When attorneys analyze truck accident cases, they begin by gathering and preserving critical evidence that will shape the foundation of litigation. In cases like the tragic accident involving Harjinder Singh in Florida, where three people lost their lives, early investigation is key. Reports indicate that Singh was driving a semi-truck when he made an illegal U-turn on a highway in an “Official Use Only” access point, causing a devastating crash. A truck accident attorney, such as those at Weber & Prakope, PLLC, would begin by getting the police report, securing any available dashcam or surveillance footage, and preserving the black box data from the truck. These steps are essential to building a strong liability case, especially when catastrophic injuries or fatalities are involved.
One key fact from the Singh case is the reported excessive speed of the minivan (before the collision) that collided with the illegally turning truck. In Nassau County, New York truck accident attorneys from Weber & Prakope, PLLC would analyze speed as a factor that attributes negligence to the minivan’s driver and discuss it as a contributing factor to the accident. They would work with accident reconstruction experts to estimate the speed at impact and compare it to posted limits and traffic conditions. Weber & Prakope’s attorneys would discuss whether the speeding was a proximate cause of the accident as well as its impact on liability for the truck driver.
Another important detail from the Singh incident is whether the truck driver signaled prior to attempting the illegal driving maneuver or whether his actions were without warning of any kind. This fact raises questions about driver attentiveness and relates to the reaction time that other vehicles were allotted to prevent the accident. Motor Vehicle drivers in Nassau County are required to “observe all that is available to be observed,” but an illegal maneuver at an impermissible location would make for a complicated analysis and a deeper investigation into facts would be required before concluding.
Catastrophic accidents often require analyzing whether fatigue or exhaustion contributed to the accident. Attorneys at Weber & Prakope, PLLC would request the truck’s maintenance records and driver logs to determine whether fatigue, distraction or other factors played a role. Under New York law, trucking companies can be held liable for negligent maintenance or failure to monitor their drivers’ hours in compliance with federal regulations. A diligent attorney will also investigate whether violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations occurred.
Truck accident litigation is uniquely complex due to the interplay of state and federal regulations, the involvement of multiple parties, and the devastating nature of the injuries often sustained. The attorneys at Weber & Prakope, PLLC have a deep understanding of these types of cases and have successfully represented clients across Nassau County and the greater New York area. Whether the cause involves driver error, negligent hiring, poor maintenance, or violations of trucking laws, they know how to hold the responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, don’t delay—call 516-452-9010 or use the live chat at weberprakope.com to begin the conversation and secure a free, no-obligation consultation.
