NYC Truck Accident Lawyer

The Platta Law Firm is a team of nationally acclaimed New York trial attorneys with more than 150 years of combined experience handling high-stakes personal injury cases. Our focused legal strategy has secured millions of dollars for injured clients, both in and out of court, including two recent million-dollar recoveries for New York truck accident victims. Call our New York City office today to learn how we can help after a devastating truck accident. Your first case evaluation is free.

A Message to Truck Accident Victims from Slawek Platta

Why Truck Accident Victims in New York City Trust The Platta Law Firm

A truck accident can be catastrophic. It can alter your life in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences often feel overwhelming. When a truck driver’s negligence causes the crash, you have the right to pursue a legal claim to recover compensation for your losses with the help of a NYC truck accident lawyer.

You cannot rely on the trucking company or its insurance carrier to protect your future. These parties often act in their own interests, not yours. They may work to limit or deny the compensation you deserve. Hiring an experienced NYC truck accident lawyer can make a critical difference. The law firm you choose can shape the outcome of your case. Here’s why truck accident victims and families across NYC turn to The Platta Law Firm:

• Our team includes award-winning New York trial attorneys recognized by Lawyers of Distinction, Super Lawyers, and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
• We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars through settlements and jury verdicts for injured clients.
• Our semi-truck accident attorneys bring more than 150 years of combined experience against trucking companies and insurers.
• We provide clear, responsive, and personalized legal representation at every stage of the case with a dedicated NYC truck accident lawyer.
• Our firm has earned over 180 five-star reviews from clients on Google.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Do not leave compensation on the table. Do not give trucking companies or insurers the advantage. Take control of your recovery by choosing experienced New York City truck accident attorneys who will fight aggressively on your behalf.

How Can a New York City Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me After a Crash?

Hiring a personal injury attorney in NYC is one of the best things you can do after a truck accident. Not only does it give you time to focus on your recovery, but it also gives you the best shot at winning your case and recovering a substantial monetary award. When you choose The Platta Law Firm, our team of top-rated New York trial attorneys will handle all aspects of your legal dispute for you:

• Investigate: Your NYC truck accident lawyer will launch a prompt and thorough investigation into your truck accident so that we can fully appreciate how it happened, how it could have been avoided, and who’s liable for resulting damages.
• Evaluate Evidence: Throughout the discovery process, we’ll gather critical pieces of evidence, including truck black box data, driver logs, vehicle inspection and maintenance records, cell phone records, property damage, photographs of the scene of the crash, accident reports, and your medical records.
• Depose Witnesses: Eyewitnesses to the collision can provide valuable information that can be used to build a compelling legal claim for damages. We’ll locate and depose all parties who can shed light on what happened and help us win your case.
• Hire Experts: We’ll make the most of your truck accident lawsuit by hiring experts in the trucking industry, medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, rehabilitation specialists, and other witnesses to consult and testify on your behalf.
• Calculate Your Damages: Our team will carefully evaluate the ways in which the big rig accident has affected your life and, with the help of experts, determine what your personal injury case is worth. When you’re offered a settlement, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your future.
• Satisfy Procedural Requirements: Our team will make sure that your truck accident lawsuit complies with procedures established by New York state law, including satisfying applicable statutes of limitations.
• Represent You During Negotiations: Putting our experienced and respected NYC truck accident lawyers in your corner means forcing the insurance company to make more genuine attempts to settle your truck accident case honestly and fairly.
• Bring Your Truck Accident Lawsuit to Trial: If the trucking company or its insurer won’t stand up and accept responsibility for the wreck, our award-winning litigators in NYC will be more than ready to try your case in front of a compassionate jury of your peers.

We offer a complimentary case evaluation to all prospective clients. Don’t hesitate to contact our law office in New York City to discover how we can help you after your truck accident. Members of our team are standing by to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How Common Are Commercial Truck Accidents in NY?

In 2023, Brooklyn accounted for 34.71 percent of NYC truck accidents. Queens followed with 23.39 percent, while Manhattan recorded 20.56 percent. The Bronx accounted for 18.34 percent, and Staten Island reported roughly 3 percent of all commercial truck collisions.

Experience Handling All Types of Truck Accidents in New York City

Truck accident claims involve far more complexity than typical car accident cases. These crashes often cause severe injuries. They also raise complex liability issues and trigger both state and federal trucking regulations. Investigations require technical knowledge and fast action. Stakes are higher, and trucking companies bring significant legal resources to the fight.

