New York Truck Accident Lawyer | Helping Injured Drivers

Knowing Your Rights After a Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in New York, here are the rights you have:

• Right to Compensation: You can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
• Right to No-Fault Coverage: If you’re injured in a truck accident, your insurance covers damages, regardless of fault, through New York’s no-fault insurance system.
• Right to Pursue a Claim: If the injury is severe, you can file a claim against the at-fault truck driver or their employer for additional compensation.
• Right to Hold Negligent Parties Accountable: If the truck driver was negligent, you have the right to seek damages.
• Right to Legal Representation: You can seek legal counsel from a New York truck accident lawyer who can help guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are fully protected.

Having a lawyer by your side ensures you understand all your options and deadlines. Contact us today for a free consultation!

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

Here’s what you should do right away after a truck accident:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Medical records are crucial for your claim.

Contact Authorities

Call the police and file a report. It’s essential for your legal claim and insurance process.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

Take photos of damages and collect witness contact information. This evidence helps support your case.

Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid saying anything that could point out you’re at fault. Let the authorities and insurance determine liability.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider right away. Be truthful and avoid assigning blame.

Contact a New York Truck Accident Lawyer

Get legal help immediately. A lawyer will protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Truck Accident Cases?

In truck accident cases, multiple parties can be responsible for the crash. Determining who is at fault is crucial for your claim. Let’s break down who can be held liable.

Truck Driver Liability

Truck drivers can be held liable for accidents caused by negligence. This includes actions like distracted driving, impaired driving, or failing to follow traffic laws. If the driver was reckless or inattentive, they could be responsible for the crash.

Trucking Company Liability

Trucking companies can also be held liable for accidents. Employers must ensure their drivers are properly trained, rested, and follow safety regulations. If the company’s hiring practices, maintenance protocols, or failure to supervise the driver contributed to the accident, they could be held accountable.

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, third parties are also liable. Truck manufacturers, maintenance teams, or even other drivers on the road can be held responsible if their actions caused the accident.

How to Prove Fault in a Truck Accident Case

Proving fault in a truck accident case is important to claim compensation. It involves gathering various types of evidence and analyzing multiple factors to establish who was responsible for the crash.

Importance of Evidence Collection

Strong evidence is the foundation for proving fault in a truck accident. Here’s what you should collect:

• Photographs: Take clear, detailed photos of the scene, vehicle damages, road conditions, and injuries.
• Witness Statements: Collect names and contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
• Police Report: Ensure the police file a report documenting the incident. It will include key details like the parties involved and any citations issued.
• Medical Records: Keep all medical records to document the injuries you sustained, which helps link the accident to your physical harm.

The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be.

Key Factors in Proving Fault

Several factors must be considered when proving fault in a truck accident:

• Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, like potholes or construction zones, could have contributed to the accident.
• Vehicle Conditions: Faulty truck maintenance or defective parts (e.g., worn-out brakes) may be a factor.
• Driver Actions: If the truck driver was distracted (e.g., texting), driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws, it could directly contribute to the accident.

By investigating each of these factors, you can build a clearer picture of who is at fault.

Role of Black Box Data

Many commercial trucks have electronic logging devices or black boxes that record critical data, such as:

• Speed at the time of the accident
• Braking patterns
• Engine performance

This data provides valuable information to prove whether the truck driver was speeding, braking late, or operating the vehicle recklessly. Obtaining this data is crucial, as it can be overwritten if not preserved.

Proving fault in a truck accident requires gathering evidence, analyzing key factors, and using technology like black box data to support your claim. If you’re unsure how to collect and use this evidence, a New York truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.

Why You Need a New York Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accident cases are more complex than standard car accidents, and hiring a skilled New York truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why having a lawyer by your side is crucial.

Complexities of Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents involve multiple parties, including drivers, companies, and third parties. They often result in severe injuries and require knowledge of both state and federal laws.

Ensuring Proper Investigation

A lawyer helps collect evidence, including black box data, maintenance records, and expert testimony.

Expertise in Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may try to offer low settlements. A lawyer uses their expertise to negotiate a fair settlement and protect your interest

Maximizing Compensation for Your Injuries

A lawyer ensures you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future care needs, maximizing your damages.

Hiring a New York truck accident lawyer ensures the best chance for a fair settlement and a full recovery.

What Sets Stanley Law Offices Apart?

At Stanley Law Offices, we are committed to providing exceptional service for truck accident victims in New York. Here’s what makes us stand out:

Local Expertise in New York Law

We have deep knowledge of New York’s truck accident regulations, ensuring your case fully complies with state laws and best practices.

Client-Centered Approach

We prioritize your needs, offering personalized care and clear communication throughout your case.

Thorough Investigation of the Accident

We have access to resources and experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to conduct a comprehensive investigation and build a strong case.

No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency

We believe in making legal services accessible. You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we win your case.

Proven Track Record of Success

Our history of successful case results and positive client testimonials speaks to our dedication and ability to secure the best outcomes for truck accident victims.

At Stanley Law Offices, we combine local expertise, a client-first approach, and a proven track record to provide the best legal representation for your truck accident case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York

Truck accidents in New York are caused by various factors, often involving multiple parties. Understanding these causes can help you identify your legal options. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in this state:

Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident

Some of the common injuries sustained in a truck accident are:

These impacts can have lasting effects on victims’ lives and well-being.

New York State Truck Accident Stats

Truck accidents remain a safety concern in New York. Here’s what the data from 2020 to 2024 reveals:

• Number of Crashes: New York recorded 7,155 truck crashes in 2021, but this dropped significantly to 2,972 in 2024.
• Fatal Crashes: Fatal truck accidents peaked at 138 in 2022 but decreased to 78 by 2024.
• Injuries: In 2024, 3,492 people were injured in truck accidents, showing how common and harmful these incidents remain.
• Fatalities: The number of deaths fell from 118 in 2020 to 81 in 2024, reflecting some progress but highlighting ongoing risks.

These numbers show that truck accidents are common in New York and highlight the need for better safety and legal help for those impacted.

State and Federal Regulations Governing Trucking in New York

Truck drivers in New York must follow state and federal rules. These regulations cover everything from driver behavior to vehicle maintenance and operation standards.

New York State Regulations

• Weight limits for commercial vehicles.
• Restrictions on truck routes within urban areas.
• Mandatory annual vehicle inspections.
• Safe driving requirements, including speed limits and load securement.

Federal Trucking Regulations

• Licensing requirements for commercial drivers (CDL).
• Cargo securement standards to prevent shifting loads.
• Drug and alcohol testing for drivers.
• Insurance coverage minimums for commercial trucks.

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

• Daily driving limit: 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
• Weekly on-duty limit: 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days.
• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after eight consecutive driving hours.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

• Regular inspection of brakes, tires, and lights.
• Immediate repair of safety-related defects.
• Recordkeeping for maintenance and inspection logs.

How These Regulations Affect Your Claim?

Violations of these regulations can establish liability in truck accident claims. For instance:

• Exceeding HOS limits shows driver fatigue, often linked to accidents.
• Poor maintenance or inspection failures can prove negligence.
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo violations demonstrate reckless behavior.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For

After a truck accident, you can pursue several types of compensation to cover the financial and emotional damages. There are three major categories of damages:

Economic Damages

Compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses due to the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damage is very rare. It punishes the responsible party for harmful or reckless actions. They are not meant to compensate for injury but to discourage such behavior in the future.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and explain the next steps. Don’t wait—let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Contact Us

Call us at 800-608-3333 to schedule your consultation. We’re available 24/7 to provide the support you need. Let’s get started on your case today!