a crash. Truck drivers may resort to speeding to make up time or due to insufficient training on the handling of their vehicles.
• Improper Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can shift during transport, throwing off a truck's center of gravity and leading to rollovers or spillage. Overloading can also cause tire blowouts or mechanical failures. Negligent loading practices put truckers and other motorists at risk.
• Mechanical Issues: Trucks need to be regularly inspected and maintained to operate safely. Worn tires, faulty brakes, broken lights, and other equipment problems can contribute to a loss of control or reduced visibility. Trucking companies may be liable for accidents resulting from negligent maintenance.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, erratic lane changes, or running red lights are hazardous for any vehicle but especially for large trucks with limited maneuverability. Truckers may resort to reckless driving tactics due to inexperience, pressure to meet deadlines, road rage, or substance abuse.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Albany caused by any of the above factors or another driver's negligence, you need an experienced Albany truck accident lawyer on your side.

The dedicated truck accident lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your crash to determine liability and fight for the compensation you need.

Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries Sustained in Albany

Due to the big size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in more severe injuries compared to typical car crashes.

Some of the most common types of injuries sustained by victims of Albany truck accidents include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The violent impact of a truck collision can cause the brain to smash against the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or more severe TBIs. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, mood changes, and long-term disability. The average lifetime cost of treating a severe TBI can exceed $3 million.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord from a truck accident can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent impairments. Victims may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. The average yearly expenses for a spinal cord injury can range from $45,000 to over $1 million, depending on severity.
3. Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident can easily shatter bones, particularly in the limbs, ribs, and pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgery, extended immobilization, and physical therapy. Treatment costs for a broken bone can vary widely but may reach tens of thousands of dollars or more in severe cases.
4. Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or ruptures that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery. The average cost of treating severe internal injuries can easily surpass $100,000.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in truck accidents. While some soft tissue injuries heal with conservative treatment, others may cause chronic pain and impairment. Costs can range from a few thousand to over $50,000, depending on the extent and duration of treatment needed.
6. Crush Injuries: If a victim is pinned or trapped by a truck's weight, they may suffer crush injuries to limbs or the torso. These injuries can damage muscles, nerves, and organs, sometimes requiring amputation. The lifetime cost of an amputation can exceed $500,000.
7. Severe Burns: If a truck accident results in a fire or explosion, victims may suffer painful and disfiguring burns. Severe burns often require extensive medical treatment, skin grafts, and ongoing care. The average cost of treating a severe burn can range from $200,000 to over $1 million.

These figures demonstrate the substantial financial burden a serious injury can impose, including medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care needs. However, it's important to remember that each case is unique, and individual costs can vary significantly based on factors such as age, health, and the specific circumstances of the accident.

Hurt in an Albany Commercial Truck Accident? Call William Mattar Law Offices for a Free Consultation

It is not always possible to avoid an accident involving a truck in Albany. When a crash happens, a truck accident attorney at William Mattar will fight for your rights and help ensure you get the compensation you need. Call our truck accident lawyers at 844-noswap444-4444 today to schedule a free initial consultation.