Woman Died In Morris Heights, Bronx Tractor Trailer Accident Along Cross Bronx Expressway
BRONX, NEW YORK (December 27, 2022) – A woman has tragically died in a Morris Heights semi-truck accident along the Cross Bronx Expressway by Exit 1A/Major Deegan.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday. A woman was waiting inside her car after being involved in a previous accident with a postal truck.
Her vehicle was then rear-ended by a semi-truck. All three vehicles involved int the collision became engulfed in flames.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Bronx Semi-Truck Accidents
Nearly 6.5% of all accidents that occur involve a commercial truck. This results in 4,000 truck accident fatalities per year on average. There are a number of ways that commercial trucks can be uniquely dangerous in car accidents. For example, a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. Due to their heavy weight commercial trucks can take nearly 40% longer to stop than a passenger vehicle. Other factors that could increase the likelihood of a truck accident may include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
Truck drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. All commercial truck drivers must receive their regular driver’s license and then get special training to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Driving a truck this December can be especially hazardous given all the winter storms that are going on. Truck drivers must take road and weather conditions into consideration and drive at a speed that would be safe for those conditions.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held liable for a collision. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck companies will often try to evade liability for collisions by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or children. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly preserved after an accident. Evidence is what will ultimately be needed to demonstrate liability for any crash.
Investigating A Morris Heights Semi-Truck Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman that died in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Morris Heights semi-truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. 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 help after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 800-529-9997.
