New York City
Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious truck accident in New York City, having the right legal support can make all the difference. A New York City Truck Accident Lawyer can help you recover damages, handle insurance claims, and hold negligent drivers or trucking companies accountable. Truck accidents in New York City can be devastating due to the size of the vehicles and the dense city streets. With thousands of commercial trucks sharing the roads with cars, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians, accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Our team has decades of experience representing accident victims and fighting for fair compensation.

Understanding Truck Accident Claims in New York City

Truck accidents differ from standard car accidents. The vehicles involved are larger, heavier, and often carry cargo, which increases the potential for severe injuries. Victims may face long hospital stays, costly rehabilitation, and permanent life changes. In addition, determining liability in these cases can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, mechanics, and even manufacturers.

Key types of trucks involved in NYC accidents include:

• Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers
• Dump trucks and garbage trucks
• Box trucks and cargo vans
• Fuel trucks and chemical transport vehicles
• Tow trucks and service trucks

Many truck accidents happen on major thoroughfares, such as the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, and Brooklyn’s Belt Parkway, as well as in busy commercial districts like Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City. The combination of dense traffic, heavy pedestrian use, and frequent deliveries increases the risk of collisions.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Several factors contribute to truck accidents in New York City. Understanding these causes can help accident victims and their attorneys identify liable parties. Common causes include:

• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Following too closely
• Distracted driving, including cell phone use
• Driving while fatigued
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Improper lane changes or failure to check blind spots
• Running red lights or ignoring traffic signs
• Unsafe cargo or improperly secured loads
• Vehicle defects such as brake failure or tire blowouts
• Inadequate maintenance or inspections

Truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries because of the vehicle’s size and weight. Even a low-speed collision with a large truck can result in severe harm.

Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Accidents

Accidents involving trucks in New York City frequently result in life-changing injuries. Victims may suffer from:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Severe burns or lacerations
• Facial injuries or scarring
• Hearing or vision loss
• Amputations

These injuries often require long-term medical care, ongoing therapy, and can limit a victim’s ability to work. Financial losses, emotional trauma, and the stress of recovering from serious injuries make pursuing full compensation critical.

Establishing Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accident cases in New York City are typically based on negligence. To successfully pursue a claim, several key elements must be established:

• Duty of Care: The driver and trucking company are legally required to operate safely.
• Breach of Duty: Failure to uphold this duty, such as speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, or ignoring maintenance.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages: Documentation of injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Liability can extend beyond the truck driver. Other responsible parties might include:

• Trucking companies and fleet managers
• Cargo or freight brokers
• Vehicle and parts manufacturers
• Mechanics who perform maintenance or repairs
• Owners of the truck or trailer

Investigating Truck Accidents

Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every truck accident to identify all liable parties and gather evidence. This can include:

• Police reports and witness statements
• Surveillance camera footage and traffic cameras
• Truck electronic data recorder or black box
• Driver logs and employment records
• Dispatch records from the trucking company
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance documents
• Accident reconstruction expert opinions
• Medical records and vocational assessments

A complete investigation ensures that all evidence is considered and strengthens the case for maximum compensation.

Insurance Considerations After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including commercial truck insurance, liability coverage, and personal auto insurance. Insurance companies may attempt to offer a quick settlement that does not fully account for the victim’s current and future medical expenses, lost income, or long-term disability. Accepting the first offer without consulting an attorney can result in significantly less compensation. Experienced truck accident lawyers can negotiate with insurers, demand fair settlements, or take the case to court if necessary.

Damages You May Recover

Victims of truck accidents can pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Long-term care for permanent disabilities
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

Accurate assessment of damages often requires financial experts, especially when injuries are permanent or severely impact earning capacity.

Statistical Overview of Truck Accidents in New York City

Truck accidents in New York City are a growing concern. According to recent data:

• Trucks are twice as likely as cars to cause serious injury or death to pedestrians and cyclists.
• 67% of truck accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists result in serious injury or death.
• NYC municipal and private garbage trucks have been involved in serious accidents causing fatalities and injuries.

City streets, busy intersections, and commercial delivery zones make trucks especially dangerous in areas such as Times Square, Wall Street, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The rise in online shopping has increased delivery traffic, which contributes to accident risk.

Handling Complex Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents are often more complex than car accidents due to:

• Multiple liable parties
• Commercial trucking regulations
• High insurance coverage and corporate legal defenses
• Layered corporate structures or subcontracted services
• Extensive record-keeping and compliance requirements

Having an attorney with experience in these complexities improves the chances of obtaining full compensation.

Why Choose Our Firm

We have decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases in New York City. Our approach includes:

• Conducting thorough investigations
• Identifying all responsible parties
• Calculating current and future damages
• Negotiating with insurers and other attorneys
• Representing clients in court if necessary

Our track record includes recovering significant settlements and verdicts for accident victims. Legal experience matters when facing well-funded insurance companies and corporate defendants.

Truck Accident Case Timeline and Statute of Limitations

In New York, you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. Filing within this period ensures that your case will be considered by the court. Acting promptly also allows your attorney to gather critical evidence while it is fresh.

Contact a New York City Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, do not wait. Contact us at (516) 375-6692 to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys at The Silbowitz Firm will review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you need to recover and rebuild your life.