Truck Accidents
Located in Schenectady, NY and Atlanta, GA 
Call Us
Located in Schenectady, NY and Atlanta, GA 
518-370-2211

Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Contingency Basis ONLY | FREE Consultations | Decades of Experience
CALL 518-370-2211

Trustworthy, Experienced Attorneys

Truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to share the road with other motorists such as yourself and follow all traffic laws. There are also additional requirements designed to protect the safety of drivers on New York's roadways. When they fail to do follow these rules and regulations, the results can be devastating.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you can trust the law firm of Bendall & Mednick to fight aggressively for the compensation that you deserve.

Common Factors Causing a Crash

  • Defective or poorly maintained equipment
  • Drowsy or fatigued drivers
  • Drunk driving
  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Logbook violations
  • Mechanical error
  • Negligent hiring and training practices
  • Overloaded truck
  • Phone calls and texting
  • Speeding

Specialized Commercial Trucking Cases

Trucking and commercial accident cases are different from other vehicular accidents in several ways. Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to special federal and state trucking laws and motor carrier laws. Our attorneys will hold them accountable for breaking these laws and causing you harm.

Also, in any commercial trucking accident, there are several potential parties that could be legally responsible. We will thoroughly investigate your case in order to identify who is responsible for your injuries and who you should make a claim against.

For example, the driver owns the tractor, a second company owns the trailer and a third company may have brought these two parties together. Sometimes, this is done to limit the exposure that any one of these parties has for the harm caused by an automotive accident.
Trucking Accidents

Trucking Accidents Differ from Car Accidents

While car accidents tend to be caused by the negligence of individual drivers, there are multiple issues at work when it comes to trucking accidents. Due to the downturn in the economy, trucks are being pushed further and drivers are being asked to drive faster while working longer shifts.

Many truck accidents are caused by drivers and trucking companies violating laws that are meant to regulate service hours, inspections and maximum loads.

Also, tractor-trailer trucks are much more dangerous and difficult to control than smaller cars, vans or SUVs. This is why it is important that truckers, trucking companies and all other participants in the industry are fully held accountable to their legal responsibilities.

Who Do You Make Your Claim Against?

Truck drivers, trucking companies, shipping companies and other entities share responsibility for making sure their services are carried out safely. When you have been injured due to the negligence of any of these parties, you may have a valid legal claim. The first step is to identify who was responsible for your accident. This can include any or all of the following:
  • The company that owns the tractor or trailer
  • The Department of Transportation or Thruway Authority
  • The driver's employer
  • The mechanics responsible for maintaining the truck
  • The people who loaded the trailer
  • The truck driver
  • The trucking insurance company
Trucking Laws

Understand State and Federal Trucking Laws

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercials trucks that participate in interstate commerce. The FMCSA has a detailed set of legally binding regulations addressing many issues in the trucking industry, including:
  • Avoidance of distractions while driving
  • Driver logs and record-keeping
  • Inspection and maintenance schedules
  • Mandatory rest periods for drivers
  • Maximum loads for commercial vehicles
  • Service hours for vehicles
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has its own additional regulations that apply to all commercial vehicles driven within the state, including those that are not used in interstate commerce. In some cases, state and federal trucking laws provide different protections.

Lawmakers have adopted these regulations to protect innocent drivers and passengers from dangers posed by negligent trucking. Our attorneys have the necessary in-depth knowledge of these rules and regulations.

FREE
Consultations

 At Bendall & Mednick, we pursue all avenues of compensation on your behalf to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

518-370-2211

"Concerning the Bendall & Mednick law firm . . . bottom line about the organization, when a person like myself calls I want results and I got them. They were extremely straight forward and honest. Most importantly, I received respect from the lawyers and their support staff. If you want results, call Bendall & Mednick."
~ John Salem
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