What is the safest distance between cars at highway speeds in New York
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle accident in the country, accounting for over 2.5 million accidents a year. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.), rear-end collisions are responsible for nearly 29 percent of all car accidents annually. While all rear-end accidents can result in damages, these types of collisions at highway speeds are more likely to lead to serious and fatal injuries. Even when following the speed limit, driving too close to a vehicle on the highway increases your risk for a life-threatening crash if the car in front of you suddenly stops or slows. Thankfully, most rear-end collisions are 100 percent preventable. New York City and Long Island drivers can greatly reduce their risk by avoiding the top two factors leading to these types of accidents: tailgating and speeding. Avoiding these behaviors could save your life or the lives of others on the road, and neither is difficult to prevent. Safe Distance at Highway Speeds Following a vehicle too closely, also known as tailgating, can be deadly when cars are traveling at highway speeds. The force of impact from a vehicle slamming into the back of another can lead to injuries including: Spinal cord damage; Severe fractures; Chest injuries; Traumatic brain injuries; Soft tissue injuries; Whiplash; and Death. The New York State law states motorists are expected to allow a ‘reasonable and prudent’ space between other vehicles on the road. This space is determined by the speed limit, size of your vehicle, the weight of your vehicle, and other factors that affect brake effectiveness, such as road and weather conditions. According to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle’s Driving Manual, because these factors are constantly changing, a good rule of thumb to use, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle’s Driving Manual is to allow enough space for a two to three-second stop when road conditions are normal and to a six-second stop when road conditions are wet or slippery. Tailgating is not only dangerous in New York State– it’s illegal. First-time offenders of tailgating can face up to a $150 fine, $300 for a second offense, $450 for a third offense, and four points on a driver’s license for subsequent incidents. Additionally, drivers who show a pattern of tailgating behaviors can experience an increase in insurance premiums that could lead to a cancellation of your policy, depending on your driving record. Safe Speed To Avoid Accidents Keeping your distance from other vehicles on the road is hard to do when you’re speeding, but it’s not difficult to do when everyone else is speeding too. Just because a car in front of you is going at a rate above the speed limit does not make it safe to match their pace. The National Safety Council accounted for 26 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2019 due to speeding. Speeding grants drivers little room to maneuver around road accidents and increases the force sustained when an accident occurs. In New York State, state highways have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph. Roadways in NY can be windy with sharp curves, elevation changes, and congestion. Because of these factors, it is essential to remain at the speed limit or under to avoid accidents. NYS speed limits on interstate highways and the NYS thruway cap at 65 mph. While drivers may have more room to maneuver and straighter roads to navigate, higher speeds and the presence of larger motor vehicles pose an additional risk for crashes. Driving at a reasonable speed will make it easier to keep your distance from another vehicle. The more control you have over your vehicle, the better chance you have of safely avoiding traffic hazards. New York City and Long Island Vehicle Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 20 years of experience representing accident victims in New York City and Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment online anytime. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
What to do if you are injured as a passenger in a car accident
Passengers of motor vehicles often have little control in preventing a car crash. It’s up to the motorist to take precautionary measures to avoid vehicle accidents. Sadly, when accidents do occur, it can be the passenger who bears the brunt of a driver’s error. When you or a loved one is injured in a vehicle accident in New York State as a passenger, it’s critical to understand your rights. Passengers can file several claims to receive financial assistance for damages sustained. Because these matters are time-sensitive, it’s crucial to know these options before an accident occurs to maximize your chances of a successful claim. File an Insurance Claim With Drivers Policy New York is a no-fault state, meaning that in the case of a vehicle accident, it is up to the driver to file a report with their insurance company to receive financial assistance to pay for damages. The no-fault system eliminates the need for going to court to prove liability for monetary support. It allows accident victims access to the necessary funds for emergency medical expenses immediately, regardless of who caused the accident. While drivers are required to carry no-fault insurance to operate a vehicle in NYS, passengers are not. No-fault insurance covers injuries not only to the driver of a vehicle but the passengers inside. When a passenger is injured in a vehicle accident, it is up to the passenger to file their own injury claim with the driver’s insurance company to receive assistance for covering damages. Vehicle accidents that result in passenger injuries fall under one of two situations: the passenger is related to the driver and already on the auto insurance policy, or the passenger has no relation to the driver and is not on their plan. Passengers related to the driver and listed as subsequent motorists on the policy can call their insurance company for guidance on filing an injury claim. Passengers who are not already on the driver’s auto policy will need to collect information on the driver’s insurance prior to filing a claim. To file a claim, passengers will need to provide information about the accident, injuries, and any other damages incurred in the crash. Most no-fault plans will cover two types of damages: Bodily Injury (medical expenses) and Property Damages (only for