New York Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents differ significantly from ordinary car crashes. They often involve commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, multiple liable parties, and strict safety regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Our attorneys are experienced in navigating these complexities and building strong claims supported by technical and regulatory evidence.

Our firm represents victims injured in all types of commercial truck accidents, including:

• Jackknife accidents
• Rollover crashes
• Underride and override collisions
• Rear-end collisions involving tractor-trailers
• Wide-turn accidents in urban intersections
• Hazardous materials and fuel spills
• Construction zone truck accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups on major highways

These crashes frequently occur on heavily traveled routes such as I-95, I-87 (New York State Thruway), I-278, the BQE, FDR Drive, and other major freight and logistics corridors throughout New York State.

Determining the cause of a truck accident—and identifying every responsible party—is the foundation of a successful claim. Pardalis & Nohavicka works with experienced accident reconstruction experts and industry specialists to uncover negligence and regulatory violations that contribute to serious trucking crashes.

Liable parties may include:

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers may be responsible when crashes are caused by fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or failure to follow safety rules. Common FMCSA violations include Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations, electronic logging device (ELD) manipulation, and failure to comply with required rest periods.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies can be held accountable for unsafe practices such as pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, inadequate training, poor supervision, or failure to enforce compliance with DOT regulations. Employers may also be liable under vicarious liability principles, even when drivers are classified as independent contractors.

Freight Brokers and Shippers

Improper load planning, overweight cargo, or failure to secure freight can destabilize a truck and cause rollovers or jackknife accidents. Violations involving overweight or improperly secured cargo are common contributors to serious crashes.

Maintenance Contractors

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and mechanical defects often stem from inadequate inspections or negligent maintenance. FMCSA rules require regular vehicle inspections, and inadequate inspection or repair violations can establish liability.

Truck and Component Manufacturers

Defective steering systems, braking components, underride guards, or safety equipment can contribute to catastrophic injuries. Manufacturers may be liable when design or manufacturing defects play a role.

Due to the size and force of commercial trucks, victims often suffer life-altering injuries. Our firm regularly represents clients with catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Severe burns and disfigurement
• Wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving families

These cases demand immediate investigation, long-term damage analysis, and coordination with medical and life-care experts.

Truck accidents are governed by a complex framework of New York traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. Our attorneys examine critical evidence such as:

• Driver logs and ELD data
• Drug and alcohol testing records
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance reports
• Cargo documentation and weight tickets
• Black box (ECM) data and GPS records

We act quickly to preserve evidence before it is altered or destroyed and use regulatory violations to strengthen liability claims.

Truck accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation beyond what is available in standard car accident claims. Depending on the facts of the case, damages may include:

• Past and future medical expenses, including life-care plans
• Long-term disability and loss of earning capacity
• Vocational retraining and job modification costs
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Loss of consortium for spouses and family members
• Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or regulatory violations
• Wrongful death damages under New York Estates, Powers & Trusts Law (EPTL)

Our firm works closely with economists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to fully calculate and pursue maximum compensation.

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

In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident, though wrongful death and claims involving municipalities may have shorter deadlines.

What if the trucking company is based out of state?

Out-of-state trucking companies operating in New York are still subject to New York jurisdiction and FMCSA regulations. We routinely pursue claims against national carriers.

How is fault determined in multi-vehicle truck crashes?

Fault is established through accident reconstruction, witness statements, electronic data, and regulatory compliance analysis. Multiple parties may share responsibility.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Trucking companies may still be liable based on control, safety obligations, and federal regulations that limit independent contractor defenses.

Can black box or ELD data be erased?

Yes. This data can be overwritten quickly, which is why contacting an attorney immediately is critical to preserve evidence.