New York Truck Accident Lawyer
An accident involving a truck can be devastating for victims, often resulting in serious injury, emotional pain, and even death. Our New York truck accident lawyers help clients in New York recover the compensation they deserve. Find out how the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC in New York City, NY, and White Plains, N.Y., can help you.
Book a Free Case Review Now
Contact the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, Today
Our New York City truck accident attorneys can provide the legal counsel you need in order to achieve justice. If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, please contact our firm today. We provide free case reviews, and if we decide to take your case, you pay nothing unless and until we win.
Request an appointment with a truck accident lawyer at our Manhattan or White Plains, NY, office locations by calling:
The Knowledge and Resources You Need
Our truck accident attorneys offer truck accident victims:
Proficiency in Truck Accident Cases
Our New York City truck accident lawyers are versed in all aspects of federal and state trucking laws, having represented victims of nearly every kind of large vehicle accident. Our past cases involved victims of tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, sanitation trucks, semitrailers, 18-wheelers, and more. No matter the circumstances, we can help you make it through this challenging time with the best possible outcome.
Vast Legal Resources
We understand that truck accident cases can be complicated and may involve more than one responsible party. Our New York City truck accident law firm has the resources and network of professional connections needed to build these cases. We often work closely with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses to show the full extent of your damages and prove who is responsible.
Fearless Representation
Unlike small personal vehicles, the owners of semitrucks and big rigs are often large businesses with robust legal counsel. Having a New York City truck accident attorney on your side is essential when these companies cause you to suffer a personal injury. Our team has brought numerous claims against defendants in the commercial trucking industry and will not hesitate to face off with any opponent.
A Chance to Move On
It may be hard to imagine right now, but with the right help, you can move on with your life after a truck accident. Our truck accident lawyers have helped numerous victims recover full compensation for their financial and non-financial damages. While it may not replace what was lost, a settlement or successful verdict in your case can help you get past this challenging time in your life.
Our Truck Accident Case Victories
$747,000
Verdict for a client with neck and back injuries after a rear-end truck accident in White Plains.
$500,000
Verdict in Westchester Supreme Court for a truck accident victim with back injuries.
$300,000
Verdict in Nassau Supreme Court for a victim of a rear-end truck collision with back and knee injuries.
Truck Accident Lawyer
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has spent decades in practice representing people who have been injured in truck accidents. We have the knowledge and the resources to get you the recovery you deserve. Book your free consultation with a truck accident lawyer today.
Our Locations
"He did an outstanding job."
Michael Joseph is the best personal injury attorney I could have chose for my case. Michael is extremely talented technician and an outstanding attorney. I was blessed to have chosen Michael Joseph as my personal injury attorney. He did an outstanding job and fought hard, to get me the most money I deserved for my case.
I found the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC to be extremely professional. Mr. Joseph and his staff worked swiftly to settle my case with very successful results. Mr. Joseph also responds to texts quickly. I highly recommend this law firm to handle personal injury needs. Thank you for assisting me and my family.
State and Federal Trucking Regulations
Our New York truck accident lawyers know how to use the legal trucking regulations to win our client’s cases. There are strict laws that govern trucking practices in an effort to maintain safety on the roadways. Our NYC truck accident lawyers can identify violations of regulations imposed under both Federal Law and under New York law:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
In general, the state of New York abides by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations encompass everything from the required records of commercial trucking companies to safe driving practices. The law is designed to prevent businesses from hiring unqualified or unsafe vehicle operators and minimize errors that can lead to accidents.
The New York State Department of Transportation
The New York State Department of Transportation outlines some specific exceptions to the FMCSA regulations and expands on some areas to better protect drivers in the state. Municipalities like New York City also have additional rules and regulations that govern large trucks and commercial vehicles. For example, NYC prohibits the access of commercial vehicles on parkways and segments of roads like Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Our New York City truck accident lawyers and White Plains truck accident attorneys have extensive experience fighting the trucking companies and their insurance companies.