passengers, not car owners). File With Your Personal Insurance Companies (Auto & Medical) Passengers injured in a vehicle accident may have luck filing an accident claim with their own insurance companies, both auto and health. Some insurance companies will offer coverage to policyholders if they are injured in an accident as a driver or a passenger. It doesn’t cost anything to give your insurance company a call to discuss your plan, and the result may be surprising. File A Personal Injury Claim Unfortunately, auto insurance policies do not always cover the bulk of expenses to cover damages after a car accident, even if the driver has a high pay-out plan. Accidents involving multiple passengers or significant damages may fall short of providing adequate coverage, and passengers injured by drivers with no insurance have zero options through this avenue. Other complications when filing an injury claim with someone else’s auto insurance lack of information about the plan or driver involved. Passengers who are injured in an accident are not always planning ahead when they are experiencing pain. In the cases where passengers are injured by livery drivers, it may be hard to get in touch with the driver after an accident scene has cleared. Contacting a vehicle accident attorney immediately after you are injured in an accident awards you with the best chances for securing the compensation you require for recovery. Passengers who explore the option of filing a personal injury claim can recover damages that insurance companies would never payout, including: Pain and Suffering; Loss of income; Loss of employment; Medical bills and expenses; Medical treatments; Therapies (physical and psychological); and Property damages. An experienced accident attorney will review your case and make a comprehensive list of all the damages you are eligible for and how to submit claims effectively to receive the maximum compensation. This can include assistance with filing pesky insurance claims against a driver, a third party, multiple parties, or with your own plans. Insurance companies can be ruthless when it comes to paying out benefits. An accident attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls to increase your chances of a successful reward. New York City and Long Island Vehicle Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 20 years of experience representing accident victims in New York City and Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment online anytime. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
Construction Accident Injuries in New York
Accidents at the worksite, especially at construction sites are common across the United States and in New York. Numbers suggest that there were 5,333 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2019, a 2 percent increase from the 5,250 in 2018, and the highest since 2007. The fatal work injury rate was 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, as per a report released in 2018. New York contributes to a large extent to these numbers. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you deserve to get the compensation for your medical recovery, mental trauma, and pain & suffering. Get the compensation by working with a New York construction accident attorney. The attorneys at Siler & Ingber, LLP offer free case evaluations for any victim that has sustained injuries in a construction accident. Common causes of accidents at construction sites Some of the most common causes of construction accidents in New York are as follows: Improper fall protection – this refers to situations where a worker may fall prey to a broken ladder or broken equipment. Hazardous communications standards – this refers to a situation where a worker may not receive adequate warning of using product that may be hazardous, for example, a chemical Scaffolding-related security risks – falls from scaffolding are very common due to a tripping or slipping. Respiratory-related protections – construction sites are often highly polluted due to the ongoing work. Such high exposure over a long period of time can often lead to respiratory issues among workers. Control of hazardous energy/chemicals: use of chemicals is common on construction sites, for example, to clean equipment, etc. Hence, exposure without adequate protection can lead to negative impact on health It is the responsibility of the employer to make sure that the above mentioned and other such situations are avoided by taking adequate care. The employers are also mandated by law to protect their workers from any accident. Once such provision of protection is the Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Administration (OSHA). OSHA is a federal government agency that aims to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by mandating implementation of certain safety standards as well as provide timely and updated information on workplace safety. The end objective is to avoid any workplace injury to occur. OSHA also provides training to employers to ensure effective implementation of safety standards. OSHA also undertakes inspections of workplaces. In 2019, OSHA conducted nearly 34000 workplace inspections. If you suffer an accident on a construction site due to negligence of the employer, you’re entitled to compensation. You can work with an OSHA lawyer to help you navigate the legal route so that you get the settlement you deserve. In addition to OSHA, there are other provisions also that protect the workforce. For example the New York Labor Law: Section 240. It is a part of a set of labor laws designed to protect workers on construction sites from being involved in construction-related accidents. This section focuses on falls from high locations, one of the most common causes of accidents on job sites. If you’ve suffered an injury in a construction accident If you’ve been in a construction accident due to employer negligence, then you’re entitled to compensation. In most cases, this settlement offer will be grossly inadequate to compensate for the injuries, and other expenses you may incur immediately and in the long run. Additionally, the compensation might only include the workers’ compensation. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a construction worker due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced construction accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Can I Sue After a FedEx or UPS Truck Accident?
