Commercial trucks are enormous. In Western New York, a fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh as much as 40 tons (80,000 pounds). Should a crash occur, the consequences are often catastrophic. To protect the public from the inherent dangers, trucking companies must operate their vehicles with the highest level of care and safety.
Sadly, too many truck companies fail to do so. According to data cited by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,136 people were killed in large truck accidents in the United States in 2018. Following a fatal truck accident, close family members of the victim can seek assistance from a caring truck accident attorney to file a claim on their behalf.
Reach out to Richmond Vona, LLC to speak with our team if your loved one was involved in a fatal truck accident in Buffalo.
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Wrongful Death Liability for a Truck Accident in New York
Only certain parties have rights under our state’s wrongful death law. Unfortunately, not every close loved one of the victims can bring a wrongful death claim. Instead, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by a personal representative of the deceased. The personal representative will be responsible for seeking justice and compensation on behalf of beneficiaries. Under New York law, a wrongful death claim may be filed against any defendant whose negligence contributed to the fatal Buffalo truck accident. In a commercial truck accident claim, the defendant(s) may include:
The truck driver;
A third party motorist;
The trucking company;
The company leasing the truck or trailer;
A truck manufacturer; and
A highway maintenance contractor.
New York Truck Accidents: Compensation
When a claim is brought, the victim’s beneficiaries may be granted compensation for certain losses. Any money damages recovered by the personal representative in a truck accident wrongful death claim will be distributed to the victim’s family members in accordance with New York law. After a deadly truck accident in Buffalo, compensation may be available for the following losses:
Medical bills and related expenses;
The victim’s pain and suffering prior to their death;
Funeral and burial costs;
Loss of current and future wages;
Loss of financial benefits, such as insurance coverage;
Loss of parental guidance; and
Loss of support and services.
Unfortunately, family members of the victims cannot recover compensation for their grief or emotional trauma. Unlike some other jurisdictions, New York’s wrongful death statute does not allow for this type of recovery. To hold a trucking company fully liable under the law, it is imperative that family members work with a New York attorney who has the skills and experience to maximize their financial support.
Call an Attorney for Immediate Assistance if You Loved One Was in a Buffalo Fatal Truck Accident
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our top-rated New York attorneys are compassionate, experienced advocates for clients. If your loved one was killed in a fatal truck accident in Buffalo, we are here to help. To schedule a free, comprehensive consultation, please do not hesitate to contact our law office today. We represent people and families throughout Western New York, including in Erie County, Chautauqua County, Livingston County, and Niagara County.
With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our co-founding attorneys, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, have helped injury victims and their family members recover more than $150 million in financial relief.
John E. Richmond
Co-Founding Member
As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John E. Richmond understands that clients come first. With over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs, he knows how to hold negligent corporations and big insurance companies liable.
In his nearly 15 years in practice, Keith has been consistently recognized for his client service and record of results. He has been selected for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list four times (2013 to 2016), an honor reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys.
