Truck Driver Crossed Into Opposing Lanes of Traffic on State Route 17k Prior to Fatal Collision
HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK (September 29, 2023) – A man has tragically died in a Hudson Valley truck accident along State Route 17k, according to the NYSP.
Hudson Valley police officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. A truck driver crossed into opposing lanes of traffic before colliding with another vehicle.
The second vehicle involved in the collision was identified as a 1993 Toyota Tacoma. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, a 64-year-old driver in the Toyota died due to their injuries.
Liability For Hudson Valley Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions each year. According to the FMCSA, “Fatigue, drinking alcohol, and speeding are major factors in motor vehicle crashes overall. Although their presence does not always result in a crash, these three factors, as well as other driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, can increase the risk that a crash will occur.” Truck drivers should take a number of measures in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Truck drivers should ensure that their vehicles are well maintained.
Truck drivers are required to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. According to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1128(a), “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.” If a truck driver crosses into opposing lanes of traffic and hits a vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Liability could extend beyond a negligent truck driver. The company that a truck driver worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may hav been delivering cargo when they crashed. Many steps should be taken after any truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Truck accidents are more likely to take place when truck drivers are pushed to complete their delivery schedules as fast as possible. Many collisions can be prevented when truck drivers simply slow down. It is important that accident victims understand that they do have rights. The family of any person that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim.
Investigating Hudson Valley Truck Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this collision. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police.
Do you need more information about a Hudson Valley truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
