New York Truck Accident Attorneys

Big rig truck accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries. However, you don’t have to endure it alone. Contact the experienced New York truck accident lawyers at Greenspan & Greenspan today for a free consultation.

In 2022, over 17,000 truck accidents occurred across New York. These accidents led to 118 deaths and thousands of injuries. Truck accident injuries are often severe and have life-changing consequences.

Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers can help fight for your rights if you are the victim of a truck crash. Our personal injury firm has over 30 years of experience helping New Yorkers get fair compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to discuss your case with a New York truck accident lawyer.

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Your Rights After a Truck Accident

Under New York negligence laws, you have the legal right to seek compensation after a crash. Negligence is the failure to act with the care a reasonable person would exercise. In simpler terms, it means the truck driver or company didn’t do what they should have to keep you safe.

To prove negligence in a truck accident case, your commercial truck accident lawyer will need to establish the following elements:

  • Duty of care. The liable party owed you a duty to act safely while the truck was on the road.
  • Breach of duty. The at-fault party’s action or inaction breached this duty and put you at risk.
  • Causation. The breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries.
  • Damages. You suffered damages from the accident, such as physical injuries, financial losses, or emotional harm.

If you can prove these elements, you may have the right to seek compensation from the liable party for your losses. Call our office to speak with an 18-wheeler accident attorney and see how we can help.

Truck accidents can be devastating and complex. You and your family do not have to navigate this time alone. Our New York truck accident lawyers will handle all of the legal matters around your case so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for a host of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours with strict deadlines, leading to fatigue. Drowsy driving impairs judgment and slows reaction times.
  • Distracted driving. Texting, eating, or using GPS devices can distract a driver from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
  • Speeding. Speeding factors into 29% of all traffic accidents. A speeding truck is harder to control and usually increases the severity of a crash.
  • Improper maintenance. Trucks require regular upkeep, but some companies fail to make the proper repairs. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can cause devastating accidents.
  • Overloaded or improperly secured cargo. If a truck’s cargo is too heavy or not properly secured, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to lose control.
  • Aggressive driving. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or making unsafe lane changes significantly increases the risk of an accident.
  • Driving under the influence. Driving after using alcohol or drugs is dangerous for any driver, but especially so for those operating large commercial vehicles.

Proving these causes is difficult, especially if the truck driver or trucking company tries to hide evidence. Greenspan & Greenspan is ready to investigate your crash and determine its true cause.

New York truck accident lawyers

Dangers and Risks of Truck Accidents 

If you have never been a professional truck driver, it is easy to forget how different a large truck is compared to a car. A good New York 18-wheeler accident lawyer knows the factors that make trucks particularly dangerous.

Blind Spots

Large trucks tend to have large blind spots. Even if a mirror or camera covers every angle, the driver can easily forget to check one of the mirrors or screens. Then, without slowing down, they hit whatever is in their blind spot. In blind spot situations, it can also take the truck driver a little longer to react to remedy the situation because they aren’t immediately sure where the problem is happening.

Jackknifing

Anything pulling a trailer, especially an 18-wheeler, can jackknife. Jackknifing is when the trailer swings out and creates a “V” with the cab. Jackknifing is notorious for causing multi-car collisions.

Rollovers

Large trucks, especially loaded ones, tend to be top-heavy. Bad weather, going too fast, and improper loading can all cause a truck to roll over. Turck rollovers can cause very serious damage to other people on the road.

Lost Loads

Trucks are made to carry things. Unfortunately, sometimes they lose the things they are carrying. When this happens while speeding down an interstate or even on a quieter road, the damage can be enormous. Gravel, lumber, trash, or any number of things can fall off a truck and become projectiles.

Types of Accidents That a New York Truck Accident Attorney Handles

When people think of a truck accident, they usually think of an 18-wheeler on the interstate. But a New York truck accident lawyer handles a lot of different cases. Sometimes a case involves the city government and a garbage truck. Sometimes it is a cargo truck in the suburbs with an improperly tied load. As home delivery becomes more popular, more delivery vehicles are navigating tricky neighborhood streets, often driven by busy, distracted drivers. 

Regardless of the specifics, one thing stays the same: You deserve to be compensated if another driver hurts you. Hire a New York accident attorney who won’t back down.

New York Truck Accident Statistics

In the stress that follows a truck accident, it is easy to feel alone. But you are not alone. Unfortunately, year after year, trucks hurt and even kill people.

According to the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), in 2024 alone, 3,966 people were injured in large truck accidents in the State of New York. Almost 100 people died. These accidents involved dump trucks, garbage trucks, flat beds, box vans, and other kinds of large trucks. 

Because this is a widespread problem, when you fight for your own rights, you are also playing a bigger role. Truck accidents that cause injuries and death shouldn’t be swept under the rug. Here at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we take on companies that try to minimize your pain and suffering.

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

Determining who is responsible for your injuries can be a complicated legal puzzle. Depending on the circumstances, several parties can be at fault. After an extensive investigation, your New York truck accident lawyer may recommend pursuing the following parties.

Truck Driver

Truck drivers must operate their vehicles safely. If they fail to do so, they could be liable for the accident. Many drivers will try to escape liability by blaming their employer, but our firm always holds them accountable for any unsafe choices they make behind the wheel.

