(845) 802-0047One of the most common types of commercial vehicles involved in New York trucking accidents is tractor trailers. These are commercial vehicles that are generally separated into two parts. The first part is the cabin, or cab, where the truck driver sits and operates the motor vehicle. The second part is the trailer bed, where a box trailer could be laid on top or other large machinery, cargo, or other objects could be placed. In some instances, there could be two trailers, which would be a double trailer or a tandem trailer. Given the large size of tractor trailers, it is no surprise that they are more difficult to maneuver and significantly more dangerous in a trucking wreck.
This is because the larger size of tractor trailers means that they are heavier. A heavier vehicle generates more momentum, which in turn means that it has more force than a smaller and lighter vehicle. This translates into significant and more catastrophic New York trucking accidents when a semi-tractor trailer is involved which is more likely to cause serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of occupants in smaller passenger vehicles.
How to Become a Truck Driver of Tractor Trailers
New York and federal agencies have recognized the inherent difficulty in driving a tractor trailer. This is why all commercial vehicle operators and drivers, including truck drivers for tractor trailers, must obtain a commercial driver’s license or CDL. This is separate from a normal license and carries different restrictions, requirements, and additional certifications before a truck driver can operate any commercial vehicle on public roadways.
In order to obtain a CDL, an application must take a course and spend a certain amount of time in classroom instruction. This includes learning about the basic operation of a commercial truck, troubleshooting issues, rules of the road, special federal regulations related to commercial vehicles, and other theoretical and practical considerations. There is a written test at the end of the course which an applicant must pass. Once the written test is passed, an applicant must spend a certain amount of time shadowing and observing a truck driver.
After a certain amount of time shadowing and practicing, a truck driver must pass a skill test which is like a road test, but significantly more complicated and focused on the more difficult aspects of operating a tractor-trailer. Upon successful completion of all aspects of the CDL program and testing requirements, a driver will receive a CDL.
Common Errors Made by Tractor Trailer Drivers Causing New York Trucking Accidents
Despite this rather involved training and education program to obtain a CDL, some truck drivers fail to adhere to basic driving skills, traffic laws, and even just common sense. There are many reasons why New York trucking accidents occur, and most of these reasons are completely due to careless, reckless, and downright negligence mistakes by truck drivers that are entirely preventable.
Some of the most common errors by truck drivers, especially new truck drivers, include the following:
- Following too closely;
- Braking too late;
- Speeding;
- Failure to reduce speed in inclement weather;
- Risky left-turns;
- Overshooting a turn or curve;
- Improper lane changes;
- Not compromising space;
- Distracted driving on a cell phone, tablet, computer, radio, or handheld radio;
- Fatigued driving, especially if hours of service regulations are violated;
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including stimulants like cocaine to stay away);
- Aggressive driving; and
- Many other causes.
Common Injuries from New York Trucking Accidents Involving Tractor Trailers
Since tractor trailers are so large and generate significant momentum, they cause debilitating and catastrophic injuries to occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. These injuries can be caused by several different ways. First, by the impact itself with the truck. This is the blunt force trauma of the impact. Second, injuries could be caused by the trailer such as it jackknifing, rolling over, flipping, or otherwise causing crushing injuries. Third, injuries could be caused by the cargo spilling out or falling out. This could be due to improperly secured cargo which falls off or out of a tractor-trailer. Or cargo injuries could be caused by a collision which sprays cargo out and onto other vehicles.
No matter what mechanism of injury, the most common injuries from New York trucking accidents involving tractor-trailers include the following:
- Crushing injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Broken bones or fractured bones;
- Organ injuries, including spleen injuries, liver ruptures, and lung contusions;
- Amputations;
- Crushing injuries;
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia;
- Wrongful death; and
- Other types of injuries.
Victims of New York Trucking Accidents Should Call Our Law Firm
Whether it was you or a loved one who was injured in a New York trucking accident involving a tractor-trailer, you should call our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn how we can help you. Whether you sustained a broken bone or complete paralysis, New York law affords all victims and their families certain rights to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, lost future earnings, medical bills, and even familial bonding that is lost due to your injuries. But these rights are not absolute and must be protected from the statute of limitations, a running time period to bring a claim against a negligent party. Call our law office for a FREE consultation to learn how we can begin to protect your rights to compensation.