Our Truck Accident Lawyers Will Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Understanding Truck Accidents in NYC & NJ

New York City and New Jersey see thousands of commercial truck accidents every year. Major highways like I-95, I-80, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Gowanus Expressway carry heavy truck traffic daily, creating significant risks for passenger vehicle occupants. When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer collides with a standard passenger car, the results are often catastrophic.

Truck accidents differ fundamentally from regular car accidents. Commercial trucking is governed by complex federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These crashes typically involve multiple liable parties, including trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. Insurance policies for commercial trucks are significantly larger than standard auto policies, often ranging from $1 million to $5 million or more, which means trucking companies and their insurers deploy experienced legal teams immediately to minimize their liability.

High-Risk Truck Corridors in the NYC Metro Area

Our attorneys handle truck accident cases throughout the New York and New Jersey region, with particular experience in accidents occurring on:

• Interstate 95 - Major north-south commercial corridor through the Bronx and Manhattan
• Cross-Bronx Expressway - One of the nation's most congested truck routes
• Gowanus Expressway - Heavy truck traffic through Brooklyn
• Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) - Narrow lanes and heavy commercial use
• George Washington Bridge approaches - Bottleneck for interstate truck traffic
• New Jersey Turnpike - High-volume commercial truck highway
• Interstate 80 - Major east-west trucking route through New Jersey
• Route 1 & 9 - Commercial corridors through Newark and Jersey City
• Staten Island Expressway - Port-related truck traffic

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in New York and New Jersey occur for numerous reasons, often involving violations of federal safety regulations:

Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service Violations

Federal law limits how many hours truck drivers can operate without rest, but violations are common. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, similar to intoxicated drivers. Our attorneys obtain driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and employment records to prove hours of service violations.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers using cell phones, GPS devices, eating, or engaging in other distractions cause serious accidents. Federal regulations prohibit texting while driving and limit cell phone use, but violations persist. Cell phone records and black box data can prove distraction.

Speeding & Aggressive Driving

Trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Speeding trucks on NYC highways and the New Jersey Turnpike often cannot stop in time to avoid collisions. Black box data and accident reconstruction establish speed at the time of impact.

Improper Maintenance

Trucking companies must maintain their fleets according to federal standards. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering system failures, and other mechanical issues caused by poor maintenance lead to catastrophic accidents. Maintenance records reveal patterns of neglect.

Improper Loading & Cargo Securement

Overloaded trucks, unbalanced cargo, or improperly secured loads cause rollovers and jackknife accidents. Federal regulations govern weight limits and cargo securement. Loading company records and weight station data prove violations.

Inadequate Training

Trucking companies rushing to put drivers on the road without proper training create dangers for everyone. Driver qualification files, training records, and hiring practices reveal whether companies met federal training requirements.

Driving Under the Influence

Although commercial drivers face stricter standards (0.04% BAC vs. 0.08% for regular drivers), some still operate while impaired. Drug and alcohol testing records and toxicology reports establish impairment.

Poor Weather Decisions

NYC and New Jersey weather creates hazardous conditions for large trucks. Drivers and companies that fail to adjust for rain, snow, ice, or fog bear liability for resulting crashes. Weather data and company policies reveal negligent decision-making.

Blind Spot Accidents

Large trucks have massive blind spots. Drivers who fail to check these zones before changing lanes or turning cause serious side-impact and rear-end collisions. Truck configuration and mirror positioning affect visibility.

Equipment Defects

Defective brakes, steering systems, tires, or coupling devices cause accidents. Manufacturers and distributors bear liability for defective truck components. Product recalls and engineering analysis establish defects.

Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Crashes

The sheer size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means truck accidents often result in life-changing injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) - Closed head injuries, skull fractures, cognitive impairment, personality changes
• Spinal cord injuries - Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), herniated discs, chronic pain
• Severe burns - From fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills, requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts
• Amputations - Loss of limbs from crush injuries or surgical amputation after severe trauma
• Multiple fractures - Complex bone breaks requiring surgery, pins, plates, and extended rehabilitation
• Internal organ damage - Ruptured organs, internal bleeding, requiring emergency surgery
• Facial injuries - Scarring, disfigurement, loss of teeth, jaw fractures
• Wrongful death - Fatal injuries leaving families devastated and facing financial hardship

These catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment, often including multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care. The economic and emotional costs are staggering. Our attorneys work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to fully document the extent of your injuries and future needs.

