Truck Accident Attorney in New York City

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents people injured in commercial truck, 18-wheeler, and delivery vehicle crashes throughout New York City.

Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Michael Gunzburg

Who Needs a Truck Accident Attorney in New York City?

You need a truck accident attorney if you or a family member was injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or any large vehicle. These cases are more complicated than typical car accidents because they often involve multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and aggressive insurance companies with teams of lawyers protecting their interests.

Common truck accident victims include drivers and passengers in cars struck by trucks, pedestrians hit in crosswalks, cyclists sharing the road with commercial vehicles, and even truck drivers injured by negligent trucking companies. If you're dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income after a truck accident anywhere in the five boroughs or surrounding areas like Nassau and Suffolk Counties, you need experienced legal representation.

Common Truck Accident Situations We Handle

Running Off the Road or Into Another Lane

32% of large truck crashes involve trucks drifting into other lanes or running off the road. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, or mechanical failures cause these dangerous situations where trucks collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes or force cars off roadways.

Loss of Control

29% of truck accidents happen when drivers lose control due to shifting cargo, excessive speed, poor road conditions, or improper braking. Overloaded trailers and inadequate cargo securing create deadly hazards that cause trucks to jackknife or roll over.

Rear-End Collisions

22% of large truck crashes involve trucks rear-ending other vehicles. Trucks need much longer stopping distances than cars, and when drivers follow too closely, fail to brake in time, or ignore traffic signals, the results can be devastating.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck's trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it becomes an uncontrollable hazard that sweeps across multiple lanes, crushing everything in its path.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need extra space to make turns, and when drivers don't account for their vehicle's dimensions, they crush cars in adjacent lanes or strike pedestrians and cyclists.

Blind Spot Collisions

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. When drivers fail to check these areas before changing lanes or merging, they collide with vehicles they never saw coming.

Underride Accidents

When a car slides underneath a truck's trailer, the results are often fatal. These accidents happen when trucks make sudden stops, fail to use proper lighting, or don't have adequate rear guards.

Tire Blowouts

When poorly maintained truck tires explode at highway speeds, they cause the truck to veer out of control and send debris flying into nearby vehicles.

Why Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney Matters

Truck accident cases are drastically different from typical car accident claims, and without experienced legal representation, you'll be outmatched. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose only job is to minimize what they pay you. They'll investigate the scene immediately, secure evidence that benefits them, and pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries.

Without an attorney, you're facing this well-funded machine alone. Insurance companies know that unrepresented accident victims typically accept settlements worth only 2.4 to 3.5 times less than those with legal representation. They'll use every tactic in the book, claiming you were partially at fault, arguing your injuries aren't as severe as you claim, or offering lowball settlements that barely cover your medical bills, let alone your future expenses and pain and suffering.

The stakes are even higher with truck accidents because these cases involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and complex insurance policies. You need someone who knows how to review driver logs for hours-of-service violations, how to obtain and analyze truck black box data, and how to work with accident reconstruction experts who can prove exactly what happened. We handle all of this while you focus on healing.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Truck Accidents?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties who share responsibility for your injuries. The truck driver may be liable for distracted driving, driving while fatigued, speeding, or violating traffic laws. The trucking company can be held responsible for negligent hiring practices, failing to properly train drivers, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, or inadequate vehicle maintenance.

Cargo loading companies may be liable when improperly secured or overloaded cargo causes loss of control or shifting that leads to accidents. Truck manufacturers and parts suppliers can be held accountable when defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other equipment failures contribute to crashes. Maintenance contractors may share responsibility for accidents caused by poor repairs or failure to identify mechanical problems.

Determining all potentially liable parties requires a thorough investigation. We examine maintenance records, driver logs, employment files, cargo manifests, and black box data to identify everyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries. This matters because it affects how much compensation is available and ensures you're pursuing claims against all responsible parties, not just the most obvious one.

What You May Be Entitled To Recover or Achieve

Truck accident victims in New York may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all current and future medical expenses like emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and home health care. You can also recover all lost wages from time you've already missed at work, plus lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all.

Property damage compensation covers vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as damage to other personal property. Out-of-pocket expenses include ambulance bills, travel costs to medical appointments, and modifications to your home if you're now disabled.

Non-economic damages compensate you for pain and suffering, which includes physical pain from your injuries, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or scarring. If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed or if you've developed PTSD from the accident, these damages account for that loss.

In cases involving death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and compensation for the emotional suffering caused by their loved one's death. Every case is different, and the value depends on the severity of injuries, the extent of negligence, and the available insurance coverage.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules

New York's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of your truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the truck was owned or operated by a government entity, including the New York City Transit Authority or other municipal agencies, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident and file your lawsuit within one year and 90 days.