Every New Yorker has noticed the influx of delivery trucks on Long Island and New York City since the pandemic. Online shopping services are booming. People are getting anything and everything delivered straight to their homes: groceries, clothing, medications, meals, and even cars! Unfortunately, as the rate of delivery vehicles on the road rises, so does your risk of getting into a truck accident. FedEx and UPS trucks spotted several times a day on city streets are bulky, awkward, and sometimes make risky maneuvers to deliver their packages on time. When delivery truck drivers are not paying attention or participate in negligent reckless driving, serious and fatal accidents are inventible, especially when it comes to pedestrians, cyclists, and small motor vehicles on the road. Trucks that drive for companies such as FedEx and UPS are categorized as commercial vehicles and are subject to all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (F.M.C.S.A.) laws. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause extensive damage in an accident compared to pedestrian vehicles, often resulting in permanent and fatal injuries. Drivers of delivery vehicles are responsible for sharing the roads and using safe driving practices– it’s their job. Additionally, delivery companies have a duty to hire well-trained employees with good driving records that can operate their trucks safely. When delivery truck accidents occur due to driver negligence or recklessness, both the driver and the company could be liable for any damages sustained. Federal Regulations for Delivery Truck Drivers Driving a delivery vehicle is no small fret. FedEx and UPS trucks carry heavy loads on congested and fast-paced streets. It takes well-trained and observant drivers to operate these vehicles with care; this is precisely why the F.M.C.S.A. requires drivers and companies to take precautionary steps and follow all federal vehicle regulations to prevent accidents. Maintenance and Inspections Federal law requires all commercial vehicles to undergo regular inspections. These checks allow drivers to spot safety concerns and defects before they cause harm. Vehicle inspections should be conducted before each trip to ensure proper maintenance of vital functions, including fluid levels, tire pressure, brakes, engine health, and lights. If any safety concerns are found during scheduled inspections, the vehicle should be taken out of service until the problems are fixed. Hours of Service The F.M.C.S.A. limits the number of hours a commercial driver can operate to reduce the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue. Currently, drivers are prohibited from driving longer than 14 consecutive hours. Overnight and extended hours can cause drivers to nod off at the wheel, swerve over lane lines or into guardrails, or experience delayed response times. Driver Training All drivers operating delivery trucks must complete safety training specific to the vehicle to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (C.D.L.). This regulation applies to all types of delivery vehicles, especially tractor-trailers that can be particularly dangerous in the hands of an untrained driver. Drivers who are capable of operating multiple types of vehicles should be trained separately on each type. Driving Records Commercial drivers should have driving records free of violations that could result in reckless or aggressive driving accidents. Companies are required to perform background checks on their employees before allowing them to deliver. If a company fails to do this, responsible parties could be found liable for accidents that result from the driver’s behaviors. Safe Loading Delivery trucks carry thousands to tens of thousands of pounds worth of cargo. These loads must be properly secured following federal regulations to protect employees and other occupants of the road. Trucks with unstable cargo or loads over the recommended weight of a vehicle can tip and cause rollover accidents. Delivery Truck Accidents In NYC With online shopping increasing exponentially throughout the pandemic, New York City residents have seen an uptick in commercial vehicles on their daily commutes like never before. FedEx and UPS trucks have been out in swarms, racing through traffic, double parking to unload, and forcing their way into tight spaces to get the job done. In addition to the plethora of driving hazards already present in NYC, the rate at which delivery drivers have been hired in the last year has skyrocketed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for commercial drivers has risen at least 26%. The demand for delivery services has caused an influx in hiring, meaning more inexperienced delivery drivers are on the road than ever; some of these drivers are rushed and left untrained. Pedestrians and cyclists in NYC, who have little to no protection in the case of a vehicle accident, often bear the brunt of reckless delivery drivers. While forced to swerve and dodge these vehicles on their daily commute, pedestrians and cyclists are the hardest to see when a