Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Syracuse? If someone else was to blame, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial and emotional burden of the consequences. You deserve compensation for what you’ve suffered, and the team at CDH Law PLLC wants to help you demand it.
The Dangers of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, delivery vans, and buses can weigh 20 times more than passenger vehicles. This significant difference in size and weight means those vehicles can cause serious damage when they collide with other road users. The force of the collision can result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and burns
These injuries not only cause immense pain and suffering but also lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a decreased quality of life. In the most tragic cases, families lose loved ones and face the overwhelming grief and financial strain that follows.
Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Many factors can contribute to a commercial vehicle accident, some of which may be attributable to the negligence of the driver, the trucking company, or other parties. These include:
- Driver fatigue: Commercial vehicle drivers often face pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading them to spend long hours behind the wheel. This can result in drowsy driving, slowed reaction times, and an increased risk of accidents.
- Distracted driving: Unfortunately, commercial vehicle drivers are not immune to the distractions posed by cell phones, GPS devices, and other activities that take their attention away from the road.
- Improperly secured cargo: Cargo that is not loaded or secured correctly can shift during transport, causing the vehicle to become unbalanced and increasing the likelihood of a rollover or other accidents.
- Inadequate maintenance: Truck owners bear the responsibility of adequately maintaining their vehicles. Neglecting this duty can result in equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which have the potential to cause catastrophic accidents.
When any of these factors contribute to an accident, the responsible parties must be held accountable for the harm they have caused.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
The aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident can be a daunting time, particularly if you’re facing severe injuries and financial setbacks. While the at-fault party’s insurance company could owe you compensation, it will likely try to get you to accept far less than you deserve—or perhaps even play hardball and deny your claim altogether.
At CDH Law PLLC, our skilled attorneys have extensive experience handling commercial vehicle accident cases. We understand what makes these cases challenging and know how to build solid and compelling claims for our clients. When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- A thorough investigation: We will conduct an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert analyses to support your claim. We will compel the trucking company to hand over critical information like employment records, maintenance reports, and data from the truck’s “black box” to identify what happened and who’s to blame.
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight tirelessly with the goal of securing a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses. We will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary to protect your rights.
- Compassionate support: Our team understands what you’re going through right now and will give you the empathy and guidance you need. We will keep you updated on the progress of your claim so that you are well-informed and empowered to make important decisions. At CDH Law PLLC, you’re not just a “client file”—you’re someone who needs our help and deserves our respect.
As military veterans, we understand the importance of service. That’s why we will not charge you a fee unless and until we win compensation on your behalf. We firmly believe that your ability to pay should not be a prerequisite for getting experienced legal help.
Damages in Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases
If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to damages to compensate you for your:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages if you have to miss work, including salary, tips, commission, benefits, and time off you had to use.
- Pain and suffering, accounting for the physical pain of your injuries and the emotional distress caused by the accident
- Property damage, including the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle
- Wrongful death, covering funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other associated losses caused by a fatal accident
Taking Action After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident, it’s vital to act swiftly to safeguard your rights and maintain your ability to pursue compensation. Here are several steps you should follow:
- Seek medical attention: Get checked out as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not manifest immediately yet could become life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
- Report the accident: Call the police and file an accident report. This document could serve as crucial evidence in your case.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other parties involved.
- Get in touch with an attorney: Reach out to an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Syracuse. They will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Syracuse & Central New York Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
At CDH Law PLLC, we are here to help you navigate the challenging aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident. Our attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to build a solid case on your behalf and fight for the justice you deserve. Take the first step towards justice by filling out our online contact form for a free consultation with our Syracuse commercial vehicle accident lawyers.
Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC represents medical malpractice victims in Syracuse, Central New York, and in the following towns and villages of Onondaga County: Camillus, Cicero, Clay, Dewitt, Elbridge, Geddes, Manlius, Marcellus, Onondaga, Salina, Skaneateles, Baldwinsville, East Syracuse, Fayetteville, Jefferson County, Liverpool, North Syracuse, and Solvay.