Who Is Liable in a New York Truck Accident?

Unlike simple car accidents with one at-fault driver, truck accidents typically involve multiple parties who may share liability:

The Truck Driver

Drivers who violate traffic laws, federal regulations, or operate negligently bear direct liability. However, individual truck drivers rarely have sufficient assets to fully compensate serious injuries, making it essential to identify additional liable parties.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are liable for their drivers' actions under the legal doctrine of "respondeat superior." Additionally, companies may be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records or criminal backgrounds)
• Negligent training (inadequate instruction on safety procedures)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (skipping inspections or delaying repairs)
• Pressure to violate hours of service rules
• Unrealistic delivery deadlines that encourage speeding

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party companies that load trucks may be liable if improper loading, overloading, or failure to secure cargo caused the accident. Loading procedures and weight distribution are critical safety factors.

Truck Leasing Companies

Companies that lease trucks to motor carriers may bear liability depending on their level of control over operations and maintenance responsibilities outlined in lease agreements.

Maintenance Providers

Independent maintenance companies or mechanics who perform substandard repairs or fail to identify safety issues may be liable for accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Truck & Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers of defective trucks, trailers, brakes, tires, or other components face products liability claims when defects cause accidents. This includes design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn.

Government Entities

In rare cases, dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or poor highway design may contribute to truck accidents. Claims against government entities require compliance with special notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and maximize the compensation sources available for your injuries.

Federal Trucking Regulations & Violations

Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces comprehensive safety regulations that govern nearly every aspect of commercial trucking operations. Violations of these regulations often provide the foundation for proving negligence in truck accident cases.

Key Federal Regulations

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules - Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. The total work period cannot exceed 14 hours. Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Weekly limits restrict driving to 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. Violations of HOS rules are common and contribute to fatigue-related accidents.

Driver Qualification Standards - Commercial drivers must possess valid commercial driver's licenses (CDL), pass medical examinations, undergo drug and alcohol testing, maintain safe driving records, and complete required training. Trucking companies must verify qualifications and maintain driver qualification files.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements - Trucking companies must perform regular inspections, maintain detailed maintenance records, immediately repair safety-critical defects, and comply with out-of-service orders. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are mandatory.

Weight & Size Limitations - Federal and state laws limit truck weight (typically 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight) and dimensions. Overweight trucks cause more severe accidents and increased road damage. Weight violations are verifiable through weigh station records.

Cargo Securement Rules - Detailed regulations govern how cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling. Different cargo types require specific securement methods. Improperly secured cargo causes rollover accidents and road hazards.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate - Most commercial trucks must use ELDs to automatically record driving time. This regulation aims to prevent hours of service violations and log falsification. ELD data provides crucial evidence in truck accident cases.

Using Regulatory Violations to Prove Negligence

Our attorneys obtain and analyze extensive records to prove regulatory violations, including driver logs and ELD data, maintenance and inspection records, driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing results, company safety policies and training records, and FMCSA compliance reviews and safety ratings. Violations of federal regulations constitute "negligence per se" in many jurisdictions, meaning the violation itself establishes negligence. This significantly strengthens truck accident claims and often leads to higher settlements or verdicts. Learn more about how federal regulations impact your truck accident claim.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident victims in New York and New Jersey may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries and losses:

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses - All past and future medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, medical equipment, and home health care. Catastrophic injuries often require lifetime medical care costing millions of dollars.

Lost Wages - Compensation for time missed from work during recovery. If injuries prevent returning to your previous job, you may recover lost earning capacity for reduced lifetime earnings.

Property Damage - Replacement or repair costs for your vehicle and personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering - Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life caused by injuries. New York has no cap on pain and suffering damages.

