Commercial carriers in our state are required to adhere to strict New York truck driving rules and regulations to ensure the safety of their operations. Companies that fail to meet these standards are typically shut down. In fact, 70 trucking companies in Western New York have been cited for safety violations in the past year. But companies are renaming themselves using the same trucks and drivers—or becoming what’s known as “chameleon carriers.” This practice is extremely unsafe and can lead to New York truck accidents. State legislators have identified the loopholes that allow this practice to occur and are working to close gaps in the law. According to an article from The Buffalo News, one New York Law maker is calling for the individual safety records of each driver to be included in the screening process for authority approval of new trucking companies in the state. The move would help keep drivers and companies with poor safety records off of our state’s highways. While the truck accident lawyers here at William Mattar Law Offices applaud these efforts, we realize unsafe companies may continue to operate. Here's what to do if you're involved in a truck accident:
- Get Medical Attention- If you’ve been hurt, the most important thing to do is get the care you need.
- File a Report- Doing so will help document the accident for official records.
- Collect Evidence- This includes the police report from the accident as well as pictures and statements from witnesses of the crash.
- Speak With an Attorney- Before talking to an insurance adjustor or accepting a settlement offer, it’s wise to discuss your legal rights with a lawyer. Our team is available to speak with you about your case anytime—just call (844) 444 - 4444.