Unqualified Drivers
Though the Federal Motor Carrier Statute has strict regulations concerning the qualifications of commercial trucking employees, unqualified drivers still make it out onto the road. All commercial truck drivers must have a valid health certificate issued by a doctor, no history of fainting or seizures, and not be on medication that causes drowsiness. Unfortunately, some drivers are dishonest in their medical evaluations and illegitimately pass the screening. Meanwhile, the industry currently has fewer and fewer job applicants, leading some commercial trucking companies to cut corners.
Speeding
Poor judgment and demanding trucking schedules continue to push big rig drivers to take unnecessary risks. While it is always dangerous to speed, it can be especially catastrophic for semitrucks and other large vehicles. Because of their size, it takes longer to slow a truck, leading to more frequent collisions if traveling at fast speeds. Furthermore, the high center of gravity increases the risk of fatal accidents like rollovers. If speeding played a role in your case, our New York City truck accident attorneys can work with reconstruction experts to help prove the fault of the truck driver.
Overloading & Unsecured Cargo
Trucks that exceed cargo-carrying limitations are at higher risk for tire blowouts and tipping over due to the excessive weight. The consequences can be severe (if not fatal) for both the driver and others on the road. Regardless of the weight, all types of cargo must be properly packed and secured with even weight distribution. Failure to do so can result in a trucking accident, particularly if the vehicle needs to make a sharp turn or sudden stop. Furthermore, unsecured cargo may fall out of a truck, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers.
Improper Maintenance
Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to inspect and maintain their vehicles, keeping them in a condition safe for the road. When the owners and operators take shortcuts during inspections, they increase the likelihood of a truck accident. Commercial trucks are not the only vehicles subject to these regulations. Box trucks, tractor-trailers, and other privately owned large trucks must be properly maintained, or the owner can be held responsible for resulting damage and injuries.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is one of the main causes of accidents that result in serious personal injury and wrongful death. The Federal Motor Carrier Statute limits the number of hours a driver can operate a truck continuously and requires break periods to make sure that drivers remain alert. Fatigue can cause poor observation of road conditions, slower reaction time, increased violation of traffic laws, and other errors that can cause serious truck accidents.
Whether you were injured because of a truck that was speeding, an inattentive driver, or a truck that jackknifed or overturned, our personal injury attorneys can prove that the trucking company or any other responsible party was at fault. Our personal injury lawyers leave no stone unturned. An aggressive investigation is the cornerstone of our practice. Taking scene pictures and measurements, reviewing medical bills, having our investigators recover surveillance video, and interviewing witnesses are just some of the measures our New York truck accident attorneys will take, because thorough investigations win cases.
"They are winners."
Mr. Michael Joseph is the best lawyer in NY States. He is very professional, knowledgeable, tenacious! He is one of the best! It was a big pleasure working with Mr. Joseph! My family recommend Law Office of Michael H. Joseph to anyone, who needs legal help! Thank you so much to Mr. Joseph for your work. Mankovetskiy family .
I want to thank the law office of Michael and Joseph, they handled my case that when I came to them I was told by previous counsel that I had no case, once the law office of Michael and Joseph seen my case they said I have a case and they could win it and that’s exactly what they did. Whenever I was concerned they responded very quickly. I would recommend them to anyone of my family and friends. They are winners and thank them for all they did for me!
You Only Pay If We Win Your Case
Our New York City truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us if you win your case. And because we provide free initial consultations, you have absolutely nothing to lose by reaching out to us about your trucking accident.
The truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Michael Joseph, PLLC are approachable. They will treat you like a real person rather than just another case. We don’t pressure clients into positions and deals that go against their best interests. If your trucking accident case is complex, our lawyers can work through it and achieve a favorable outcome.
Don’t wait if you’ve been involved in a trucking accident. Send us a message or call:
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Once the scene of the accident has been processed by the police and you have received medical attention, following these simple steps can help to ensure the success of your personal injury case:
Call a Lawyer
The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better your chances of collecting the restitution you need and deserve. Our attorneys can meet you at home, in the hospital, or through a virtual consultation online.
