(845) 303-1000One of the most common commercial vehicles is the 18-wheeler. This vehicle typically consists of a cab, where the truck driver operates the vehicle, and an enclosed trailer. Together, these two components have 18 wheels, which is how the vehicle gets its name. An 18-wheeler is significantly heavier and taller than passenger vehicles and contains many more mechanical parts. As a result, it generates far greater momentum when in motion and presents more opportunities for mechanical failure. These factors make 18-wheeler truck accidents in New York especially dangerous and often lead to catastrophic personal injuries or the wrongful death of an innocent person.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or wrongfully killed due to an 18-wheeler wreck in New York, you may be entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, property damage, future medical expenses, loss of consortium/services from loved ones or dependents, and other damages. In the event of wrongful death due to an 18-wheeler crash, families may be entitled to funeral and burial costs, emotional damages, loss of income, loss of services, and additional damages. In either type of case, it is rare but possible for a victim or family of a New York trucking accident involving an 18-wheeler may be entitled to punitive damages in grossly negligent, reprehensible, and downright egregious cases.
What Makes 18 Wheelers Dangerous
All commercial vehicles, like 18-wheelers, are very dangerous, even when operated properly. When a truck driver or trucking company is negligent in the use, operation, or maintenance of an 18-wheeler, it makes these dangerous trucks even more dangerous and possibly deadly. There are a lot of unique risks and factors that make an 18-wheeler more dangerous than a regular passenger vehicle, such as a car, SUV, or pickup truck. These unique factors are what make New York trucking accidents so devastating.
Some of the unique risks and factors involving an 18-wheeler include the following:
- Greater stopping distances due to heavier weight;
- Larger blind spots, particularly along the sides;
- More brakes and tires to routinely check for signs of damage or excessive wear and tear that should be replaced before driving;
- A steeper learning curve for new drivers who require more training;
- Cargo that must be properly secured, even if enclosed in the box part of the trailer, to avoid unsecured loads causing trucking accidents
- Much greater height distance for the driver, which may create more difficulty judging turns; and
- Many other factors.
Common Injuries in an 18 Wheeler Wreck
Unfortunately, when an 18-wheeler causes a New York trucking accident, it is likely that occupants of smaller, passenger vehicles will sustain serious injury or wrongful death. This is because of the significant force generated by a large 18-wheeler, which disperses through anything a truck hits. This causes incredible damage to other vehicles and is likely to leave permanent, debilitating, and catastrophic injuries to victims of these types of trucking crashes.
Some of the most common injuries caused by an 18-wheeler wreck in New York include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, coup-contrecoup injuries, penetrating injuries, and similar head injuries
- Amputations of limbs
- Broken bones or fractured bones
- Neck or back injuries, particularly needing spinal fusion surgery or cervical fusion surgery
- Ruptured organs or lacerated organs
- Brachial plexus injuries due to nerve damage in the arms and shoulder
- Orbital blowout fractures
- Nerve injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paraplegia and quadriplegia
- Other serious injuries
Involved in a New York Trucking Accident with an 18-Wheeler? We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, due to the careless, reckless, or negligent conduct of a truck driver or trucking company, please call our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn how we can help you today.