delivery truck is speeding or operating without care. Just this April, a 64-year-old woman from New Jersey was killed from injuries she sustained after a FedEx truck hit her while crossing the road on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. What Damages Can You Claim In A Delivery Truck Accident Victims who sustain injuries in delivery truck accidents have the option to sue for all damages occurring as a result of the accident. These damages include pain and suffering for injuries, medical costs, and other future financial losses stemming from the accident. Some examples of damages that your attorney may enter into your claim include: – Vehicle repairs; – Loss of income; – Loss of employment; – Medical bills; – Co-pays for doctors visits; – Prescription costs; – Therapy costs (physical and psychological); – Pain and suffering; – Services rendered due to injury; and – Funeral costs (in cases of wrongful death). What To Do After a Delivery Truck Accident Delivery vehicle accidents can be terrifying, primarily when resulting in injuries. Despite this, vehicle accidents in NYC are time-sensitive. Drivers must take immediate steps after an accident to secure the best chance for holding liable parties accountable. The most effective steps victims can take after an accident
Here’s How to Successfully Settle a Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Claim
Motor vehicle accidents, especially car accidents are common in the United States, and more so in New York. Every year, thousands of people are injured in these accidents, and many are fatal. Predictably, car accident injury claims led by car accident lawyers are also very frequent. However, it is also important to note that car accident claims can be very complicated, especially to prove the negligence of the at-fault party. Any car accident attorney can tell you the complexities involved. But there are certain to-dos that can put you in a strong place for settling for the compensation you deserve. Maintain a record of your injuries: While keeping your medical bills is necessary, it is also important to document the day-to-day status of your injuries. This’ll help showcase the time it took you to recover and other subsequent losses because of that, for example, loss to income. Understand the type of damages: Physical injuries are not the only type of damages. Thoroughly review the other tangible and intangible losses, and record them. For example, the number of days you could not go to work, any activities you could not do ever since the accident, pain, and suffering, etc. Don’t feel pressured by the insurer: In many cases, the insurer of the at-fault party will try to pressure you into settling. Do not succumb. Hire an able car accident attorney to represent you. Maintain all documents: Anything can prove relevant, even an email from work related to your absence from work due to the accident, hence, keep all of it safely. Do not share any documents with the insurer: The at-fault party’s insurer might try to get their hands on the medical records and other documentation, do not share it with them before the case is taken up for settlement. Let the car accident lawyer handle all the documents for you. File a lawsuit as soon as possible: It is recommended to file a lawsuit with the help of a car accident attorney as early as possible after the accident. It is so because the claim can only be filed within a certain time limit, which is as per state law. Maintain photographic evidence: Nothing is more powerful than visuals. As far as possible, take relevant pictures of the accident site, for example, a photo showcasing the positions of the car, any property damage, etc. which can highlight the negligence of the at-fault driver. If you can’t take pictures, see if you can request a witness to do it for you. Do not rush: Be patient because these claims take time. Hire a good car accident attorney who will patiently and thoroughly review your case, and fight for a fair settlement. If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone’s negligence, you need the car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
All You Need to Know About a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Medical care is best left in the hands of an expert. Even with a small ailment, we rush to a doctor because we know they’re the ones who can truly put our minds at ease. Doctors, innumerable times, support us through the toughest times for us and our families. It would be accurate to say that doctors and other healthcare staff are our safe-havens. But what happens when we get trapped in the wrong hands? Medical negligence by a doctor or a nurse can cause irrevocable damage to the person concerned. This is known as medical malpractice. In definition, medical malpractice refers to a situation when a doctor, nurse, or any other health care professional causes injury to a patient due to their negligence or omission. Medical malpractice in the United States is not a new phenomenon. It is the third-largest cause of death after heart disease and cancer. On