Disability & Disfigurement - Additional compensation for permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement that affects your appearance or physical abilities.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life - Compensation for inability to participate in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed.

Loss of Consortium - Spouses may recover for loss of companionship, affection, and conjugal relations resulting from their partner's injuries.

Wrongful Death Damages

When truck accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may file wrongful death claims seeking:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of parental guidance for children
• Loss of companionship and emotional support

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, New York law allows punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Examples include knowingly falsifying logs, operating while intoxicated, or deliberately ignoring critical safety violations.

Commercial truck insurance policies typically provide coverage from $1 million to $5 million or more, providing sufficient resources to fully compensate serious injuries. Our attorneys fight to ensure you receive every dollar you're entitled to. For more information, see our guide on damages recoverable in NYC truck accident cases.

How Our NYC Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Immediate Investigation & Evidence Preservation

Trucking companies deploy investigators to accident scenes within hours to protect their interests. We do the same for our clients. Our immediate investigation includes:

• Accident scene inspection - Photographs, measurements, skid mark analysis, debris field examination
• Vehicle inspection - Examining the truck and trailer before repairs obscure evidence
• Black box data retrieval - Downloading electronic control module (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and engine performance
• ELD data preservation - Securing electronic logs before they're overwritten
• Witness interviews - Locating and interviewing all witnesses while memories are fresh
• Surveillance footage - Obtaining traffic camera, business security, and dashcam videos
• Driver records - Immediately requesting driving logs, medical certifications, and employment files
• Maintenance records - Securing inspection reports and repair histories

Expert Reconstruction & Analysis

Complex truck accidents require specialized expertise. We work with:

• Accident reconstructionists - Engineers who analyze physical evidence to determine how the accident occurred
• Trucking industry experts - Former trucking company executives and safety directors who testify about industry standards
• Medical experts - Specialists who explain the nature and extent of your injuries and future medical needs
• Economic experts - Economists who calculate lost earning capacity and lifetime financial losses
• Life care planners - Medical professionals who develop comprehensive plans for future care needs and costs
• Vocational rehabilitation experts - Specialists who assess your ability to return to work and alternative employment options

Thorough Regulatory Compliance Investigation

Our attorneys scrutinize every aspect of regulatory compliance, examining:

• Hours of service violations through log books and ELD data
• Driver qualification file completeness and accuracy
• Drug and alcohol testing program compliance
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
• Company safety ratings and FMCSA compliance reviews
• Previous violations and out-of-service orders
• Training program adequacy
• Company policies pressuring drivers to violate regulations

Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation

Trucking companies and their insurers often make low initial settlement offers hoping injured victims will accept quick payouts before understanding the full extent of their injuries and losses. We:

• Build compelling demand packages documenting all damages
• Negotiate from a position of strength with evidence of liability
• Refuse inadequate settlement offers
• Prepare every case for trial from day one
• Take cases to verdict when necessary to achieve fair compensation

Our trial-ready approach often motivates insurance companies to make reasonable settlement offers rather than risk unfavorable jury verdicts. 

Handling All Legal & Administrative Tasks

After a serious truck accident, you should focus on recovery, not paperwork and phone calls. We handle:

• All communications with insurance companies
• All paperwork and legal filings
• Coordination with medical providers
• Dealing with medical liens and subrogation claims
• Obtaining police reports and records
• Managing discovery and legal procedures

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Truck Accidents

How much is my truck accident case worth in New York?

The value of a truck accident case depends on multiple factors including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Serious truck accident cases in NYC often result in settlements or verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death typically have higher values. Our attorneys provide free case evaluations to assess the potential value of your specific claim.

Who is liable in a truck accident in New York City?

Liability in NYC truck accidents can extend beyond just the truck driver. Potentially liable parties include the trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance), truck manufacturers (for defective parts), cargo loaders (for improper loading), maintenance companies (for faulty repairs), and other motorists who contributed to the crash. Federal regulations impose strict requirements on trucking companies, and violations of these rules can establish liability. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.

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

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on government property, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. It's crucial to contact a truck accident attorney immediately after your crash, as evidence can disappear quickly and early investigation is essential for building a strong case.

