Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney New York

Determined Advocates for New York Tractor Trailer Accident Survivors

A truck accident in New York can leave you with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what to do next. If you were hurt in a crash involving a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other commercial truck, a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in New York can help you pursue compensation for your losses.

At Godosky & Gentile, we represent injured people and families after serious commercial truck accidents. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, complex insurance issues, and state and federal trucking regulations. We investigate the crash, identify who may be responsible, and work to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If you were injured in a truck accident in New York, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps. Contact Godosky & Gentile today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Why Tractor-Trailer Accidents Are So Serious

Tractor-trailers are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means a collision can cause catastrophic injuries or death. People involved in these crashes may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, internal injuries, crush injuries, burns, or other long-term harm.

Truck accident claims are also more complex than standard car accident cases. Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to the trucking company, cargo loading company, maintenance contractor, vehicle manufacturer, or another third party. A New York truck accident lawyer can investigate these issues and determine who may be held accountable.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York

Many truck accidents happen because of preventable negligence. 

Common causes include:

• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Improper lane changes
• Following too closely
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
• Brake failure or tire failure
• Poor truck maintenance
• Hours-of-service violations
• Inadequate driver training

Weather and road conditions can also increase the danger of a truck accident. Rain, snow, fog, icy pavement, heavy traffic, and sudden stops can make large commercial vehicles more difficult to control.

Who May Be Liable in a New York Tractor-Trailer Accident?

Determining liability in a tractor-trailer accident is often more complicated than in a passenger vehicle collision. 

Depending on the facts, one or more parties may be responsible, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The owner of the truck or trailer
• A cargo loading company
• A maintenance or repair company
• A parts manufacturer
• Another negligent driver

Our legal team reviews accident reports, witness statements, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, inspection reports, and cargo documents to identify all possible sources of liability.

New York Laws That May Affect Your Claim

New York follows a no-fault insurance system for motorcycle accidents. Your own insurance may cover basic economic losses after a crash, regardless of who caused it. However, if you suffered a serious injury, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.

New York also follows a comparative negligence rule. If you are found partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Because trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame, it is important to investigate the crash quickly and preserve key evidence.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Truck Accident Case

Truck accident cases often depend on detailed evidence that may not exist in a typical car accident claim. 

Important evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Electronic logging device data
• Black box data
• Driver qualification records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cargo loading records
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage

The sooner an attorney begins investigating, the better the chance of preserving records before they are lost, destroyed, or changed.

How a New York Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney Can Help

A tractor trailer accident attorney can handle the legal and insurance issues while you focus on medical treatment and recovery. At Godosky & Gentile, we work to:

• Investigate how the crash happened
• Identify all liable parties
• Preserve trucking company records and electronic evidence
• Work with a qualified professional when needed
• Calculate current and future damages
• Negotiate with insurers
• Prepare the case for trial if a fair settlement is not offered

Commercial trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly after a crash to protect themselves. Having legal representation early can make a difference in the strength of your claim.

Compensation Available After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

If another party caused the crash, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In fatal truck accident cases, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Truck Accidents in New York City and Across the State

Truck accidents can happen on major highways, interstates, city streets, and local roads throughout New York. Heavy truck traffic, congested roadways, construction zones, and dense urban driving conditions can all increase the risk of serious collisions. Crashes may occur on routes such as I-87, I-95, I-278, the Cross Bronx Expressway, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, as well as roads in other parts of the state.

Whether the crash happened in New York City or elsewhere in New York, a commercial truck accident attorney in New York can evaluate the facts and explain your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Get medical attention as soon as possible. Report the accident to law enforcement, take photos if you can, and get contact information for witnesses. Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving a detailed recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer.

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

In many cases, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years from the date of the accident. Some cases may involve shorter deadlines, especially when a government entity is involved.

Can I sue the trucking company after a truck accident?

Yes, in some cases. If the trucking company contributed to the accident through negligent hiring, poor maintenance, unsafe scheduling, failure to follow safety rules, or other misconduct, it may be held liable.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

You may still be able to recover compensation under New York’s comparative negligence rules. Your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

How much is a truck accident case worth?

The value of a case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost income, future care needs, and the overall effect on your life. A truck accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and estimate potential damages.

 A truck accident can leave you facing serious injuries and financial stress. Contact Godosky & Gentile today to speak with a New York truck accident lawyer about your potential claim.