We see commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, and large vans everywhere in New York. We see them on our way to work; we get caught behind them in traffic. And while they present little more than a slight annoyance on most days, the fact is that these vehicles have the potential to cause catastrophic damage if they are involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, people often do not realize just how dangerous these vehicles can be until it is too late. But the fact is that commercial vehicle accidents are often devastating for the following reasons.
- The size and weight of commercial vehicles make them especially dangerous in a crash. Commercial vehicles are heavy and large, making them difficult to operate and slow to respond to quickly changing road conditions. They are often much larger than the other vehicles around them. Because of all these factors, crashes with commercial vehicles can involve high speeds, more force, and more widespread damage.
- It is often the people in other vehicles who experience the most damage. In a crash between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the smaller car will likely sustain the most damage. And the people inside the car are more likely to suffer injuries. A recent accident proved to be a tragic reminder of this, as three occupants of a car suffered serious or fatal injuries in an accident while the truck driver was unharmed.
- They can happen on any road. Tractor-trailer accidents may be more likely to occur on interstates and highways, but commercial vehicle crashes can happen anywhere. A bus accident can happen on a rural road; a collision with a waste removal truck can happen right outside our door.
- Determining liability can be more complicated than people expect. Unlike passenger vehicles, there can be numerous parties involved in the operation of a commercial vehicle. Operators, owners, loaders, employers, and others can all carry some responsibility for these buses, trucks, and vans.
Because of the extensive damage and complexity involved in commercial vehicle accidents, it can be challenging for victims to recoup the money damages they truly need to move on. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a large truck or other commercial vehicle, contact Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., for a free, confidential consultation. We can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
