Truck Accidents

Highly Experienced Nassau County Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Clients Throughout Long Island

Truck accidents are a frightening reality on the busy roads of Nassau County—and across Long Island. When a massive commercial vehicle weighing tens of thousands of pounds collides with a much smaller car, the results can be devastating for everyone involved. From highways like the Long Island Expressway to local roads like Hempstead Turnpike, trucks are a common sight — and so are the risks they bring. Whether it’s a simple delivery truck or a massive 18-wheeler, these vehicles pose unique dangers to everyday drivers. If you’ve been in a truck accident, you know firsthand how quickly things can go wrong and how serious the aftermath can be. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we have extensive experience handling Nassau County truck accident cases, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Trucks Pose a Serious Risk to Long Island Drivers

The large commercial trucks that travel through Nassau County and Long Island highways pose a major risk to other drivers. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it far more difficult to stop and maneuver than cars, SUVs, and even smaller trucks. When accidents do happen, the injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are often catastrophic.

Long Island’s highways, such as the Long Island Expressway (LIE) and the Southern State Parkway, are common sites for serious truck accidents. Areas such as Route 25 and Sunrise Highway are known for heavy truck traffic, and their narrow lanes and congested conditions increase the likelihood of crashes. Additionally, trucks on local roads, such as Hempstead Turnpike, further add to the dangers faced by everyday drivers.

Common Causes of Nassau County Truck Accidents

While a truck accident can happen for many different reasons, in our experience as veteran Nassau County truck accident lawyers, some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigue is a common issue. Federal regulations limit how long truckers can drive without rest, but violations of these rules still occur. Fatigued drivers are more prone to making dangerous mistakes, such as failing to brake in time or losing control of their vehicle.
• Speeding: Many truck drivers feel pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading them to drive at unsafe speeds. Given the size and weight of trucks, speeding can have deadly consequences, especially on Long Island’s crowded roads.
• Distracted Driving: Like other drivers, truckers can be distracted by smartphones, GPS systems, and other technology in their vehicles. Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause a serious accident.
• Improper Loading: When a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control. Improperly loaded trucks also increase the risk of rollovers and jackknifing.
• Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance, defective parts, and brake failures can contribute to accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in safe operating condition, but these maintenance requirements are not always followed.

Liability in Trucking Accident Cases

Determining who is at fault in a truck accident case is often more complex than in a typical car accident case because these accidents involve multiple parties. For example, some of the parties who may be held liable in a truck accident lawsuit include:

• The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, violating hours-of-service regulations, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are often liable for the actions of their drivers under the legal doctrine of “vicarious liability.” Additionally, if the company failed to properly maintain the truck, pushed the driver to violate safety regulations, or hired an unqualified driver, they could also be held accountable for the accident.
• The Cargo Loader: In cases where improper loading contributed to the accident, the party responsible for loading the truck could be held liable.
• Truck Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, such as brake failure, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be responsible for damages.

Regardless of the cause or who was at fault, these cases require a thorough investigation. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we will conduct a detailed investigation into your accident, gather all the evidence we’ll need to present a compelling claim and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

Discuss Your Case with a Dedicated Nassau County Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today

Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, and if you were left with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and the inability to return to work, you are not alone. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we provide personalized legal representation to truck accident victims across Nassau County. We understand the complexity of these cases, and we will fight to hold all responsible parties accountable for what you and your family have been put through. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact our Nassau County truck accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. You can reach us by calling 516-496-0062 or by filling out our online contact form. We represent client throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.