Truck accidents are among the leading causes of death on New York roads. Nationwide, nearly 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal road crashes in 2020, according to the National Safety Council. That was a 4% decrease from 2019 and a 33% increase since 2011.
Then there’s the matter of pickup trucks, which, according to consumerreports.org, have steadily grown in size and now often have tall hoods, large blind spots, less-forgiving designs and can weigh more than 4,000 pounds. Pickups can be dangerous to riders of smaller cars. In addition, some larger trucks don’t come with important safety features.
Consequently, wrongful deaths can occur when truck operators act negligently. In New York, wrongful death victims may be entitled to compensation. The process can get complicated. The experienced New York wrongful-death truck accident lawyers at William Mattar P.C. can help.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York
Wrongful-death truck accidents occur for various reasons, some of which potentially being the truck driver’s fault.
Common causes of truck accidents in New York can include:
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Poor cargo loading
If any of these factors or driving behaviors caused or contribute to a wrongful death on New York roads, survivors of the victim or victims may be entitled to compensation.
Why Hire a Wrongful-Death Truck Accident Lawyer in New York?
Navigating wrongful-death cases in New York can be complicated, draining, and time-consuming. An experienced wrongful-death attorney can:
Provide Legal Guidance
The steps you take after losing a loved one can play a crucial role in the success of any a wrongful death claim. An experienced wrongful-death lawyer can guide you through the process, from start to finish.
Investigate Your Case
A successful wrongful death claim requires some evidence that the other party was liable. New York wrongful-death lawyers can investigate the case, gather necessary evidence, and file the claim before the applicable New York statute of limitations.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Some insurance companies might contest the claim or offer to pay less-than adequate compensation. Experienced wrongful-death truck accident lawyers can negotiate with the insurer for more favorable compensation.
Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Wrongful-Death Claim
A wrongful death action can be commenced against the liable party or parties by a “personal representative of a decedent,” which the Estates, Powers & Trusts Law defines as “a person who has received letters to administer the estate of a decedent.”
This personal representative will have received from a court either “letters of administration” (if the decedent died without a will) or “letters testamentary” (if the decedent died with a will).
When bringing a claim, the personal representative will need to prove all of the elements of a wrongful death cause of action.
For instance, there must be some wrongful act that resulted in the death of a loved one. Additionally, you'll need to prove recoverable damages, which can include pecuniary losses like lost income. A separate claim can also be made for conscious pain and suffering and preimpact terror that was endured before death.
Contact New York Wrongful Death Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At William Mattar P.C., we can understand the pain associated with the wrongful death of a loved one. That's why we are ready to help wrongful death victims file a lawsuit and achieve maximum compensation. Contact us today. Call (844) 444 - 4444 today.