Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents often face severe injuries, confusing insurance demands, and aggressive defense strategies from trucking companies. When someone is hurt in a truck crash, the process of recovering compensation is not just complicated—it’s often stacked against them.
At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming truck accidents can be. I strongly believe that having legal representation makes a real difference, especially in cases involving commercial trucks in New York, Long Island, and surrounding areas, including Hempsted, Westbury, Mineola, and New Hyde Park.
Let’s take a look at why working with an attorney after a truck accident is one of the most important steps an injured person can take under New York law.
Truck Accidents Are Legally Different from Car Accidents
Although car and truck accidents both fall under personal injury law, truck crashes involve unique legal and regulatory complications. Trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces rules not applicable to regular drivers, such as limits on driving hours, maintenance requirements, inspection records, and drug testing protocols.
Violations of these rules often lie at the heart of a personal injury claim after a truck crash. Knowing how to investigate those violations is something an experienced attorney brings to the table. Without that knowledge, crucial evidence can be missed, and the trucking company may avoid liability.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Truck accident cases are rarely simple in terms of liability. It’s common for more than one party to be at fault. The driver might have been reckless, the trucking company may have failed to maintain the vehicle, a third-party cargo loader might have done something unsafe, or the manufacturer of a defective truck part may be involved.
In New York, personal injury law allows for multiple parties to be sued at once, but proving who is responsible requires legal skill and investigative work. An attorney can review the facts, identify the correct defendants, and hold each of them accountable for their share of the damages.
The Insurance Companies Move Fast—And Not in Your Favor
After a truck crash, victims are often contacted by insurance adjusters who seem friendly or helpful at first. But their job is to limit what the company pays out. Insurance companies representing commercial trucks have experienced legal departments ready to act quickly after an accident.
They may pressure you into giving recorded statements, signing documents, or accepting low settlement offers.
A personal injury attorney acts as a shield between you and the insurer. They speak on your behalf, review all communication, and prevent you from giving up your rights too early.
Truck Accidents Usually Cause More Serious Injuries
Trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles. When a truck collides with a car, the result is often a life-changing injury or death.
Victims may suffer brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, or long-term disabilities. Under New York’s personal injury laws, people hurt in these kinds of accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
But trucking companies and insurers will work hard to downplay those injuries. An attorney knows how to gather the medical evidence and witness testimony needed to show the full extent of the harm.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
In truck accidents, timing is critical. Black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, dashcam footage, and employment records can all support a personal injury claim. But much of this information is controlled by the trucking company, and they’re not always eager to share it. In some cases, evidence can be lost or destroyed if legal action isn’t taken quickly.
An attorney can send a preservation of evidence letter and take legal steps to access and secure important documents before they disappear. Without this immediate action, building a strong case becomes much harder.
New York Law Imposes Strict Deadlines
Every personal injury case in New York is subject to deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. Generally, you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit, but there are exceptions. If a public entity was involved—such as a government-owned truck—notice of claim may be required within 90 days.
Missing these deadlines usually means the case can never be filed, no matter how serious the injury. An attorney tracks these deadlines carefully and takes steps to move the case forward within the required time.
Proving Liability Requires Technical Knowledge
Truck accident cases often involve highly technical evidence. This may include accident reconstruction reports, trucking industry standards, data from the vehicle’s electronic control module, and input from medical professionals. Interpreting this information correctly is critical to any personal injury case.
A lawyer with experience in truck crashes will know which experts to consult and how to use technical data to support your claim. Without legal guidance, this type of evidence is difficult to gather or explain effectively in court.
Fair Compensation Requires Strong Negotiation
Insurance companies almost always start with lowball offers. Their goal is to settle the case as quickly and cheaply as possible. But settling for less than your case is worth can leave you without the money needed for future care or lost income.
A personal injury attorney reviews all damages—both current and future—and builds a case that reflects the true value of your claim. Whether the case ends in a settlement or goes to trial, a lawyer is there to advocate for full and fair compensation.
Comparative Fault Can Reduce Your Recovery
New York follows a comparative fault rule, which means that if you were partially at fault for the crash, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, your damages will be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to blame the victim and reduce payouts.
A lawyer can push back on these claims, gather evidence that supports your position, and present a clearer picture of what really happened. In a personal injury case, challenging comparative fault arguments is critical to protecting your compensation.
Emotional Stress Makes Legal Representation Even More Important
The aftermath of a truck accident is stressful. Victims often deal with physical pain, emotional trauma, financial pressure, and family disruption. Trying to handle all of this while dealing with legal paperwork, insurers, and court procedures can be overwhelming.
An attorney takes the legal burden off your shoulders. That allows you to focus on healing while your personal injury case is being prepared behind the scenes.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident
Trucking laws and federal regulations are technical and unfamiliar
Liability may include multiple parties, not just the driver
Insurance companies act quickly to minimize payouts
Injuries in truck crashes are often more severe than in other accidents
Important evidence may be lost without legal intervention
Deadlines for filing can expire quickly under New York law
Legal knowledge is needed to interpret technical records
Settlement negotiations require skill to avoid low offers
Comparative fault can reduce recovery if not challenged
Legal help reduces emotional pressure during recovery
Reach Out Today
At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, I believe no one should have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. I'm proud to serve New York and Long Island, including Hempstead, Westbury, Mineola, and New Hyde Park. Call my law firm today to schedule a consultation for your truck accident case.