State and Federal Trucking Regulations in NY

Commercial truck accidents in Queens, New York frequently cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. The vehicle weight and size of commercial motor vehicles can be dangerous weapons when they strike other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Therefore, the trucking industry is governed by state and federal regulations. 

At Oresky & Associates, PLLC, our Queens truck accident lawyers have over 30 years of legal experience handling personal injury claims. We have recovered over $400 million in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. 

If you were injured in a truck accident, contact our New York truck accident lawyers for a free consultation at (718) 993-9999. Let us help you get the money you deserve for truck collision injuries and damages. 

How Our Queens Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You After a Semi-Truck Accident

Since 1992, our legal team has fought to hold negligent trucking companies and truck drivers liable for damages caused by tractor-trailer accidents. We have considerable skills, resources, and knowledge that allows us to pursue complex truck accident claims.

When you hire our award-winning lawyers at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, you can expect us to:

• Investigate the truck accident to determine who is responsible for causing the collision
• Determine if violations of state and federal trucking regulations contributed to the cause of the truck crash
• Gather evidence from the accident scene, the semi-truck, witnesses, accident reports, the truck’s black box, and other sources
• Identify each party who contributed to the cause of the crash
• File insurance claims and monitor the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit 
• Document your damages, including working with medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries and impairments
• Hire expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists
• Fight allegations of failure to mitigate damages and comparative fault
• Calculate the value of your damages and fight to get you that amount 
• Prepare and file a lawsuit if the other party refuses to negotiate a fair settlement amount

Contact our law office for a free consultation with one of our Queens personal injury lawyers. We are here to help you when you need sound legal advice, support, and guidance as you continue to get your life back after a truck accident.

Regulations Governing the Trucking Industry in Queens, NY

New York has adopted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. There are some exceptions for commercial motor vehicles that operate only in New York State. Sections of the New York State Transportation Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, and Environmental Conservation Law may also apply to commercial trucks.

State and federal trucking regulations help reduce truck accidents by requiring operators to follow specific safety procedures. 

Commercial vehicles subject to the trucking regulations include, but are not limited to:

• Semi-trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Big rigs
• Tractor-trailers
• Dump trucks
• Tanker trucks

Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for understanding and following the federal and state regulations for commercial trucks. 

Parties who fail to obey trucking regulations breach the duty of care owed to other drivers and individuals using the road. That breach of duty can result in liability for economic and non-economic damages caused by a truck crash.

Examples of State and Federal Trucking Regulations That Help Reduce the Risk of Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks traveling through Queens and other parts of New York City must follow specific rules and regulations. 

Examples of rules and regulations include:

• Truck routes
• Driving lanes
• Parkway restrictions
• Rules for parking
• Restrictions on driving hours
• Limitations on the size and weight of trucks
• Rules for stopping and standing still
• Cross-over mirrors
• Regulations for truck emissions
• Loading and unloading zones

In addition, truck drivers must follow all traffic laws and practice good driving behaviors. Therefore, they should avoid speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, tailgating, and drowsy driving.

Common Injuries Caused by Queens Truck Accidents

When a truck hits a pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle, the truck accident victim can sustain severe injuries. 

Common injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations and loss of limbs
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Severe burns and scarring
• Disfigurement 
• Crushing injuries

Accident victims may sustain permanent impairments and disabilities. If so, they could be entitled to compensation for ongoing medical treatment, diminished earning potential, and other future damages. 

In addition to financial losses and pain and suffering damages, you could be entitled to punitive damages. These damages do not compensate you for your losses. Instead, they punish the truck driver and other parties for their conduct. 

Punitive damages are only awarded in a few personal injury cases. Our lawyers will evaluate your case to determine if punitive damages are justified. If so, we will pursue those damages along with all other damages. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Queens Truck Accident Lawyers

Have you been injured in a truck accident? If so, contact our law office for a free consultation with one of our experienced New York truck accident attorneys.