Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
Trucks carry people, goods, and construction equipment throughout New York City’s five boroughs every day, making it the most populated city in the United States. Some commercial trucks can be over 30 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult to navigate narrow city streets and congested neighborhoods. Being so large and carrying so much weight in such densely populated neighborhoods can lead to truck accidents with severe injuries, especially when they collide with smaller vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to speak with an experienced attorney if a truck accident has injured you. Our truck accident attorneys have served New York City for decades, committed to helping clients achieve the best possible result.
On average, there are over 500 truck accidents that occur each month in New York City. Because injuries sustained tend to be more severe, the damages you can recover from a truck accident tend to be higher. Insurance companies know truck accident victims can obtain more compensation and will likely do everything in their power to try to undervalue your claim and settle it quickly.
At The Barnes Firm, we know the tactics insurance companies will use to try to settle a claim and are here to help. If a truck accident injures you, don’t accept the insurance company’s first offer. Call our trusted New York City truck accident lawyers; they can determine your case’s true value—you might be surprised.
When you partner with our NYC truck accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm, rest assured we will help you with:
Every truck accident case is unique. With that in mind, it is difficult to determine how much your case is worth right off the bat. The extent of your injuries, damages, degree of fault, and more determine your case’s outcome. A New York City truck accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm can clarify your potential compensation.
The Barnes Firm understands the profound impact truck accidents have on victims and their families. In this overview, we present a list of truck accident settlement examples from our successful cases, illustrating the range and depth of compensation achieved. These examples highlight our commitment to advocating for our client’s rights and securing the financial support they deserve.
- $3,500,000.00 – Client sustained shoulder, elbow, hand, and head injuries after being struck by a truck.
- $1,600,000.00 – Client struck by truck, sustaining head, neck, shoulder, and foot injuries.
- $1,500,000.00 – Client was sideswiped by a tractor trailer – sustaining serious back injuries.
- $1,500,000.00 – Client was rear-ended by a UPS truck while stopped at a red light – sustaining neck, back, knee and shoulder injuries.
- $1,430,000.00 – Client rear-ended by commercial vehicle resulting in severe back and shoulder injuries.
- $1,250,000.00 – Truck made a U-turn into our client’s vehicle causing back, neck, and arm injuries.
Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
The common association with truck accidents involves semi-trucks. Although these trucks cause accidents, many other types of trucks travel in New York City every day and can also be involved. Our team of New York City truck accident lawyers has successfully handled accidents involving these trucks:
Tractor Trailers. Large trucks that have both the engine and driver cabin in the front. You commonly see these traveling along highways and interstates, and it’s important to be cautious around them since their size can cause severe accidents.
Big Rigs. 18-wheelers, or big rigs, are the largest trucks you’ll encounter on roadways. These already-hefty vehicles carry heavy loads and require skilled operation. Accidents involving big rigs often have the most severe outcomes, as they have the potential to smash into and crush other motor vehicles they come in contact with.
Delivery Trucks. USPS, UPS, Amazon, and FedEx trucks often make frequent stops along roadways while their operators work on tight delivery schedules, making accidents more common for them.
Tanker Trucks. Trucks with large tanks carrying potentially hazardous materials can cause serious accidents. When these trucks are involved in collisions, they may leak or explode, causing burn injuries or toxic fume inhalation for those involved.
Utility Trucks. Sanitation trucks, construction trucks, and more make up this category. With that comes the risk of accidents involving other vehicles sharing these same roadways.
Garbage Trucks. Garbage trucks are essential to our modern lives, as they’re tasked with disposing of our waste and maintaining sanitary environments. However, their large size and frequent stops, coupled with New York City’s narrow streets, can be a recipe for disaster. Accidents involving garbage trucks can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries or even fatalities.
After being involved in a truck accident, many people don’t know where to turn. The trusted truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have after a truck accident. If you’ve been involved in a New York City truck accident:
When you’re involved in a truck accident in New York City, the aftermath can have a profound effect on both your physical and emotional well-being. The legal term “damages” refers to the compensation you may be entitled to after such an incident.
Below are the most common damages individuals can claim in a truck accident case.
This category is often the most substantial in terms of financial costs. It includes current and future medical bills, including surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary treatments.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes not only the wages you have already lost but also the money you would have made in the future if it were not for the accident (known as loss of earning capacity).
These damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries. While it’s more subjective than other types of damages, it’s often one of the most substantial claims, especially in severe cases.
If your injuries adversely affect your relationship with your spouse (or partner), you might be entitled to loss of consortium damages. This category considers losses like the inability to maintain a sexual relationship or the loss of companionship.
This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal belongings that were damaged in the crash.
Serious accidents can lead to psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Damages can be claimed for the emotional and psychological toll the accident takes.