What compensation can I recover for a truck accident injury in NYC?

Truck accident victims in New York may recover compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in New York?

After a truck accident: (1) Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor; (2) Call 911 to report the accident; (3) Document the scene with photos and videos if safely possible; (4) Get contact and insurance information from the truck driver and company; (5) Collect witness contact information; (6) Note the truck's company name, vehicle number, and license plate; (7) Do not sign any documents or give recorded statements to insurance companies; (8) Contact a truck accident attorney before discussing the accident with anyone other than police or medical personnel. Evidence preservation is critical in truck accident cases.

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim in NYC?

Yes, truck accident cases are significantly more complex than regular car accidents and involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies with experienced legal teams. Trucking companies and their insurers often deploy investigators to the accident scene within hours to protect their interests. An experienced truck accident attorney levels the playing field by immediately preserving evidence, identifying all liable parties, navigating federal trucking regulations, dealing with insurance companies, and maximizing your compensation. Most truck accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay no fees unless they win your case.

Why Choose Hofmann & Schweitzer for Your Truck Accident Case

35+ Years Handling Complex Truck Accident Cases

Our personal injury attorneys have successfully represented truck accident victims in New York and New Jersey for over three decades. We understand the complexities of federal motor carrier regulations, the tactics trucking companies use to minimize liability, and how to build compelling cases that achieve maximum compensation.

Proven Track Record of Results

We've recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims throughout the NYC metropolitan area. Our results include substantial settlements and verdicts for catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and wrongful death claims. While past results don't guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our commitment and capability. View our recent case results.

In-Depth Knowledge of Federal Trucking Regulations

We thoroughly understand FMCSA regulations governing hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug/alcohol testing. This expertise allows us to identify regulatory violations that strengthen your case and prove negligence. Our attorneys stay current on evolving federal and state trucking laws.

Resources to Handle Major Cases

Truck accident cases require significant upfront investment in investigation, expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and trial preparation. As an established firm, we have the financial resources to fully develop your case, including hiring top experts and taking cases to trial when necessary. We advance all costs, and you owe nothing unless we win.

Local NYC & NJ Knowledge

As a New York and New Jersey firm with offices in Manhattan and Raritan, we understand local courts, judges, and juries. We know the dangerous truck corridors in our region, local trucking companies and their safety records, and the medical facilities best equipped to treat catastrophic injuries. This local knowledge provides strategic advantages in settlement negotiations and trial.

Compassionate Client-Centered Representation

Serious truck accidents create overwhelming medical, financial, and emotional challenges. We treat every client with respect and compassion, keeping you informed throughout the legal process, explaining complex legal and medical issues in plain language, and being available to answer your questions. You're not just a case number - you're a person who deserves justice.

No Fees Unless We Win

We handle all truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis:

• Free initial consultation - No cost to discuss your case and legal options
• No upfront fees - We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• We advance all costs - Expert witnesses, investigations, medical records, court filing fees
• No recovery, no fee - If we don't win, you owe us nothing

This contingency fee arrangement allows seriously injured victims to obtain experienced legal representation without worrying about hourly fees or upfront costs. Learn more about how contingency fees work.

Contact Our New York Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Time is critical after a truck accident. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and trucking companies work quickly to protect themselves. Don't face this challenge alone or accept early settlement offers without understanding your rights and the full value of your case.

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

During your free consultation, our truck accident attorneys will:

• Listen to the details of your truck accident and injuries
• Explain your legal rights under New York and federal law
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Discuss the types of compensation you may be entitled to
• Outline our investigation and legal strategy
• Answer all your questions about the legal process
• Explain our contingency fee arrangement with no obligation

Don't wait. Contact us now for your free truck accident consultation.

New York Office

212 W 35th St Fl 12
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 465-8840

New Jersey Office

1130 US-202 Ste A7
Raritan, NJ 08869
Phone: (908) 393-5662

Schedule Your Free Truck Accident Consultation

Serving truck accident victims throughout New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island), Northern New Jersey (Newark, Jersey City, Raritan, and surrounding areas), and the entire NYC metropolitan region.