Trucking Company

Trucking companies are liable for their drivers’ actions while on the road. They can also be liable if they pressure drivers to violate safety regulations or negligently hire unqualified drivers. Moreover, these companies must ensure all vehicles are roadworthy before allowing a driver to haul a load.

Cargo Loading Companies

Even when the driver and the trucking company take other necessary precautions, an improperly loaded truck can spell disaster. Companies responsible for loading and securing cargo on trucks must do so correctly. If overloaded or improperly loaded cargo causes an accident, the cargo loading company could share liability.

New York Trucking Regulations

A number of federal laws regulating the trucking industry apply to large trucks in New York. These laws are meant to make our roads safer for everyone. If a company or driver breaks one of these laws, they should be held responsible. Here are some of the regulated areas that may be involved in your case.

Hours of Service

There are specific rules about how many consecutive hours a commercial driver can drive, depending on different factors. There are also rules around how many total hours a commercial driver is allowed to drive within a certain time frame. When investigating a case, we look into the driver’s schedule to see if these laws have been followed.

Weight Limits

Depending on whether a truck is traveling on an interstate or a smaller road, trucks have different weight limits. If they go over that limit, they are breaking the law. As part of our investigation, we check to see if the truck was over its legal weight limit.

Licensing and Training

Professional truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Depending on their specific job, they may be required to have specialized training. As your New York truck accident lawyer, we check that the truck driver in your accident was fully qualified.

Maintenance 

Many large trucks rack up mileage and get banged up repeatedly as they are loaded and unloaded. That’s why it is so important for truck companies to do regular maintenance checks. Laws dictate the specifics of these maintenance checks, depending on the situation. As your attorney, if needed, we can go through the company records to make sure the proper maintenance was being done.

How Our New York Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Truck accident cases are complex, and you only have one chance at seeking compensation. You need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and fight for a fair settlement. Here’s how Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers will handle your case.

Investigate the Accident

We’ll launch a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the accident and identify all potentially liable parties. This step might involve reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, and reviewing company records. Your New York truck accident attorney may also consult with accident reconstruction experts whose testimony can support your claim.

Handle Communication with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are motivated to protect their bottom line. They might try to offer you a quick settlement or even deny your claim altogether. We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from aggressive tactics and unfair settlements. As always, we will never agree to a settlement without your approval.

Fight for You in Court

If the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer will represent you in court and fight for the justice you deserve. While a settlement is often preferable, we are not afraid to take the fight to the courtroom if that is what is needed to secure the results you deserve.

Possible Compensation You Can Recover

Compensation can help replace your losses and assist with your recovery after the crash. Here are some of the main types of damages that might be recoverable in your truck accident case:

  • Medical expenses. These include all treatment costs, such as hospital stays, surgeries, and medication. Your settlement can also pay for ongoing care, such as physical therapy and counseling.
  • Lost wages. If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost income. These funds also address the loss of future earning capacity if your injuries leave you unable to return to your previous job.
  • Pain and suffering. Truck accidents can cause significant physical and emotional pain. You may be entitled to compensation for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.
  • Property damage. Unlike some firms, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers go the extra mile to achieve sizable settlements to replace or repair damaged property. These losses include your vehicle, personal items, medical equipment, and anything else damaged in the crash.
  • Wrongful death. In the tragic event that you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for what are known as “pecuniary injuries” they may include loss of support and services such as cooking, cleaning, driving, measured by the cost of hiring people to replace those services, they also include funeral expenses, lost wages and other damages.

The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced big rig accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand the potential value of your claim.

Cost Structure and Contingency Fees 

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we believe everyone should be able to access justice, no matter their financial situation. 

Here is the bottom line: We only get paid if you get paid. In other words, we get paid from the damages we recover on your behalf. 

It is rare to find a New York semi-truck accident lawyer who will handle all your reimbursements, all your property damage, everything—while you just focus on getting better. But that’s what we do. We are local attorneys who have prided ourselves on caring for our community since 1959. You can count on us to stick to contingency fees in truck accidents rather than upfront costs or hourly fees. We get paid only if we secure compensation for you.

New York Truck Accident FAQs

1. What should I do immediately after a truck accident in New York?

After a truck accident, your safety is the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. If possible, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and obtaining the truck driver’s details. Contact a New York truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and legal options.

2. Who can be held liable for a truck accident in New York?

Liability can vary depending on the circumstances. Potentially responsible parties include:

  • The truck driver, if their negligence caused the accident.
  • The trucking company, for unsafe practices or failure to maintain vehicles.
  • Cargo loading companies, if improperly loaded or secured cargo contributed to the crash.

A thorough investigation by a skilled attorney can identify all liable parties.

3. What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (current and future treatment).
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional).
  • Property damage.
  • Wrongful death damages in fatal cases, including funeral expenses and loss of support.

4. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet all deadlines.

5. Why should I hire Greenspan & Greenspan for my truck accident case?

Greenspan & Greenspan has over 30 years of experience handling complex truck accident cases in New York. Our team is dedicated to investigating your case thoroughly, negotiating aggressively with insurance companies, and, if necessary, fighting for your rights in court. We handle all legal aspects so you can focus on your recovery.

Speak with a New York Truck Accident Lawyer

Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our law firm has over three decades of experience representing injured people. We handle complex truck accident cases in New York. We understand your challenges and know what it takes to get results.

Our New York semi-truck accident lawyers are capable of handling cases throughout New York state, including the 5 Boroughs, The Bronx, Yonkers, and beyond.

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