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Have You Been Injured In An Albany Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

Commercial vehicle drivers must meet the same standard of care as any other driver on the streets and highways of Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and other areas of New York. They must follow the rules of the road and refrain from negligent and reckless conduct that can lead to auto accidents such as speeding, drunk driving, and texting while driving.

However, commercial vehicle drivers and the companies who employ them must also meet additional standards that are established by state, local and federal laws. These standards are designed to protect others just like you.

If a commercial vehicle driver or company acted negligently or violated one of these laws, and you or a loved one was harmed as a result, you may have the right to seek compensation. Contact Powers & Santola, LLP, today to learn more. Our commercial vehicle injury lawyers are ready to put their decades of combined experience to work for you.

We Handle All Types of
Commercial Trucks Accident Cases in Albany

Any vehicle that is used to transport either cargo or passengers for a fee can be considered a “commercial vehicle.” Our law firm has the skill, experience, and resources to handle all types of accidents involving these vehicles, including:

Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers or semis)
Dump trucks
Delivery trucks
Moving trucks or vans
Taxi cabs and ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft
Buses

We understand the many rules and regulations that commercial drivers and their companies must comply with in order to be on the road. These regulations cover many areas such as:

Pre-hiring screening of drivers such as criminal and driving record checks
Driver training and supervision, including drug and alcohol tests
Special driver’s license and certification requirements
Specific vehicle and equipment requirements
Limits on how many hours drivers can work during specific time periods
Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements
Cargo loading and security
Maintaining logbooks and other company records
Use of cell phones and other devices behind the wheel.

For example, the City of Albany has a set of rules that govern the operation of taxis. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extensive regulations that govern interstate trucking.

These different regulations establish standards of conduct for commercial vehicle drivers and their employers. When they fail to live up to those standards, and others suffer injury or death as a result, it can provide the basis for a lawsuit that seeks compensation beyond what no-fault insurance coverage provides.

In this sense, a crash involving a commercial vehicle driver is different than other types of car accidents. This is why it is important to work with a lawyer who understands the commercial vehicle rules and regulations that may apply to your case.[/toggle]

We Hold Albany
Commercial Vehicle Companies Accountable

When a trucking accident is caused by a commercial vehicle driver, liability often extends beyond the driver. The company that employed the driver may also be liable. There are two reasons why:

Vicarious liability – If the driver was acting within the course and scope of his or her employment at the time of the crash, the employer can (and should) be held liable for any harm the driver’s negligence causes. For example, if a truck driver was speeding to make a delivery deadline and crashed into you, the trucking company may be held responsible for any damages you suffer that are not covered by no-fault insurance (such as pain and suffering). This is also referred to as the “law of agency.”
Company negligence – In some cases, the company’s own negligence may be a significant factor in a truck crash. For example, let’s say you are injured in a crash that occurred because a taxi’s brakes failed. The cab company could be held responsible for failing to inspect and maintain its fleet, which allowed the dangerous vehicle to be on the road.

It’s important to note that commercial vehicles in New York State typically must carry higher levels of liability insurance than what is required for other vehicles.

It is important to get help from a law firm that will thoroughly investigate all forms of available insurance that can pay for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. In some cases, you may need to turn to your own uninsured motorist / underinsured motorist (UM / UIM) coverage to help pay for your losses.

At Powers & Santola, LLP, our Rochester, Syracuse and Albany car accident accident attorneys will use all of the resources and experts at our disposal to help determine which party or parties should be held responsible for the harm you or a loved one has suffered in a commercial vehicle accident. We will aggressively seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Albany Commercial
Vehicle Accidents Attorneys Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a crash that involved a commercial vehicle in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, or elsewhere in New York, get legal help right away. It is especially important to launch an investigation into a commercial vehicle as quickly as possible so that important evidence is not lost or destroyed.

Get in touch with Powers & Santola, LLP, today. Call or contact us online. We can provide a free, in-depth consultation about your case.

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When someone injures you, your life gets turned upside down. Suddenly, you may face a ton of medical bills. You may be unable to work or help out around the home. Others may need to care for you around the clock. Nothing is the same.

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