You need every advantage when pursuing compensation. That process starts with choosing the right law firm. The Platta Law Firm brings deep experience handling truck accident claims throughout New York City. Our Manhattan truck accident attorneys represent clients injured in cases involving:

• Jackknife accidents
• Underride accidents
• Override accidents
• Wide turn truck accidents
• Bobtail truck accidents
• Box truck accidents
• Garbage truck accidents
• Dump truck accidents
• Tanker truck accidents
• Fuel truck accidents
• Truck rollovers
• Amazon delivery van and truck accidents
• UPS and FedEx truck accidents
• T-Bone truck accidents
• Tire blowouts
• Cargo spill accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Construction truck accidents
• Frontal crashes

Our firm has the resources and experienced NYC truck accident lawyers to launch detailed investigations immediately. We know how to secure and use critical evidence. We also understand FMCSA trucking regulations and how they impact liability and damages. With more than 150 years of combined experience and a multi-million-dollar record of success, our team stands ready to fight for you.

We represent truck accident victims in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Rockland County, Westchester County, and throughout the greater New York City metro area. Call today to discuss your case.

Our NYC Truck Accident Lawyers Will Help You Seek Compensation for Your Injuries

Fully loaded commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and span up to 53 feet. When they crash, the damage can be devastating. People in smaller vehicles often suffer the worst harm. Bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians also face a high risk of severe injury. Our NYC personal injury attorneys represent truck accident victims with a wide range of injuries, including:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Burn injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Brain injuries
• Amputation injuries
• Leg injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash injuries
• Neck injuries
• Catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death of a spouse, parent, or child

Catastrophic injuries often lead to higher compensation, but no injury is too minor to take seriously. Even moderate injuries can require expensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation. They can also limit your ability to work and disrupt your daily life. When someone else causes the crash, you deserve compensation for every loss you suffer.

The Platta Law Firm reviews how your injuries affect your health, income, and future. We work with medical and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim. Our team then pushes for a fair settlement using every available resource. If the trucking company refuses to negotiate, our NYC truck accident lawyers stand ready to take your case to court and demand full accountability.

Understanding How NY State and Federal Trucking Regulations Could Affect Your Personal Injury Case

Trucking companies must follow these rules at every stage of operation. When a trucking company or its agents violate state or federal law, they can face liability for property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Trucking Regulations

Because trucking often crosses state lines, the federal government regulates it. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, enforces these rules. FMCSA regulations govern driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, inspections, and cargo management. In Brooklyn and across NYC, several FMCSA rules play a key role in truck accident cases:

• Driver Qualifications: Drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with required endorsements. States set CDL standards, including age, medical fitness, and testing requirements.
• Hours of Service: Drivers may operate a truck for no more than 14 hours at a time. After that period, they must take a 10-hour break. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after eight hours on the road.
• Load and Weight Limits: Trucking companies must load vehicles properly and comply with weight limits. Improper loading creates serious safety risks, especially when hauling hazardous materials.
• Vehicle Inspections: Drivers must inspect trucks before and after each trip. Companies must also complete mandatory biannual inspections to keep unsafe vehicles off the road.

Federal safety rules apply to all trucking operations in New York. The state also enforces its own trucking regulations. Trucking companies understand these laws well. To win a truck accident case, you need legal counsel with the same level of knowledge. That’s why truck accident victims across New York turn to The Platta Law Firm. Our NYC truck accident lawyer sapply deep regulatory insight and sharp analysis to counter the advantages trucking companies try to use in their defense.

What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in New York City?

Despite strict oversight, truck accidents remain common throughout New York City. Regulations only work when companies and drivers follow them. Many crashes occur because trucking companies prioritize speed and profit over safety. Common causes of NYC truck accidents include:

• Speeding
• Texting and driving
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Drug-impaired driving
• Driver fatigue
• Unsafe passing
• Illegal turns
• Blind spot errors
• Failure to yield
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Overloaded trucks
• Cargo load violations
• Improperly secured cargo
• Oversized vehicles
• Brake failures
• Tailgating
• Vehicle defects
• Poor road conditions

Many of these crashes stem from negligent hiring, skipped inspections, poor maintenance, unsafe company policies, and disregard for traffic and safety laws. If someone’s carelessness caused your NYC truck accident, you deserve full compensation. The Platta Law Firm investigates every detail, identifies all causes, and fights to hold every responsible party accountable.

Who’s Liable for a New York City Truck Accident?

Anyone who contributes to a truck accident in New York can face financial responsibility. Depending on the facts of your case, multiple parties may owe damages for medical bills, lost income, pain, and emotional distress.

Truck Driver

Truck drivers must follow federal and state trucking laws and operate their vehicles safely. When a driver breaches that duty, they can cause serious harm. Drivers may face liability for speeding, exceeding hours-of-service limits, skipping inspections, or driving under the influence.

Trucking Company

Trucking companies control daily operations and must ensure safety. When they cut corners, they expose others to danger. A company may face liability for poor maintenance, negligent hiring, or allowing overloaded trucks on the road. Companies may also bear responsibility for their drivers’ actions. When a driver causes a crash while working, the employer often answers for the consequences.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer

Manufacturers can face strict liability when a defective vehicle or component causes a crash. Victims do not need to prove negligence. They only need to show that a defect existed and caused the accident. Common defects affect brakes, fuel systems, electrical components, transmissions, and steering systems.