average, the country witnesses nearly 85,000 medical malpractice cases. But this is not the most realistic representation as a lot of families choose not to sue or are simply unaware about suing a healthcare worker for medical malpractice. New York has 19.3 cases per 100,000 residents for medical malpractice. To better understand medical malpractice, here are some examples: Misdiagnosis and Failure to Diagnose– If a doctor fails to diagnose a serious condition or misdiagnoses and prescribes treatment that worsens your illness. Did Not Obtain Informed Consent – If a physician-administered a treatment without your informed consent, either by ignoring your wishes or not informing you of all the relevant information. Deviation from Standard Modes of Practice – This means that another professional would have looked at the treatment prescribed by your medical professional and deemed it reckless. Anaesthesia Error – An error in the administration or dosage of anesthesia can lead to severe organ damage, illness, or even death. Surgical Error – If surgical tools are left in the body, surgery is performed on the wrong part of the body, or the wrong surgery is performed. Birth Injury – Birth injuries can be especially traumatic. If you or your baby suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence during the prenatal or birthing process. All of the above-stated situations make you eligible for a settlement. If you or someone you know has suffered due to medical malpractice, hire a personal injury attorney to represent your case and get the settlement you deserve. Wherever you stay in New York, you can get a personal injury attorney whether in Long Island, Staten Island, Manhattan or Brooklyn, regardless of where the medical malpractice took place and where you live (as long as both the locations fall in New York State). It is important to remember that in a medical malpractice suit, it can be quite challenging to prove the liability of the health care worker. Hence, you must hire the best personal injury law firms to represent your interest. In New York, you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit within two years and six months of the last treatment received. If you or someone you know has been injured due to medical negligence by a healthcare worker and you need the best personal injury law firm, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
How to Properly Photograph the Evidence of an Automobile Accident
An automobile accident is one of the most common reasons for accidents and causes of injuries in the United States. Predictably, New York State, due to its volume of traffic, is home to a large number of vehicular accidents, including car collisions, motorcycle accidents, collisions involving bicycles, and even trucks. Unfortunately, an automobile accident can leave the victim severely injured. If the automobile accident is caused due to someone’s negligence, the victim can hire an automobile accident lawyer to file a compensation claim against the negligent party. However, in such a scenario, the victim and the lawyer must gather relevant evidence to strengthen their claim and get the right compensation for the loss incurred due to the accident. For example, in the case of a car collision, medical reports are a critical piece of evidence. You can know more about the relevant evidence in a car accident. Photographs as evidence If you’ve been in an accident and look to file a legal claim, any automobile accident lawyer will ask you for relevant evidence, and photographs are one of the most important pieces of the evidence puzzle. Moreover, each photograph must make the case stronger in your favor. Here are some important tips while taking photographs of an automobile accident site for evidence: Photograph the entire scene for an overview: Before moving the vehicles on the side of the road, photograph the entire scene to clearly depict how the accident occurred. Moreover, take photos from different angles which can provide multiple perspectives to the viewer. Do not worry about unwanted elements appearing in the photo, like trees, bystanders, police officers, etc., but ensure that the vehicles involved are clearly visible. Document the damage: Take clear photographs of the damage caused to the vehicle, for example, broken windows, dented doors, or broken mirrors. This will help the automobile accident attorney gauge the scale of the accident visually. Document the injuries: While the first step is to seek medical help, if possible, it is advised to photograph the injuries incurred. It is very important to note that it is only appropriate to photograph your injuries. If you want to take photos of someone else’s injuries, please seek their permission or ask your automobile accident lawyer for the best way forward. Other property damage – While the accident may have been caused to a collision between vehicles, it may have caused damage to other property, for example, a pillar/post which may have been dented, etc. In such a scenario, it is important to photograph any such damage not directly involved in the collision but dented/damaged as a result of it. However, remember that your safety is a priority. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, seek medical care first. Reach out to close friends who can help you get the photographs and other relevant evidence. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and you need the best automobile injury attorney, contact Siler &Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced automobile accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
