Truck accidents are a leading cause of death on New York roads. Nationwide, nearly 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2020, 33% more than in 2011, according to the National Safety Council.
Pickup trucks can be especially dangerous to pedestrians and occupants of small cars. In fact, the growth and design changes in pickup trucks over the past 20 years may be contributing to the deadliness of truck-car accidents, according to some reports.
Many of today’s pickup trucks have higher hoods, bigger blind spots, and more heft than ever before. Some pickups today weigh more than 4,000 pounds, according to consumerreports.org. That’s twice the weight of a Clydesdale horse.
Are Pickup Trucks Safer in Crashes?
According to Consumer Reports, the hood height of passenger trucks has increased by 11% since 2000. Pickups grew 24% heavier between 2000 to 2018. A growing body of research shows that the increasing size of pickup trucks may be leading to deadly crashes, especially in collisions with pedestrians, bicycles, or smaller vehicles.
But being inside rather than outside a pickup truck doesn’t guarantee one’s safety. Pickups sometimes have fewer standard safety features than cars and SUV. Pickups are more likely to lack automatic emergency-braking systems with pedestrian detection and blind-spot warnings, according to some sources.
Some Things to Consider After a Pickup Truck Accident
Things can get hectic and stressful after a pickup truck accident that causes personal injuries. After receiving medical attention, a successful claim for pain and suffering will be subject to critical time deadlines. It is important to identify all potentially liable parties and put their insurance carriers on notice. An experienced New York personal injury attorney can help with this process by, for example and among other things, conducting discovery to preserve important evidence. Things can sometimes get confusing after a car accident in New York because it is a “no-fault” state, meaning that in most cases certain limited medical expenses and lost wages will be paid by the applicable no-fault insurance carrier, and a claim for pain and suffering through the at-fault motorist’s insurer may require proof of a “serious injury.”
Contact a New York Pickup Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a pickup truck accident and are looking for help in making a claim for pain and suffering, contact William Mattar P.C. today. Our experienced truck accident lawyers advocate on behalf of injury victims to help them get their lives back after suffering a significant injury. Schedule a free initial consultation by submitting our online consultation form or giving us a call, at 844-noswap444-4444.