If a loved one dies as a result of the truck accident, family members might be able to claim damages for the loss of financial support, companionship, and the emotional anguish they experience.
In cases where the court deems the defendant’s conduct particularly reckless or malicious, it may award punitive damages. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar behavior, rather than compensate the victim.
In the aftermath of a truck accident in New York City, one of the most important steps toward securing compensation is establishing liability. Proving who is at fault plays a pivotal role in determining the validity of your claim and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
In New York State, victims of truck accidents have a specific timeframe in which they must take legal action, known as the statute of limitations.
Generally, for personal injury claims stemming from truck accidents, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, especially when dealing with government entities or in cases involving minors.
Consult with our attorneys to understand your specific timeline and make sure that you don’t miss your opportunity to seek compensation.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of truck accident attorneys is equipped to handle New York City truck accident cases. With over 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers (including rear-end truck accident attorneys) have successfully handled all types of truck accidents, including:
Commercial vehicle accident claims can be more complicated because they usually involve large trucking companies, commercial insurance companies, and large legal teams. Therefore, it is best to call The Barnes Firm immediately after being injured in a truck accident. From the first phone conversation through to the final settlement, our team of New York City truck accident lawyers will work hard for you every step of the way. Call The Barnes Firm today for a FREE case evaluation.
Large commercial trucks are responsible for transporting consumer products, equipment, other vehicles, and more across our nation’s vast highways and interstates. Despite playing a vital role in our economy and daily lives, these trucks can also cause serious accidents when operators act negligently.
These individuals significantly increase the risk of truck accidents, especially in condensed urban settings like New York City, where truckers, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are all sharing the same roadways. With trucks typically weighing more, they tend to cause more damage when they’re involved in accidents.
As of May 2024, there have been over 1,000 truck accidents in New York City, highlighting the risk they pose to New York City motorists and residents sharing the same, narrow streets. Top truck accident causes include distracted driving, backing unsafely, and following too closely.
Truck drivers in New York City are responsible for operating with caution, especially along condensed city streets. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen. The Barnes Firm holds negligent truck drivers accountable for their actions. If a truck accident wrongfully injured you or someone you know, call our trusted New York City truck attorneys at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
New York City is known for traffic-congested roadways. However, there are certain areas where truck accidents seem to occur more frequently for various reasons. Our team has identified the following dangerous New York City roadways that experience an increased amount of truck accidents each year:
It’s important to understand that truck accident investigations may vary slightly from a typical motor vehicle accident. In addition to the standard police report documenting the crash, many truck companies will launch their own investigations into the accident and try to shift the blame on you.
That’s why you must speak with an experienced truck accident attorney at The Barnes Firm who has your best interest in mind and knows how to combat these trucking companies and obtain the compensation you deserve. Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation. It could be the best call you make.
Due to their sheer size, accidents involving large commercial trucks are more prone to causing fatalities than other motor vehicle accidents. When truck accidents cause fatalities, New York state laws allow spouses, children, siblings, and parents to file a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims are valid when someone is killed during the accident or succumbs to their sustained injuries later on. These claims enable families of lost loved ones to obtain compensation for a loss of consortium, or companionship.
The tragedy of losing a loved one in a truck accident is an immeasurable heartbreak that no amount of compensation can truly fix. However, if your family member’s death was a result of negligence or reckless behavior on the part of a truck driver or associated party, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim in New York City. This type of claim seeks to compensate for the various economic and non-economic losses you and your family may have suffered as a result of the unexpected death.
A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another person or entity.
In the context of truck accidents, this might be due to:
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the truck accident you were involved in, multiple parties may be held responsible. These parties could include:
Because of the multiple parties that could be liable for a truck accident, you must have an experienced attorney on your side to determine all parties who are at fault. Our team of New York City truck accident lawyers will provide you with the trusted representation you deserve. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
Multiple factors can cause truck accidents. Our team of NYC truck accident lawyers have found some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
In order to fulfill shipping demands, truckers often drive for long hours. There are rules and regulations in place for how long a trucker can drive per shift and how much rest they need to get between shifts. Unfortunately, these guidelines are often ignored, and fatigued truck drivers are the main cause of truck accidents.
When a truck driver, manufacturer, or owner fails to properly secure a load and it falls from a truck, it can cause a truck accident by hitting another driver or becoming dangerous debris in the road.
Due to their heavy weight, trucks cannot stop as quickly as other vehicles. When a truck driver fails to properly estimate the distance between them and the vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian in front of them, a rear-end accident can occur.
Because trucks are so long, they require more space to turn. Truck drivers who do not give themselves proper space to turn, or don’t check their blind spots before turning often cause sideswipe accidents.
DUI is dangerous for any driver, but especially one operating a vehicle weighing tens of thousands of pounds. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in all 50 states. All truck accidents caused by driving under the influence are preventable.