Freight Broker

Freight brokers arrange shipments between companies and trucking services. They must choose carriers that operate safely. Brokers should rely on FMCSA SAFER scores, which reflect safety violations, inspections, and compliance history. When a broker hires a company with a poor safety record and a crash follows, injured victims may pursue a negligence claim.

Third-Party Motorist

Other motorists can also cause truck accidents. Drivers of cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and even pedestrians may contribute under certain conditions. For example, if an SUV cuts off a truck and forces it to brake suddenly, the resulting jackknife may trace back to the SUV driver’s actions. When a third party causes or contributes to a crash, the law can hold them accountable.

Government Agency

Government agencies design and maintain New York’s roads. When they fail to fix dangerous conditions, they can share responsibility for accidents. Common hazards include potholes, obscured signage, and malfunctioning traffic signals.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover if I Win a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Economic damages should offset the financial burdens of a truck accident. Economic damages can include money for:

• Hospitalization, medication, surgery, medical devices, and other current medical bills
• Future medical expenses related to rehabilitation, follow-up care, and medical equipment
• Lost wages, earnings, and income
• Temporary and/or permanent disability
• Costs of replacing or repairing damaged property
• The costs of a rental car, traveling for medical care, and other things paid out-of-pocket
• Funeral expenses if a New York truck accident is fatal

Non-economic damages should help to compensate for the consequences of a truck accident that are much more personal and, therefore, harder to value. Types of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Chronic physical pain
• Loss of consortium
• Inconvenience
• PTSD
• Reduced quality of life
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Physical scarring

The trucking company will challenge your claim for damages at every turn, working hard to downplay your physical injuries and the suffering you’ve experienced since the wreck. Our NYC truck accident lawyers in Queens will not let their tactics jeopardize your fight for compensation. Instead, we’ll concentrate on building a compelling legal claim that proves your losses, clearly establishes liability, and forces the trucking service to negotiate fairly. If you’re offered anything less than what your truck accident lawsuit is worth, our law firm won’t hesitate to bring your dispute to trial.

NYC Truck Accident FAQ

It’s common to have questions after you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New York City. The Platta Law Firm has the answers you need to make informed decisions about your related personal injury claim for damages.

How Do I Win a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

While some truck accident lawsuits might be based on strict liability, most involve the tort of negligence. The plaintiff (injury victims) has the burden of proving that they were injured or experienced the wrongful death of a loved one because the defendant (the truck driver, trucking company, or another liable party) was careless. More specifically, a successful negligence action will involve proving the following elements:

• Duty: The defendant had a duty to act reasonably to protect you from foreseeable harm (e.g., adhere to FMCSA safety regulations).
• Breach: The defendant breached this duty by engaging in behavior that was unsafe (e.g., the truck driver spent 16 hours behind the wheel, a clear violation of FMCSA hours of service limitations, and they fell asleep).
• Causation: The defendant’s unsafe behavior caused a truck accident in which you were injured (e.g., the driver struck your car after running a red light because they were asleep).
• Damages: You’ve experienced damages, such as medical bills or a loss of income, because of the truck accident.

New York law requires you to prove your negligence claim by a preponderance of the evidence. Your claims against the truck driver or trucking company must be more likely true than not. You’ll need compelling evidence to carry the burden of proof. In most truck accident cases, helpful evidence can include data from the truck’s electronic onboard recording device (black box), photographs of the wreckage and scene of the collision, driver cell phone records, accident reports, witness statements, trucking service hiring and training requirements, and vehicle inspection logs.

Don’t stress out about how to prove that a truck company was negligent. Our NYC truck accident lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience navigating complex negligence actions. Count on us to invest our considerable resources and experience into your pursuit of compensation.

What Evidence Is Most Helpful in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

You’ll need strong evidence to win a truck accident case and force the trucking company to pay for your crash-related injuries. At The Platta Law Firm, we work hard to preserve and collect multiple types of evidence that can be used to determine causation, establish liability, and support our valuation for a truck accident case. While it varies from case to case, some of the most important evidence in truck accident lawsuits includes:

• Truck driver logs and reports
• Freight manifests
• Truck black box data (EDR recordings)
• Dash cam footage
• Surveillance video from red light cameras, local New York City businesses, and residential homes
• Drug and alcohol test results
• The truck driver’s traffic record and employment history
• Truck inspection and maintenance reports
• Trucking company hiring, training, and communication policies
• Proof of potential violations of New York state law and/or FMCSA truck regulations
• Photographs of the scene of the truck accident, damage to vehicles and other property, and victims’ injuries
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Forensic reports
• Testimony from expert witnesses
• Eyewitness testimony
• Police and accident reports
• Driver cell phone records

We’ll obtain key evidence during our thorough investigation at the scene, through depositions of interested parties, with subpoenas, and throughout the discovery process. We’ll use the evidence to help craft a powerful legal claim that forces the trucking service (and other parties involved in the case) to take responsibility for the semi-truck accident and make you whole.

