I-287 reopens after tractor-trailer rollover cleared
Our New York truck accident lawyers know that commercial truck and big rig accidents on New York's highways are frequent occurrences. The latest of these truck accidents occurred on March 5, 2021, when a tractor-trailer rollover snarled traffic as all eastbound lanes of I-287 in Harrison were closed. The crash happened just before 4 a.m. at Exit 9 for the Hutchinson River Parkway, in Westchester County. Traffic for much of the morning commute was diverted off at Exit 9A, near Harrison. A crane had to be brought in to get the truck upright, and the lanes reopened shortly after 7 a.m. Our New York truck accident lawyers know that tractor-trailer and big rig accidents such as roll overs and jack knives do not happen without negligence. If you suffered personal injuries because of the negligence of a trucking company or a truck driver, you can sue for compensation for your personal injuries. Negligence, which is another word for careless and our New York truck accident lawyers have decades of experience in fighting for people who were injured in truck accidents, as well as for the families of those who lost loved ones in truck accident fatalities. Our New York truck accident lawyers have extensive experience in proving that the truck company and driver were negligent, and that they were responsible for the accident. Our lawyers frequently work with experts to make sure we win the case.
Truck accidents such as big rig rollovers and tractor trailer jack knives do not just occur without negligence. While the most frequent causes are operator negligence in driving the truck too fast, failing to switch to a lower gear before encountering a curve or a downward slope, the loading of the truck is also a factor. The speed at which a truck can be safely driven depends on part of the weight and type of load which it is carrying, as well as how it is stored. If a load is not equally distributed or is heavy on one side, that can cause the truck to roll over, and this risk is increased at higher speeds and when the truck navigates a turn. Likewise, when there is liquid cargo, when it moves from one side to another, that can affect the center of gravity and cause a roll over. Obviously, when liquid cargo is hauled, sudden changes in direction, as well as forward motion caused by sudden braking can affect the forces placed upon the truck and cause a roll over or jack knife.
Our New York truck accident lawyers know that federal regulations are in place to prevent certain classes of truck accidents, such as accidents because of unqualified drivers, as well as inattentive drivers. Federal laws govern interstate commerce, including the conduct of most tractor-trailer and big-rig drivers. These laws, which are known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act dictate driving procedures such as possession of a commercial driver's license, and prevention of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In addition, federal laws regulate the amount of hours a driver can take to the road in an effort to curb driver fatigue. These regulations also help truck accident lawyers in proving when drugs or alcohol played a role in causing a truck crash because these regulations require that truck drivers be tested for alcohol and drugs, immediately following an accident involving personal injuries or a fatality.
Both New York and federal laws require that trucking companies carry large amounts of insurance to cover property damage and hazardous materials carriage. New York laws also regulate the amount of time in which victims (or the families of deceased victims) can file for compensation under New York Personal Injury laws.
Victims have a three-year statute of limitations (two years in wrongful death claims) to file their truck accident personal injury lawsuit. If you suffered personal injuries in a truck accident or if your loved one suffered a truck accident fatality, call our New York truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.