by Andrew Weitz

Truck Accident Lawyers, NY

Holding Large Trucking Companies Accountable

Truck crashes can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with endless medical bills, no paycheck coming in, and injuries that may never fully heal. What’s worse, instead of making victims whole, large trucking companies and insurers are quick to downplay their responsibility, leaving victims and families to shoulder the financial and emotional burden.

If you were involved in a truck accident, working with an experienced NYC truck accident lawyer can be vital for holding a trucking company accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Read on to discover the causes of trucking accidents, who can be held liable, and how to get justice.

Leading Causes of NYC Truck Accidents

According to a report published by the Office of the New York State Comptroller in 2024, traffic fatalities have grown continuously since 2019, with 10% of all fatal accidents involving large trucks and buses. Here are some of the leading causes of truck accidents:

Driver Negligence. Driver negligence can include various reckless or careless actions, including distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding.

Trucking Company Negligence. Trucking companies must meet stringent vehicle and driver safety standards. Failures in vehicle maintenance, such as worn brakes or tires, can lead to catastrophic accidents. Employing unqualified or poorly trained drivers and exceeding hours-of-service requirements can also play a role in crashes.

Third-Party Negligence. Cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or parts manufacturers might share liability if their actions contribute to a crash. For example, if an improperly loaded or inadequately repaired truck is involved in a crash, victims could hold a third party accountable.

Trucking companies are typically responsible for overseeing overall operations, from drivers to regulatory compliance. This is why the trucking company is often responsible even when drivers or third-party actions cause motor vehicle accidents. Holding trucking companies accountable can be crucial for the success of your truck accident claim in NYC.

Truck Accident Injuries in NYC and Their Consequences for Victims

Every year, New Yorkers’ lives are turned upside down in split-second traffic accidents. And it’s usually passenger car occupants who pay the price when colliding with an 80,000-pound commercial truck. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), most deaths in truck accidents involve passenger vehicle occupants.

Physical Injuries in NYC Truck Accidents

The human body takes a devastating toll when an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle. Survivors often face life-altering brain injuries that can permanently change how they think, remember, and process information. Other complex injuries in truck accidents include spinal cord damage and paralysis, compound fractures, and severe internal injuries.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

In addition to the physical injuries, victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological impacts after being involved in a severe truck accident. They may struggle with their new reality, whether it’s facing future health impacts or financial instability.

Financial Consequences

Truck accidents don’t just wreak havoc with your body, but they break bank accounts too. Beyond the initial hospital bills, victims may need ongoing physical therapy, home modifications, or specialized medical equipment. Paychecks stop coming in during recovery, and some people can’t return to their former careers. When someone who once supported a family suddenly needs round-the-clock care, the financial strain affects everyone in the household.

You didn’t choose to be involved in a trucking accident. But you can choose how you respond. By getting experienced legal counsel on your side, you could assert your rights with a personal injury lawsuit and hold a negligent trucking company responsible for your losses.

A NYC Truck Accident Lawyer Can Hold Truck Companies Accountable

Handling a NYC truck accident claim alone can be a mistake, as you’ll likely be up against a powerful company with a team of lawyers on retainer. Trucking companies and insurers typically fight payouts tooth and nail. You’ll need a skilled attorney by your side to level the playing field. Here’s how a NYC truck accident lawyer can help you get compensated for your NYC truck accident injuries:

Navigate Complex Legal Processes

Trucking companies answer to both New York state laws and federal regulations. When crashes happen, though, connecting the dots between broken rules and your accident takes considerable investigative work: Was the driver on the road longer than legally allowed? Did the company skip required maintenance checks? These details often make all the difference in your case.

A knowledgeable attorney can request internal trucking company documents, hire truck industry experts, and determine all liable parties to give you the best chance of winning compensation.

Stand up to Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may use manipulative tactics to minimize your payout or shift blame for the crash onto you. They may dispute the severity of your injuries and offer settlements far below what you deserve. Without dedicated legal representation, you could leave money on the table.

A skilled NYC truck accident lawyer can negotiate aggressively and stand up to powerful insurance companies. If they refuse fair compensation, an attorney can fight for maximum compensation in court.

Compensation in NYC Truck Accident Claims

If you were involved in a truck accident, you might wonder what your accident claim is worth. Generally, victims with more significant injuries and property damage will recover higher settlements than those with minor injuries. While no two crashes are the same, and there is no average settlement amount, you could be entitled to various damages.

Economic Damages. Economic damages relate to your actual expenses due to a truck accident. They can include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages. If you suffered severe injuries in a truck accident, you could qualify for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.

Punitive Damages. A court may order punitive damages if a trucking company acted particularly recklessly or egregiously in causing an accident.

Why Choose Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C., for Your NYC Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accidents can be complex, and you’ll be fighting a powerful trucking company or insurer. Our experienced NYC truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases, know how to build your case, and can fight vigorously for your rights.

At Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C., we have a proven track record of holding large trucking companies accountable. We handle even challenging cases, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. From investigating driver logs and maintenance records to identifying safety violations, we can get to the bottom of trucking industry negligence.

But what truly sets us apart is our personalized approach. Our attorneys provide compassionate, one-on-one support from start to finish. We’re dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means reaching a fair settlement at the negotiation table or standing firm and taking your case to trial.