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Blamed for a Truck Accident?

Yes, as long as you’re not entirely to blame. New York operates under a system of pure comparative negligence. As a result, shared fault limits a victim’s ability to recover compensation from other parties. If you’re assigned any blame for your truck accident in NYC, any financial awards obtained through a settlement or jury verdict will be reduced proportionately to fault.

For instance, let’s say you were injured when a truck made an unsafe wide right turn at a New York City intersection. The estimated value of your related personal injury case is $500,000. However, an investigation reveals that you were distracted at the time of the collision and could have avoided the crash if you had been paying better attention. As a result, you’re assigned 50 percent of the blame for the collision. Now, your maximum financial recovery is limited to $250,000, or half of the value of your damages.

It’s important to be ready to defend yourself against claims of shared fault. The more fault you share, the less you’ll be able to recover from a liable third party. If you don’t fight back, you could watch valuable compensation slip away. Our NYC truck accident lawyers in New York anticipate attempts to shift liability and devise strategies to stop them in their tracks. You can count on us to do everything in our power to not only help you win your case but also recover every cent you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for New York truck accident cases is generally three years from the date of injury. A two-year statute of limitations applies in matters of wrongful death after a fatal big rig crash. You must file your legal claim within the applicable timeframe. If the filing deadline passes before you’ve taken action, you will lose the right to demand financial justice from a negligent trucker, a trucking company, or another responsible party.

When Should I Hire a Commercial NYC Truck Accident Lawyer?

As soon as you can after an accident with a big rig. Not only do you risk losing the right to seek damages if you wait too long to take action, but the strength of your claim will wane over time. If you hesitate to bring a claim, you’ll be giving the trucking company control over the situation. They’ll conduct an investigation, have the opportunity to manipulate or get rid of evidence, and have the time to devise a strategy to fight you at every turn.

When you hire a New York truck accident attorney right away, you put yourself in the driver’s seat. When you hire The Platta Law Firm, we’ll jumpstart your case by conducting a prompt and thorough investigation. We won’t let the defense call the shots or dictate your future.

How Much Does a NYC Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

Between medical bills, lost wages during your recovery, and vehicle repairs, truck accidents can be costly. Asking for help shouldn’t add to the unbelievable financial stress you’re under. At The Platta Law Firm, we are so confident in our ability to make a difference in your life that we’re willing to stake our fees on the results of your case. Our contingency fee representation means it costs nothing to hire our truck accident attorneys in NYC unless we win your case.

There are no out-of-pocket costs. Instead, our law firm recovers a percentage of your financial settlement or jury award.

What Happens if a Big Rig Accident in New York Is Fatal?

Not everyone who is involved in a New York City truck accident survives. Every year, hundreds of families grieve the tragic and unexpected deaths of family members after fatal big rig crashes. In these situations, the right to file a lawsuit sometimes shifts to the victims’ personal estate. The personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation from a negligent or otherwise liable party. Compensation can include money for:

• Lost financial support
• Medical expenses paid prior to the victim’s death
• Reduced inheritance
• Lost household services
• Funeral expenses

If the truck accident victim survived for any period of time after the wreck, the lawsuit could also seek compensation for the victim’s conscious pain and suffering prior to their death. Any damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit are awarded to the victim’s surviving family members, including the spouse, child(ren), and/or parent(s).

What if I’m Injured in a Truck Accident at Work?

If you’re injured while driving a truck in New York City, either while hauling freight or navigating a construction site, you may have the right to seek workers’ compensation insurance benefits from your employer. This is true as long as you’re classified as an employee, your employer has coverage, and your truck accident is work-related.

Workers’ compensation can be a lifeline as you get your life on track, but it won’t cover the full extent of your crash-related damages. It can be important to explore other avenues for recovering compensation, including a civil truck accident lawsuit against a negligent or otherwise liable party.

Experienced NYC Truck Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Best Interests

Truck accidents can be avoided. If you’ve been in an accident with an 18-wheeler in NYC because the driver or another party was careless, you deserve to be compensated. The Platta Law Firm can help you fight for justice. Our New York City truck accident lawyers are award-winning litigators with over 150 years of combined experience. The unwavering support of our client’s rights has helped us win hundreds of millions on their behalf.

Now, we’re ready to do everything in our personal injury law firm’s power to make things right for you, too. Call our New York City, NY, law office at (212) 514-5100 to discuss the details of your truck accident case with our team. Your initial case evaluation is absolutely free.