NYC Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Victims of Truck Accidents in New York City

If you have been injured in a vehicular accident involving a truck, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Trucks tend to cause more serious injuries than other vehicles due to their size and weight. Because of this, truck drivers and trucking companies are required to carry comprehensive insurance policies. Plus, depending on the circumstance of the accident, more than one party may be liable for damages. 

At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, our seasoned New York City truck accident lawyers have the skills and know-how to successfully go after the parties responsible for your injuries. Truck accidents require a full, prompt investigation, and we are prepared to get to work immediately and help you seek maximum compensation. We will work closely with you from start to finish and leverage the full extent of our experience and resources to secure the optimal outcome you deserve. 

Were you recently injured in a truck accident in New York City? Contact us onlineor call (866) 935-1862to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Our NYC Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Truck accident claims are often highly complex, and they require a thorough investigation to determine liability. At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, we have the necessary experience and resources to handle even the most complex truck accident cases. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident to determine who is liable for your damages.

Our New York truck accident lawyers will also handle all communication with the trucking company and its insurer. We will negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our team has extensive trial experience, and we are not afraid to fight for you in the courtroom.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York City

While you may assume a truck driver is automatically responsible for a collision, the truth is a variety of factors can contribute to these accidents, and not all of them are necessarily in a driver’s control. Understanding what specifically causes truck accidents is important to determining liability. If you are not sure what exactly caused the crash you were involved in, our New York City truck accident attorneys can investigate and uncover the truth. 

Many truck accidents are caused by one or more factors, including:

• Inexperienced drivers. Without proper training and experience in operating a large commercial vehicle, a driver can make dangerous mistakes that can result in serious collisions. For example, due to their lack of experience, inexperienced drivers may not be able to judge the distance between other vehicles on the road accurately or may fail to maintain a safe speed. They also may not have the skills necessary to properly control their vehicles when negotiating winding roads or navigating through intersections.
• Fatigued driving. Trucking laws regulate how long a truck driver can drive without resting, as fatigue can dramatically increase the risk of an accident. Fatigue and exhaustion negatively impact reaction time, diminishing a driver’s ability to make decisions and react quickly. Fatigued drivers may struggle to stay alert and focused on the road, leading to poor decision-making. They may be less likely to follow safe practices such as checking blind spots or signaling before changing lanes.
• Driving while intoxicated. Like fatigue, alcohol and drugs impair a truck driver’s ability to think and react quickly, putting other drivers on the road at risk. Drunk driving can also increase reckless behavior behind the wheel. Intoxicated drivers may become more aggressive than usual, which could lead them to drive at unsafe speeds or take unnecessary risks.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving reduces a driver’s concentration and ability to react quickly when necessary. Drivers who are distracted can easily miss potential hazards in the environment or fail to take necessary actions to avoid an accident. Common distractions that contribute to these collisions include cell phone use, eating or drinking while driving, adjusting navigation systems, and even talking or arguing with someone on the phone. 
• Defective vehicle components. When crucial components of a truck, such as brakes or steering systems, fail due to a manufacturing or design defect, it can cause the driver to lose control and lead to an accident.
• Overloaded cargo. When trucks are overloaded with cargo that exceeds their weight capacity, various components may be put under great strain, which could lead them to malfunction. The brakes, for example, may not operate effectively if they are subjected to more weight than they were designed for, increasing the likelihood of an accident occurring due to extended stopping distances and difficult handling of the vehicle. Furthermore, overloading cargo can cause wear and tear on other essential components, including suspension systems, which can affect both steering and braking abilities. 
• Poor truck maintenance. When any part of a truck is poorly maintained, the driver will likely be less able to control the vehicle or mitigate the consequences of an impending collision. 

Who Is Liable for an NYC Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident claims. This is because there are often multiple parties who may be held liable for the victim’s damages.

Some of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident claim include:

• The truck driver: If the truck driver was negligent in some way and this negligence caused the accident, the truck driver may be held liable for the victim’s damages. Examples of truck driver negligence include speeding, driving while fatigued, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving.
• The trucking company: In many truck accident cases, the trucking company is at least partially liable for the victim’s damages. This is because trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring that their drivers are properly trained, and making sure that their drivers are in compliance with all state and federal trucking regulations. If a trucking company fails to meet these obligations, it may be held liable for the victim’s damages.
• The truck manufacturer: If a defective truck or truck part caused the accident, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for the victim’s damages. In some cases, the trucking company may also be held liable if it failed to properly maintain the truck or if it failed to inspect the truck before putting it on the road.
• The cargo company: If the truck was carrying hazardous materials or other types of cargo, the company that loaded the cargo may be held liable if the cargo shifted and caused the accident.
• The truck maintenance company: If the trucking company outsourced its maintenance and repair work to another company, that company may be held liable if a maintenance or repair issue caused the accident.

Truck accident claims are often highly complex, and it is not uncommon for multiple parties to be involved. Our Manhattan truck accident lawyers can help you determine who is liable for your damages and take legal action against all responsible parties.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New York City?

You should not have to stress about how you will pay the inevitable medical bills stemming from truck accident injuries. You also should not need to worry about how you will make up lost income from missed work. Fortunately, a truck accident lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for these and other economic damages. You can also secure compensation for non-economic damages, which are less quantifiable consequences.

Our New York City truck accident lawyers will work to get you just compensation for all damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

To learn more about the compensation you may be entitled to after suffering injuries in a truck accident, call (866) 935-1862or contact us online.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident settlements can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances involved. However, truck accident claims tend to be worth significantly more than other types of motor vehicle accident claims due to the severity of the injuries involved.

Some of the factors that can affect the value of a truck accident claim include:

• The severity of the victim’s injuries
• The cost of the victim’s medical treatment
• The victim’s lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• The impact of the accident on the victim’s quality of life
• The victim’s pain and suffering
• The victim’s age and overall health
• The amount of available insurance coverage

Truck accident claims are often worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Our Manhattan truck accident attorneys can help you understand the potential value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Because trucks tend to be so much larger and heavier than the average vehicle, even relatively minor collisions can result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Unfortunately, victims of these collisions often face long-term physical and emotional repercussions which require expensive medical treatment to heal properly, which is part of why it is so important to seek dependable legal representation after a crash. 

Truck accidents frequently cause the following types of injuries:

• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

How Long Do You Have to Sue for a Truck Accident?

In New York, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and the specific deadline for filing a truck accident claim can vary depending on the circumstances involved.

Some of the factors that can affect the deadline for filing a truck accident claim include:

• The age of the victim
• The date on which the victim discovered his or her injuries
• The date on which the victim died, if the accident was fatal

If you fail to file your truck accident claim within the applicable statute of limitations, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer in New York City as soon as possible after a crash.

Call for a Free Consultation

At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that truck accidents can have on victims and their families. Our Manhattan truck accident attorneys are here to help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, including truck accident claims, and we are prepared to put our experience to work for you.

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our NYC truck accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We offer free initial consultations, and we do not collect any fees unless/until we win your case.

Call our office at (866) 935-1862or contact us onlineto get started with a complimentary case evaluation.