Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims are completely different beast than standard auto accident cases. While New York’s no-fault insurance system allows injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists to seek coverage for medical treatment and certain lost income through their own insurance, you may not receive the full amount of funds you need to make an effective recovery. When a truck crash causes serious or life-altering injuries, you may be eligible to pursue additional damages from the responsible parties. Our Long Island truck accident lawyer is both experienced and competitive, and we'll work hard to build a claim aimed at your best possible outcome. Call us at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith today to request a free consultation.

Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer in Long Island, NY

A collision involving a tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or construction vehicle can leave victims facing extensive medical care and long-lasting physical limitations. Our personal injury firm represents individuals across Long Island who have been injured in truck accidents and need steady legal support. We've secured settlements of over $1 million for previous truck injury clients, so you can trust us to advocate for you effectively.

From the beginning, we focus on communication and preparation, because you deserve to know what is happening with your case. Our Long Island truck accident lawyer handles insurance correspondence, gathers critical records, and manages deadlines so you are not left trying to keep up with multiple insurers or corporate representatives while recovering.

Truck accident injuries often take longer to heal and may require ongoing treatment. Some people are able to return to work within months, while others face permanent limitations. Attorney Steven R. Smith takes the time to understand how the accident has affected your ability to earn a living, care for your family, and plan for the future. This intentional approach allows us to pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, not just the initial hospital visit or surface level costs.

How We Handle Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident claims frequently involve more than one liable party. In addition to the truck driver, responsibility may rest with the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo loader, or a vehicle manufacturer. These cases also involve higher insurance limits and more aggressive defense strategies.

At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we take a diligent approach to truck accident claims. We carefully review crash reports, driver logs, maintenance records, medical documentation, and available video footage to determine how the collision occurred and who should be held accountable.

Our truck accident attorney also considers long-term consequences when evaluating a claim. We've found that preparing each case thoroughly from the get-go puts our clients in a stronger position during settlement negotiations or court proceedings.

Who Is Liable in a Trucking Accident?

Because commercial vehicles are often owned, operated, and maintained by different parties, liability may rest with more than one person or company. Truck accident claims often involve higher policy limits and more aggressive defense strategies. Our Long Island trucking accident lawyer will work to identify every responsible party, so we can build a strong claim for compensation that accurately reflects the full story.

The Truck Driver

In many cases, the truck driver may be partially or fully responsible for the accident. Driver-related liability often involves speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, or failure to follow traffic laws.

Commercial drivers are required to follow strict safety rules, including limits on driving hours. When those rules are ignored and an accident occurs, the driver’s actions may form the foundation of a liability claim.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can also be held responsible for accidents involving their drivers. This may occur when a company fails to properly train its drivers, encourages unsafe driving schedules, or overlooks safety violations. Employers may also be liable for their drivers’ actions when the crash occurs during the course of employment.

Our Long Island personal injury attorney often examines company policies, hiring records, and internal communications to determine whether corporate practices contributed to the crash.

The Owner of the Truck

In some situations, the trucking company and the truck owner are not the same entity. If the vehicle owner failed to maintain the truck properly or allowed unsafe equipment to remain on the road, liability may rest with them. Issues such as worn brakes, tire blowouts, or steering failures can all point to maintenance-related responsibility.

Maintenance and Repair Providers

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable if poor repairs or skipped inspections played a role in the accident. Commercial trucks require regular servicing to remain safe on the road. When a maintenance provider cuts corners or fails to identify a mechanical issue, their actions can directly contribute to a serious crash.

Cargo Loading Companies

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, jackknife, or overturn. Cargo that shifts during transit may also lead to sudden loss of control. When a separate company is responsible for loading the truck, that party may share liability if the load contributed to the accident. These cases often require careful review of shipping records and loading procedures.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

In some truck accident cases, a defective part may be the root cause of the crash. Faulty brakes, tires, steering components, or safety systems can lead to catastrophic failures. When a manufacturing defect is involved, liability may extend to the company that designed or produced the defective component.

Other Drivers on the Road

Not every truck accident is caused solely by the truck driver or company. Another motorist’s reckless or careless behavior may force a truck driver into a dangerous situation. In these cases, liability may be shared among multiple drivers.

Our experienced auto accident lawyer knows what to look for when reviewing traffic patterns, witness statements, and crash data to determine how each party’s actions contributed to the collision.

Government Entities or Property Owners

Poor road conditions, missing signage, or unsafe construction zones can also play a role in truck accidents. When roadway hazards contribute to a crash, a government agency or property owner may be partially responsible. These claims often involve additional rules and stricter deadlines, so early legal review is very important.

Your Advocate in Long Island

At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we take the time to review the facts carefully and explain how liability applies to your situation. If you were injured in a truck accident and are unsure who may be responsible, our New York truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and outline your legal options. Contact us today to take the next step toward protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.

More Information on New York Truck Accidents

• Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident

• How Does Federal Regulation Impact Truck Accident Litigation?

• Key Considerations for Multi-Party Truck Accident Cases

• What Does No-Fault Insurance Mean in New York?

• Should I Use My Own Insurance After A Car Accident?

• Questions You Should Ask Car Accident Witnesses