Defer All Questions to Your Attorney
It won’t be long before insurance adjusters begin reaching out to you to discuss the accident. It is important to remember that these people are not here to help you—they are here to minimize their client’s liability, and will not hesitate to twist your words in order to make it sound as if you are partially responsible for the accident. When you are contacted by insurance companies, tell them to speak to your lawyer.
Don't Skip Appointments
Injuries resulting from trucking accidents and any other type of collision on the road often take time to become apparent. Although you may feel fine now, you could eventually suffer significant losses due to an injury that took time to reveal itself. Doctors can detect these issues even when they are not immediately apparent to the victim, which is why you should never skip your medical appointments. These assessments also produce documentation that is crucial to your case.
Preserve Evidence
If you have pictures of the accident or any other documentation related to your case, make copies. Smartphones are incredible when it comes to collecting and preserving evidence, but they are easy to misplace or break. Upload these items to a cloud service, or simply email them to yourself in order to have a safe backup that you can easily share with your attorney.
Pedestrians in Trucking Accidents
Our New York City truck accident attorneys have handled many cases in which the accident involves a pedestrian. In a densely populated, busy area like New York City, dozens of pedestrians are injured or killed by large trucks every year.
Some of these truck accidents would never occur if companies and drivers abided by the law. New York City has put additional regulations in place to protect pedestrians, like the requirement for all commercial vehicles to have cross-over mirrors in the front cab of the truck. Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the rules governing large personal and commercial vehicles in the city, and will hold liable parties accountable for your damages.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here for You
Being the victim of a truck accident can leave you with devastating physical injuries, property damage, and other significant losses. Having an attorney in your corner can make it possible to navigate this very challenging setback and eventually rebuild your life. While you focus on healing, our New York City lawyers will deal with the truck driver, trucking company, and their insurance company. Contact us today to book your free case review.
Call: (212) 858-0503
"The highest quality in the business."
Mr. Joseph is a pleasant and understanding attorney that will fight hard to resolve disputes. His work product is of the highest quality in the business. He’s willing to invest his time into cases so you will be in the best position to win.
I will definitely recommend any one who is looking for a lawyer to hire Michael Joseph attorney at law. Michael Joseph was very professional and will work hard to get you the best outcome. I was a client and I’m very happy with the outcome!
Types of Truck Accidents
Jackknife Accidents
When a tractor-trailer folds in on itself, this is known as jackknifing. This usually happens because of a brake malfunction, causing the trailer to swing out from behind the truck. Jackknife accidents can be extremely dangerous to any vehicles that are close to the truck.
Rear-End Collisions
Larger trucks like 18-wheelers have longer stopping times than other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of a rear-end accident. Due to the size and sheer force of the impact, rear-end collisions with larger trucks can be devastating, even at lower speeds.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involving large trucks can be fatal for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles. Truck drivers must be exceptionally vigilant in order to avoid causing head-on crashes.
Sideswipe Crashes
Larger trucks and commercial vehicles have substantial blindspots, potentially putting other drivers around them at great risk. A truck driver who isn’t careful about switching lanes or turning can collide with other vehicles they may not even see.
Rollovers
Larger trucks with heavy cargo can be more susceptible to rollovers. Improper load distribution or taking turns too quickly can cause trucks to become unstable and roll over. This is not only incredibly dangerous for the driver, but also all nearby motorists.
Who Is Liable for the Truck Accident?