What You Need to Know to Prepare for Holiday Driving
As we come closer to the end of this rather eventful year, it is time to celebrate with our loved ones and hope for a better 2021. A lot of people prefer to spend some exclusive time with their families and drive to a scenic vacation spot. But remember, November is the month of travel, changing weather, and even snow. Hence, it is important to be careful if you’re planning a road trip with your loved ones for the holidays. We would like to share some important information about safe driving during the holidays. Tips for Safe Holiday Driving Drive-in daylight hours – If you’re planning to cover a long distance through the day, it is advisable to leave as early in the morning as possible and drive only during daylight hours.Driving through the day and well into the evening or night can tire you out and make you vulnerable to accidents. Check the weather status – Usually, in November it starts to snow in various states across the country. Hence, before you head on your road trip, go through the weather predictions so that you’re adequately prepared. For example, if a snowstorm is expected on one of the days of your road trip, prepare it in advance. Know the state laws – If you’re visiting a state where you don’t reside or haven’t been before, go through the specific state laws relevant to you, for example, if you are driving from New York to Michigan, you must know the legal driving age, regulation related to seat belts, etc. Drive within the speed limit – Driving on the highway can sometimes tempt us to speed. It is advisable to stay within the speed limit as exceeding it is a violation of the law and can also put you at risk of an accident. Do not drive under influence – It is needless to say that driving under influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal across the USA. Moreover, driving under influence can become a cause of accidents leading to severe injuries or even death. Don’t let the holidays sway you from being a responsible driver, always drive sober. Get your car winter-ready – Before you head on the road trip, get a mechanic to thoroughly inspect your car, for example, checking if the tires are robust enough to drive through snow or that the oil doesn’t need a change, etc. It is also important to make sure that you’re insurance is up to date before you head for your vacation. Keep an emergency kit handy – Driving in the winters can bring unexpected snowstorms or other weather adversities. We suggest that you carry a few extra clothes as well as some non-perishable food items to prepare for such contingencies. What to do if you have an accident? Despite taking precautions, in an unfortunate scenario, if you get into a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can hire a car accident lawyer or a personal injury lawyer. The accident could occur in a city or state where you don’t reside, but don’t worry, you can hire a car accident lawyer from your city who can help you through the process of getting the settlement justified for the damages caused. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident and you need a winning law firm, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
An accident with a semi-truck can cause severe injuries and even be fatal. In case of an accident, it is usually the person in the smaller vehicle (car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.) who are at a higher risk of sustaining injuries largely due to the large size of the truck. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, which is more than sixteen times the weight of the average passenger car. When a large truck like that is involved in an accident, it can mean devastating consequences for the people in the smaller vehicle. The numbers also paint a grim picture as far as semi-truck accidents are concerned. As per the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 20,549 accidents involving large trucks in 2018. Among these accidents, 70 were fatal, 4202 involved injuries and the remaining caused property damage. This calls for a need to know the causes of semi-truck accidents. Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents Driver fatigue–It is a known fact that truck drivers work very long hours. While there is a law on the number of hours, drivers continue to work longer hours that leaves them exhausted and tired. Unfortunately, this fatigue becomes one of the most common causes of collisions and accidents as the driver may fall asleep behind the wheel or lose focus while driving. Lack of training – Driving a semi-truck is different from driving any other vehicle primarily due to its large size. Navigating it on roads and highways needs good manoeuvring skills. Sometimes, lack of proper training due to a shortage of time or resources may lead to accidents. Speeding –Speeding or other errors by the driver have become a common cause of accidents involving semi-trucks. Often, due to speeding, a driver may fail to check blind spots before switching lanes or change lanes too suddenly in a confusion that can lead to collisions with other vehicles on the road. Driving under influence –It is well known that driving under influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Moreover, a semi-truck driver poses a higher danger to others while driving under influence because of the sheer size of the vehicle. Not securing cargo adequately –Semi-trucks are used to take products from one place to another. These products need to be properly packed and placed in the truck, especially ensuring that weight is distributed properly. If the products are not properly tied to the truck, they may fly off and come in the way of another vehicle, causing a serious accident. Lack of maintenance– It is the responsibility of the trucking company to ensure that the semi-trucks are properly maintained. Usually, companies fail to undertake adequate care as it is time and resource-intensive. However, this ends up becoming a reason for accidents. Involved in a trucking accident? One or more of the reasons stated above can lead to accidents. It can be difficult to know what to do after such a wreck. The experience can up-end everything—your finances, physical abilities, and emotional state alike. What’s worse is that trucking companies often have safeguards in place in the form of legal protections that can make it very challenging to get the settlement you’re owed from those at fault. Speak with a trucking accident injury lawyer to understand and fight for the compensation you deserve which will go beyond the coverage of obvious damages offered by the trucking company as settlement. A trucking accident injury lawyer will work towards a settlement that will cover your long- and short-term costs related to physical, emotional, and financial damage. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident caused by a semi-truck and you need a winning law firm, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced trucking accident injury lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
HALLOWEEN IN NY IS ON, BUT KNOW THE GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN
Last month Governor Cuomo announced that Halloween and trick-or-treating will not be canceled. Cuomo stated that although he would not stop anyone from celebrating this holiday, he is asking New Yorkers to follow guidelines and celebrate Halloween more safely. The New York Department of Health released Halloween guidelines that emphasize celebrations at home. Additionally, the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene released similar guidelines for residents in the city. Despite celebrating this holiday in a different way this year, there are still many fun and safe ways to be festive. Here are some creative ways to celebrate Halloween in NY: Host a Virtual Halloween Party: Similar to many virtual hangouts through various video communications apps that have been used during the lockdown, this can be a fun way to party with others from home. Take part in a Spooky Movie Marathon:A great way to have fun at home on Halloween is to check out television networks and online streaming apps for scary and kid-friendly Halloween movies for a night of spooks. A Night of Home Games and Activities: From pumpkin carving to Halloween-themed games, these activities can bring the holiday spirit home for families to have fun. Hold a Candy Scavenger Hunt: Create a candy hunt at home for kids and even adults or go to a socially-distance scavenger hunt in the city. If you plan to go trick-or-treating, here are some tips to keep in mind while in your neighborhood: Trick-or-Treating with Family: Consider going in a small group of family members to trick-or-treat Avoid Contact WithOthers: Whether you are handing out candy or asking for candy, avoid as much contact with others to decrease the spread of COVID. Consider creating a grab and go stations with candy sealed properly and spaced apart (avoid using bowls). Wear a Face Mask: No matter if a costume incorporates a mask or not, make sure to wear a face-covering that provides adequate protection. Keep Hands Clean: During and after trick-or-treating, make sure to wash and/or sanitize your hands. For those who are handing out, treats consider leaving some hand sanitizer for people to use. It is important to keep safe on Halloween, remember these points: Keep a safe distance in order to reduce the spread of COVID Avoid attending parties or large gatherings. Do not host a party, especially with people that are from out of state. When trick-or-treating, if possible, avoid crowded streets and wear a face covering.