These deadlines are strict, and missing them means losing your right to compensation forever, no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company's negligence. Don't wait until the deadline approaches to contact an attorney. Critical evidence disappears quickly. Truck drivers' logs get lost, video footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and the physical evidence at the accident scene vanishes.

The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and build a strong case. Insurance companies also use delays against you. The longer you wait, the more they'll argue your injuries weren't that serious or weren't caused by the accident. Call us today at 212-725-8500 to protect your rights.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Free Initial Consultation

You meet with us at no cost to discuss your accident, injuries, and legal options. We review the facts, explain your rights, and give you honest advice about your case's potential value and the best path forward.

Thorough Investigation

We immediately begin gathering evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. We work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze the crash scene and determine exactly how the accident happened.

Handling All Communications

We take over all communications with insurance companies, trucking company lawyers, and other parties. You won't have to give recorded statements, negotiate settlements, or deal with aggressive adjusters trying to minimize your claim.

Building Your Case

We work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and calculate all current and future damages. We review federal trucking regulations to identify violations, analyze employment records to show negligent hiring or training, and consult with economic experts to prove lost earning capacity.

Aggressive Negotiation

Armed with thorough documentation and expert opinions, we negotiate for a settlement that fully compensates you for all damages. Trucking companies and their insurers know our 39+ years of trial experience and track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts, which strengthens our negotiating position.

Trial Preparation and Representation

If the insurance company won't offer fair compensation, we take your case to trial. We've successfully tried truck accident cases before juries, and we're not afraid of the courtroom. You'll have experienced representation every step of the way.

Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney

Expert Investigation of Complex Accidents

Truck accidents require specialized investigation techniques. We know how to obtain and interpret truck black box data, analyze driver logs for hours-of-service violations, review maintenance records for mechanical failures, and work with accident reconstruction specialists who can recreate the crash and prove exactly what happened.

Access to Industry Experts

We maintain relationships with highly credentialed experts across multiple fields. Our network includes truck safety specialists, mechanical engineers who examine vehicle defects, medical experts who testify about your injuries and future care needs, and economic experts who calculate lost earning capacity and future damages.

Protection from Aggressive Insurance Tactics

Trucking company insurers use sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts. They'll send investigators to surveil you, review your social media posts for evidence to use against you, and pressure you to give recorded statements they can twist in their favor. We protect you from these tactics while building a strong case for maximum compensation.

Maximum Compensation for All Damages

We calculate the full value of your claim, including costs you'll face years from now. Many truck accident victims accept early settlements that cover immediate medical bills but leave them uncompensated for future surgeries, long-term care needs, permanent disabilities, and lost earning capacity.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs for investigations, expert witnesses, medical record reviews, and litigation expenses. If we don't win your case, you don't owe us anything.

Proven Track Record of Multimillion-Dollar Results

Since 1987, we've recovered millions for personal injury victims across New York City. Our track record includes a $1 million trial settlement when a tractor-trailer slammed a vehicle, a $450,000 settlement for a woman pinned by an 18-wheeler, a $20 million structured settlement for a birth injury case, and numerous other multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements.

39+ Years of Trial Experience

Insurance companies know we're not afraid to take cases to trial. We've presented cases to juries, taken jury verdicts, and argued appeals in both the Appellate Division and the New York State Court of Appeals. This trial experience strengthens our negotiating position and ensures you have skilled representation if your case goes to court.

Proven Results & Client Experience

For 39+ years, we've stood by truck accident victims throughout New York City, securing the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Our track record speaks for itself: a $1 million trial settlement for a cadet struck when a tractor-trailer crushed his vehicle, a $450,000 settlement for a woman pinned by an 18-wheeler who suffered permanent TMJ dysfunction, and countless other results that changed our clients' lives.

But results aren't just about dollar amounts. Our clients consistently tell us what mattered most was knowing someone cared about their case and treated them like family, not just another file number. Joel, who suffered injuries in an assault case, said, "Michael Gunzburg, P.C. was top-notch and used his legal experience to make everything run smoothly. Thank you, Michael Gunzburg, for giving me my life back."

Cesar, a construction worker injured on the job, shared: "Michael Gunzburg, P.C. treated me with respect, and cared about me as a person. He went way above and beyond the law to ensure that my case and my family landed squarely on both feet firmly fixed to the ground. I couldn't imagine how my case and my life would have turned out without him."