Our accident lawyers know how to prove the case
Determining the cause of the truck accident is very important to building your case. Once our personal injury attorneys determine the cause, we can show who is financially responsible for the damage. There are several main parties our New York truck accident lawyers look at when we assign fault:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- The truck or vehicle parts manufacturer
- A truck maintenance worker
Negligent Actions
That Can Cause a Truck Crash
Drivers behind the wheel of large commercial trucks have the capacity for causing far more damage than those driving smaller vehicles, which is why they must follow state and federal driving regulations as part of their job. A truck driver can be held liable if they keep driving under fatigue, fail to drive the speed limit, or do not act to stop a collision. Other actions that can be considered negligent on the part of the driver include:
- Speeding
- Texting and driving
- Failure to signal
- Failure to yield
- Drunk or drugged driving
In some cases, drivers are encouraged to be on the road longer than it is safe for them to be. In these cases, the trucking company and the driver may be considered liable for the accident. In other instances, a manufacturer’s faulty truck part results in an accident. Our attorneys can identify the cause of your accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Meet With a New York Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was the victim of a truck crash, you might be entitled to significant compensation. Our New York truck accident lawyers take on both personal injury and wrongful death claims and will be happy to meet with you to discuss your case. Reach out for a consultation at our Manhattan or White Plains office by calling:
"Highest quality in the business."
New York City Recommends Us
Mr. Joseph is a pleasant and understanding attorney that will fight hard to resolve disputes. His work product is of the highest quality in the business. He’s willing to invest his time into cases so you will be in the best position to win.
I will definitely recommend any one who is looking for a lawyer to hire Michael Joseph attorney at law. Michael Joseph was very professional and will work hard to get you the best outcome. I was a client and I’m very happy with the outcome!
Pure Comparative Fault
How State Personal Injury Law Affects Your Compensation
In truck crashes and other personal injury cases, each party is liable for its percentage of fault. The fault is split into a percentage that represents the share of responsibility a person had in the accident. For example, if one driver is 90% responsible for the accident, he is liable for 90% of the plaintiff’s damages.
New York is one of just 13 states that operate under pure comparative fault law, giving individuals the right to sue for damages regardless of their share of responsibility. This legal principle can be particularly beneficial for victims of trucking accidents and other high-value personal injury cases. Large trucks often cause more damage than they sustain, leaving other parties to bear the brunt of the financial burden. Fortunately, under pure comparative fault law, you can still recover compensation for your losses even if you are partially responsible for the accident.
Types of Damages
Our New York truck accident lawyers go the extra mile to make sure you get the compensation that you deserve. Damages are compensation for the financial and non-financial losses you sustained in a truck accident. You can be awarded damages for losses such as:
Medical Bills
Property Damage
Lost Wages
Lost Earning Potential
Pain and Suffering
Funeral Expenses
Find out what your case is worth by scheduling a free consultation at our New York City law firm today.
Our Awards
Our New York truck accident lawyers go the extra mile to make sure you get the compensation that you deserve. Damages are compensation for the financial and non-financial losses you sustained in a truck accident. You can be awarded damages for losses such as:
"Thank you for assisting me and my family."
New York City Victims Can Turn to Us
I was treated professionally and extremely happy with the ability Michael had on getting me the money I was owed. He is smart and efficient! I would use him again in a heartbeat. If he takes your case, you will be lucky!
I found the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC to be extremely professional. Mr. Joseph and his staff worked swiftly to settle my case with very successful results. Mr. Joseph also responds to texts quickly. I highly recommend this law firm to handle personal injury needs. Thank you for assisting me and my family.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Document the Crash
Taking photos and videos clearly documenting the trucking crash can help you build a strong claim for the compensation you deserve.
Call 911
As soon as you are safe, call 911 so that the police and emergency medical personnel can provide assistance at the scene.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact information, insurance, and any other important driver’s details with all other motorists involved.
Stay at the Scene of the Crash
It is important that you remain at the scene of the trucking accident. If you can, move out of the way of potential harm and traffic.
Do Not Admit Fault
Apologizing or admitting you were negligent can be used against you in court. Do not admit fault for the truck accident.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers
The team at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC is ready to help and review your case. Fill out our form for a free consultation to get started.
Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has been helping injured victims recover compensation for their injuries for over 25 years. Our attorneys are members of several prestigious organizations, including:
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
- New York County Bar Association
- Westchester County Bar Association
To request your free initial consultation with our team, call our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 574-8330. You can also request a case review online.
