Clarence Tractor Trailer Truck Accident: Man Injured In Clarence Semi-Truck Accident Along Main Street and Transit Road
CLARENCE, NEW YORK (February 10, 2020) – A male pedestrian was seriously injured in a truck accident that took place near the intersection of Main Street and Transit Road.
New York Highway Patrol are saying that the collision occurred around 7:00 a.m. For reasons that remain under investigation a semi-truck traveling northbound struck the pedestrian and knocked them to the ground.
An ambulance was called to the scene in order to help the victim. They were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
A full investigation into the cause of the truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Clarence Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are held to a very high standard in terms of safety. They must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to New York Vehicle Code 1146 (b), “A driver of a motor vehicle who causes physical injury as defined in article ten of the penal law to a pedestrian or bicyclist while failing to exercise due care in violation of subdivision (a) of this section, shall be guilty of a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than fifteen days or by both such fine and imprisonment.” There are many factors commonly associated with pedestrian accidents including:
- Speeding
- Driver distraction
- Prescription drug use
- Fatigue
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
Fatigue, in particular, is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers are put under an enormous amount of pressure to complete their routes on time. They can naturally be fatigued like anyone else. Many truck drivers also develop health conditions that can impact their ability to drive safely. There are a number of measures that truck drivers should take in order to help alleviate fatigue including:
- Taking periodic breaks
- Avoiding medications that can induce drowsiness
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Getting a full nights rest
There are a number of entities that could potentially face civil liability following a truck accident. For example, the company that employed the truck driver could face civil liability. Generally speaking, companies are responsible for the negligent conduct of their employees. The company that loaded a semi-truck could also be liable for an accident. Trucks have weight limits and if a truck is over-packed this could cause it to take longer to stop. Victims of semi-truck accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
Many of the injuries associated with semi-truck accidents are not always physical. According to Very Well Mind, “Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population. Each year, there are an estimated six million MVAs in the United States, resulting in over 2.5 million injuries. According to a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) study, 39.2% of MVA survivors develop PTSD.”
Any person that is injured in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It’s important to continue to get follow up care after an accident. A truck accident attorney can investigate all of the facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are. There are, however, statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within the statute of limitations may result in a permanent forfeiture of your rights.
Investigating A Clarence Semi-Truck Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the victim of this accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the police department as they continue to investigate. There needs to be some accountability for what happened. Pedestrian accidents are largely preventable. It is our sincere hope that city officials will consider measures to help make this stretch of road safer.