Corinne, a medical malpractice victim, praised our communication: "The frequency and level of communication he maintained with me was incredible. We spoke very often over the phone and by email, and he quickly and ably answered whatever questions I had. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. helped me find peace of mind, and I would not trade this gift for the world."

We're admitted to practice in New York State courts, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Michael Gunzburg is a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association of Justice, the Brooklyn Bar Association, and serves on the legal referral panel for the Brooklyn Bar Association since 1989. He's also a Certified Public Accountant, which gives us unique insight into calculating business losses and economic damages.

Common Questions About Truck Accidents in New York City

How is a truck accident case different from a regular car accident case?

Truck accident cases involve federal regulations that govern the trucking industry, including hours-of-service rules, weight limits, maintenance requirements, and driver qualification standards. These cases also typically involve multiple potentially liable parties, not just the driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and equipment manufacturers may all share responsibility. Truck accidents also tend to cause more severe injuries because of the massive size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles, which means higher settlement values and more aggressive defense tactics from well-funded insurance companies.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Get medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries don't show symptoms right away. Call 911 to create a police report. If you're able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, truck company names, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the truck driver's name, company, and insurance information. Don't give recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Call us at 212-725-8500 as soon as possible so we can start preserving evidence before it disappears.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New York?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases. However, if a government entity was involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. These deadlines are strict, and missing them means losing your right to compensation forever. Don't wait to contact an attorney because critical evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies use delays against you.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment needed, whether you have permanent disabilities, how much work you've missed, your lost earning capacity, the degree of pain and suffering, and the amount of available insurance coverage. Economic damages include all medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Truck accident cases often have higher values than car accident cases because the injuries tend to be more severe and multiple insurance policies may apply.

Who pays for my injuries after a truck accident?

The at-fault parties' insurance companies typically pay for your damages. This may include the truck driver's insurance, the trucking company's commercial liability policy, cargo insurance, and potentially umbrella policies that provide additional coverage. In some cases, your own insurance may provide initial benefits through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage while we pursue the full claim against the responsible parties. We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

What if the truck driver says I was partially at fault?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you'd recover $80,000. Insurance companies often argue that accident victims share fault to reduce what they have to pay. We fight these allegations by gathering evidence that proves the truck driver's negligence caused the accident.

How long does a truck accident case take?

Simple cases with clear liability and straightforward injuries may settle in a few months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take one to three years or longer. The timeline depends on how long it takes to complete medical treatment, gather all evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and potentially take the case to trial. We never rush you to settle before you've reached maximum medical improvement and we know the full extent of your damages.

Will my case go to trial?

Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation is exactly what makes insurance companies willing to settle for fair amounts. Our 39+ years of courtroom experience and track record of jury verdicts motivate defendants to offer reasonable settlements rather than risk losing at trial. If your case does go to trial, you'll have experienced representation every step of the way.

What if the truck driver was working for a delivery company like Amazon, FedEx, or UPS?

Large delivery companies often classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability, but we investigate the actual relationship between the driver and the company. If the company exercised control over the driver's schedule, routes, or methods, they may be liable regardless of how they classified the worker. We also examine whether the company was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver.

Can I still file a claim if the truck driver died in the accident?

Yes. You can still pursue a claim against the trucking company, the driver's estate, and other potentially liable parties. The driver's death doesn't eliminate your right to compensation, though it may affect how the case proceeds and who represents the driver's interests.

What types of evidence do you look for in truck accident cases?

We obtain police reports, witness statements, photos and videos from the scene, truck driver's logs and employment records, the truck's electronic control module (black box) data, maintenance and inspection records, cargo loading documents, GPS and route information, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, the trucking company's safety records and violation history, and records of the driver's training and qualifications. We also work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze all physical evidence to determine exactly how the accident happened.

Do I have to pay anything upfront to hire you?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all costs for investigations, expert witnesses, medical record reviews, and litigation expenses. If we don't win your case, you don't owe us anything. This arrangement allows anyone injured by a negligent truck driver to afford experienced legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents truck accident victims throughout New York City, including all five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. We also serve clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Whether your accident happened on the FDR Drive, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the Cross-Bronx Expressway, the Long Island Expressway, or any street, highway, or intersection in the metropolitan area, we're here to help. Our office is conveniently located to serve clients across the entire region, and we handle cases throughout New York City.

At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we handle all types of motor vehicle accidents throughout New York City. If you or a loved one was injured in any type of vehicle collision, we can help:

• Car Accident Lawyer
• Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Bus Accident Lawyer
• Taxi and Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Visit our Motor Vehicle Accidents page to learn more about how we can help with your specific case.