TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Albany Truck Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving 18-wheelers or commercial trucks are different from accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Truck accidents in Albany, New York, often result in serious injuries and extensive property damage due to the significant size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial.

There’s a lot more involved. The truck driver isn’t the only one who may be liable. There are federal regulations to consider alongside state laws. The mechanics involved in the truck, too, are quite different and may be relevant, making truck accident cases more complex.

The problem is this: an insurance company may not settle for what’s fair. You may need to file a personal injury claim. At D’Orazio Peterson, our truck accident attorney in Saratoga County can help you file a strong, well-documented claim while advocating your rights and representing your best interests. Contact us today either online or at 518-308-8339 to learn more.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Albany

Several factors frequently contribute to truck accidents in the Albany area. Some of the most common include:

• Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion and slower reaction times. Despite regulations limiting driving hours, some drivers exceed these limits, increasing accident risks.
• Distracted Driving – Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting in-cab devices take the driver’s attention away from the road, leading to potential collisions.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, and even certain prescription medications can impair judgment and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance – Failure to perform regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, causing serious accidents.
• Improper Loading – Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can make a truck unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or loss of control.

Not all truck accidents are caused by the truck driver or an issue with the truck. Other causes may include environmental conditions, poor road design, or another driver’s error. In the end, there may be several causes that lead up to the accident, which again makes these cases more complex than other types of auto accidents.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

No matter how it is caused, a truck crash often leads to severe injuries for the people in the passenger vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides annual statistics, and year after year, it’s been documented that more than 80 percent of those who die from bodily injuries sustained in a truck accident are occupants of the other vehicle (or pedestrians or bicyclists). Only rarely is the truck driver or a passenger of the truck killed, and that’s in part because the sheer size and weight of the truck is to their advantage. 

Though fatalities often result from semi-truck collisions, there are other serious injuries that can have life-changing effects on the victim. These injuries include:  

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – May lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones – High-impact crashes often cause multiple fractures, requiring extensive treatment.
• Internal Injuries – Organ damage may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries – Can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.

In some cases, certain injuries can lead to additional compensation. For example, if you are left scarred or unable to work, you deserve more than someone who will fully recover.  

WHY FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM FOR A TRUCK ACCIDENT IN SARATOGA COUNTY?

Truck accidents are complex cases. Injuries sustained from them are often severe, and, as such, are extremely costly. Insurance companies may be happy to settle, but the offer will likely not reflect what’s fair and just. 

When insurance companies make an initial settlement offer, their first goal is to protect their own bottom line – not help the victim recover. They will try to cut costs by not thoroughly investigating the accident. This means the insurer may not uncover all the underlying causes and potential liable parties (e.g., truck driver, trucking company, loaders, mechanics, etc.). Insurance companies will also try to get away with not paying for future medical bills, future lost wages, loss of earned income, and other expenses that you may not be aware of but which the law allows you to recover. 

By filing a personal injury claim, victims can pursue the compensation that they really deserve. 

Timing of the personal injury claim, however, is critical. There are deadlines you must meet in order to recover. If you miss certain deadlines, like those imposed by statutes of limitations, then you may not be able to recover anything. It is important to know the laws specific to your jurisdiction, thus, the reason why it is so very critical to your personal injury case to speak to a truck accident lawyer today.

CONTACT A TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN NY TODAY

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Albany, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

📞 Phone: (518) 308-8339
Schedule a free consultation today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.