Truck drivers face tight deadlines and unfortunately, speeding is one common way they make up lost time. Driving faster than the speed limit creates unsafe road conditions for all drivers and can lead to truck accidents.
Anything from eating while driving to texting, talking on the phone, and even playing with the radio can take a truck driver’s eyes off the road and distract them from driving responsibly, leading to a truck accident.
Truckers and trucking companies are required to maintain proper inspections on all vehicles. This includes making sure truck drivers have the experience needed to operate a truck. Poor truck maintenance and inexperienced drivers can be extremely dangerous and cause truck accidents.
The New York City truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will consider all aspects of your truck crash when investigating your case. For a FREE case evaluation, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
“Alex Bouganim is the managing attorney at the Manhattan Office of The Barnes Firm. As managing attorney, Alex is responsible for overseeing all of the cases in the Manhattan Office. In addition to focusing his practice on general negligence cases, including car accidents, slip/trip and falls, and wrongful death cases, Alex is the Co-Chair of the firm’s construction site accident department. “
Several injuries can result from a truck crash. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
After being injured in a truck accident, your injuries may not appear right away. In some cases, it can take hours, days, or weeks for symptoms to show. It is important to seek medical attention after a truck accident. A medical professional can help identify and explain your injuries after an accident and get you on the road to recovery.
A thorough investigation is the cornerstone of a successful truck accident claim.
At The Barnes Firm, our approach includes:
If you or a loved one have been injured in a New York City truck accident, call The Barnes Firm today. Our team of truck accident lawyers is here to help you go over your legal options and develop a plan to help you get the best result possible.
Don’t wait another minute through pain, suffering, and lost wages. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 – it might be the best call you make.
Our New York Truck Accident Lawyers at The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys help victims from New York. Our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in New York City at 420 Lexington Ave #2140, New York, NY 10170. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.75287283375507, -73.9759697508607
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Client Reviews
The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, extensive damage, and severe injuries, making them complicated cases. Determining the average truck accident settlement amount is not a straightforward task, as every case is unique and the settlement amount can vary widely.
Read More Here: List Of Truck Accident Settlement And Veredicts Examples From Our Successful Cases.
New York has short deadlines for truck accident claims. You must file an insurance claim within 90 days of your collision. The statute of limitations for lawsuits is three years from the injury date.
Read More Here: NY Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
You can recover damages for various losses and costs associated with treating your injuries from a truck accident. Damages vary per case but may include:
Read More Here: What Damages Can I Recover After Getting Hit By A Semi Truck Or Turck
The costs of hiring a truck accident lawyer in NY will come as a percentage of your final settlement. You do not pay out-of-pocket expenses for retaining legal services. The percentage rate will depend on where in the process your case settles. The further it goes, the higher the percentage rate can be. However, this is all outlined within your agreement when you sign with a law firm.
Read More Here: Personal Injury Accident Lawyer Fee in NY
Choosing the right lawyer is essential to your injury claim. You must choose wisely. First, you must consider your legal needs and expectations. You will want to sit down and determine your legal needs and what you can expect from the law firm. You can seek recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers. Once you have a few options, review the firm’s track record and services to ensure they align with your needs. Schedule a consultation to determine if the law firm is right for you.
Truck accident cases often have several parties who can be liable for injuries and losses. In most cases, you can sue the truck driver. In another instance, their employer is responsible. Other third parties, like truck maintenance and product manufacturers, may also be held liable. Holding any of these parties responsible is challenging, but you must seek justice.
The basis of your claim will come down to evidence. The best way to prove the truck driver or their employer was at fault is by presenting a solid case based on evidence. Some of the evidence that can prove vital to your claim includes:
You will unlikely have to go to court for a truck accident case. Most New York truck accident cases settle out of court. Your attorney will investigate the collision and gather evidence. They will then build and present the case to the insurance company, beginning the negotiation process. Typically, negotiations are fruitful, and the case is resolved without additional actions.
The state understands that accidents are complicated. Sometimes, the parties involved contribute to the collision in different ways. Your contribution to the accident will not hinder you from getting compensation. Your percentage of fault will reduce your award. The caveat is that the other driver must be over 50% at fault.
Truck drivers and their employers must follow stringent federal and state regulations to operate a commercial truck. Some federal regulations truckers must follow include:
Additionally, truck drivers must respect traffic laws in New York and when crossing state lines. They have a more considerable responsibility when carrying heavy loads. They must adhere to all regulations to keep everyone safe.
If the trucker blames you for your collisions, you have several options. You might share responsibility for the truck accident if you were negligent. However, you can still recover compensation for your losses. Your fault will reduce your financial award. It is common for insurers to use victim-blaming tactics to lower their responsibility. Sometimes, these allegations are baseless, and you can show evidence of the contrary with the help of a NY truck accident lawyer.
We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (800) 800-0000.
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