New York City Truck Accident Lawyer

Representing Victims of Serious Tractor-Trailer Accidents in NYC

Few motor vehicle accidents are as devastating—or as likely to be fatal—as truck accidents. When a large, multi-ton commercial truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, people in the smaller vehicle often sustain severe, life-altering injuries. Tragically, many victims die because of these injuries.

Every truck accident case accepted by The Paris Law Group, PC receives careful evaluation and trial preparation, even though settlements outside of court are common. We aggressively litigate and negotiate every matter, from start to finish. Whether an 18-wheeler forced you off the road or a semi rear-ended you, you can rely on our New York truck accident lawyer for diligent and effective advocacy. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injury victims across the state of New York.

Call (888) 365-4940 today for your free consultation, or contact us online.

Understanding New York’s Trucking Regulations & Their Importance

New York has stringent regulations governing commercial trucking to ensure safety for both drivers and other road users. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets Interstate regulations, and these apply to trucks operating across state lines, including New York. However, New York has additional regulations that apply to trucks within the state, such as specific routes for hazardous materials, hourly restrictions for city deliveries, and strict penalties for traffic violations while operating a commercial vehicle.

Moreover, New York imposes its rules on truck weights and dimensions that differ slightly from federal standards. Knowing these details can be crucial during the legal process, as any discrepancies or violations can impact the liability and strategies adopted in a claim. Understanding New York’s unique landscape for trucking logistics is vital for effective legal action involving truck-related accidents.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York

A report by the Center for Truck and Bus Statistics stated that of all the many driver-related factors involved in truck accidents, the most common are:

Truck driver fatigue can also play a role. When trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed safe driving hours, serious accidents often occur. Other types of negligence contribute, including inadequate driver training, poor truck maintenance, overloading, and more.

Weather conditions, frequent traffic congestion, and unusual intersections across New York create additional hazards for commercial vehicles navigating city streets. The presence of delivery trucks on residential roads and high-density corridors increases the risk of collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller cars. Commercial truck accident claims often show that drivers lacked updated route training or encountered obstacles from ongoing city infrastructure projects, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Local studies report that intersections near commercial districts like Midtown Manhattan and major bridges have higher rates of truck accidents due to tight turn radii and heavy foot traffic.

Who Is Liable for a Trucking Accident in NYC?

One factor that makes truck accident injury claims more complex than typical car accident claims is liability. Because of the damage caused by commercial trucks, almost every truck accident claim meets the no-fault threshold, allowing victims to pursue compensation outside their own insurance policy against the at-fault driver.

However, pinpointing who is liable after a truck accident can be challenging.

Truck Drivers

In many cases, when a truck driver causes an accident, their employer takes legal responsibility. Under respondeat superior laws, employers are often held liable for their employees' conduct while on duty. If a careless truck driver hit you, the trucking company could be liable for your injuries and other damages.

Trucking Companies

This isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a trucking company disputes liability by alleging that the truck driver committed unlawful acts, such as driving under the influence or violating federal hours-of-service rules. These disputes can add complexity to your claim.

Involvement of Third Parties

In other instances, a third party might be partially or wholly liable for the accident. This could be the case if another driver was careless or reckless, leading to the accident, or if a manufacturer created a defective truck braking system that contributed to the accident.

In any case, it is critical that you work with an experienced truck accident attorney in New York who has access to industry experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, who can help determine what happened and, most importantly, who is liable.

Safety Tips for Driving Near Large Trucks in NYC

Living or working in New York offers unique experiences, but the city's roads can be hazardous. Keep these important safety tips in mind when sharing the road with large trucks:

• Be Mindful of Trucks Making Right Turns. Many New York streets are narrow. When trucks approach a street to make a right turn, leave ample space for their maneuver. Trucks make wide right turns and require a turning radius of up to 55 feet. Position your vehicle to avoid collisions.
• Avoid Tailgating. Always keep a safe distance behind trucks. Crashing into a truck’s rear with little stopping room can have severe consequences for you, your passengers, and others nearby.
• Avoid Trucks’ Blind Spots. Stay out of a truck’s blind spots whenever possible. These blind spots extend on all four sides, with the worst on the left and right. If you cannot see the driver in the truck’s mirror, the truck driver cannot see you.

Additionally, always use turn signals clearly and avoid sudden lane changes when driving near trucks. Trucks cannot stop quickly, so maintain a greater distance than usual. Driving predictably and staying visible can reduce accident risks. By practicing defensive driving, motorists can help prevent collisions with large trucks on New York’s roads.

Damages & Compensation After a Truck Accident in New York

Victims of truck accidents may recover a range of damages, based on how the crash affected their lives. Economic damages pay for medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment needs. Lost income, reduced earning ability, and property damage are also included. Non-economic damages address pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life, which are often significant following commercial vehicle crashes.

New York law allows victims to pursue additional compensation beyond personal injury protection (PIP) if their injuries meet the legal threshold for severity. For very serious injuries, claims may seek lifelong care costs or home modifications. Courts can also award punitive damages to deter reckless conduct, but usually only when egregious acts or regulatory violations occurred. Calculating the full value of a claim requires documentation of all losses, using medical records and financial documents.

Truck accident lawyers leverage knowledge of local verdicts, insurance company tactics, and strategies to improve settlement offers. The Paris Law Group, PC relies on nearly 100 years of combined legal experience to build strong claims, secure crucial evidence, and advocate for proper compensation for clients. Knowing the categories of damages and how New York law approaches recovery can help accident victims make well-informed choices after a collision.

Call our experienced team at (888) 365-4940 today for assistance.