Long Island Truck Accident Attorney

Expert Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer

Understanding Truck Accidents in New York

Truck accidents—also referred to as commercial vehicle collisions—involve large vehicles such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other heavy commercial equipment. These crashes differ fundamentally from standard automobile accidents due to the vehicles’ enormous size and weight, as well as the extensive regulatory framework governing trucking operations. Victims in New York pursue compensation through personal injury law, but truck accident cases demand careful attention to both federal trucking regulations and New York State requirements.

Long Island’s roadways carry substantial commercial traffic. Highways such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and the Northern State Parkway serve as critical freight corridors, with trucks transporting goods from New York City ports and supplying businesses throughout the region. While this commerce strengthens the local economy, it also increases the risk of serious collisions. Data from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles consistently identifies truck-involved incidents as a significant safety concern, with these crashes frequently resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the force of impact.

New York personal injury law allows truck accident victims to pursue claims based on negligence. To prevail, you must demonstrate that the truck driver, the trucking company, or another responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care. Under New York’s comparative negligence framework, you may still recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident, provided your degree of responsibility does not exceed 50%. Truck accident cases frequently involve multiple potentially liable parties—including drivers, employers, vehicle manufacturers, and cargo loaders—which adds complexity to the litigation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Long Island

Numerous factors contribute to truck accidents, many of which are preventable through proper driver conduct and company oversight. Our familiarity with Long Island’s roads—from Suffolk County’s winding secondary routes to Nassau County’s congested corridors—has shown us recurring patterns in these incidents. Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes. Federal hours-of-service regulations limit how long operators may drive without rest, yet violations are common. Extended hauls across the Throgs Neck Bridge or out to the Hamptons push drivers beyond safe limits, making drowsy driving a persistent threat.

Excessive speed and reckless maneuvering are equally dangerous. Because trucks require significantly greater stopping distance than passenger vehicles, speeding on roads like Route 110 can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions or intersection crashes. Trucking companies are also required under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to maintain their fleets in safe working condition. Defective brakes, worn tires, and malfunctioning lights contribute to accidents—particularly during Long Island’s variable weather conditions.

Distracted driving further compounds the risk. Cell phones, GPS navigation systems, and in-cab electronics divert a driver’s attention in violation of both state and federal regulations. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to roll on curves, such as those along the Southern State Parkway. Adverse weather—including rain, snow, and fog—heightens the danger for tall, heavy vehicles on local roadways.

We work to identify the precise cause of each accident to strengthen your personal injury claim. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, and hold negligent parties accountable under New York law.

Types of Injuries from Truck Accidents

The sheer size disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means that truck accident victims often sustain severe, life-altering injuries. At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we advocate for Long Island residents facing permanent physical and emotional consequences. Head trauma may produce traumatic brain injuries (TBI) ranging from mild concussions to severe damage that permanently impairs cognitive function.

Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and frequently require extensive, long-term rehabilitation. Fractures and crush injuries may necessitate surgical intervention and months of physical therapy. Internal organ damage—affecting the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys—can be life-threatening and may not present symptoms immediately. Fuel leaks and hazardous cargo spills can ignite fires, causing severe burn injuries in crashes on congested Long Island roadways.

The psychological toll is equally significant. Many truck accident survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression—all of which are compensable under New York personal injury law. While some motor vehicle crashes fall under New York’s no-fault insurance system, truck accidents involving serious injuries typically meet the “serious injury” threshold, allowing victims to step outside the no-fault framework and sue for pain and suffering. We guide our clients through every aspect of the recovery process, pursuing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.

Navigating New York State Law in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident litigation in New York requires mastery of both state personal injury statutes and federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Our Long Island–based firm applies this dual framework effectively to cases arising throughout the region.

The statute of limitations is a critical consideration. In most truck accident cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, shorter deadlines apply when a government entity is involved—for example, in accidents involving municipal or state-owned trucks. We strongly advise prompt action to preserve your legal rights.

Insurance coverage is another important factor. Commercial trucks typically carry far higher policy limits than personal vehicles, often in the millions of dollars. Despite this, trucking companies and their insurers aggressively defend against claims and employ sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts. We negotiate firmly and are fully prepared to litigate when a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Evidence preservation is essential to building a strong case. We move quickly to obtain electronic control module (“black box”) data, driver logbooks, witness statements, and surveillance footage from locations such as the Cross Island Parkway. Expert analysis of this evidence forms the foundation of a compelling legal argument.

Why Choose The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for Your Truck Accident Claim

The attorney you select can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Jason Tenenbaum leads our firm with years of dedicated experience in personal injury law, with particular focus on truck accident cases throughout Long Island. We combine genuine compassion with aggressive litigation strategies to support our clients through difficult circumstances.

We provide personalized attention to every case. Your matter receives direct handling from our attorneys from initial consultation through resolution—there are no handoffs to junior associates or paralegals. We keep you informed at every stage of the process.

Our track record reflects our commitment to results. Past clients have recovered substantial compensation for injuries and financial losses. We do not hesitate to take on large trucking companies and their corporate insurers, drawing on our deep knowledge of New York and federal law.

Our Long Island roots give us a meaningful advantage. We understand the local courts, judges, and juries from Huntington to Montauk, and this familiarity strengthens both our negotiation posture and our trial strategy. If your case proceeds to court, our guides on what to wear to court and how to talk to a judge can help you prepare.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you have been involved in a truck accident, taking prompt action is critical. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor—some conditions, such as internal bleeding or soft-tissue damage, may not manifest symptoms for hours or days.

Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

If you are able, gather information at the scene. Record the truck’s license plate, company markings, and driver details. Collect contact information from witnesses, and take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

Do not speak with insurance company representatives without first consulting an attorney. Their questions are designed to elicit statements that may reduce the value of your claim.

Contact our office as soon as possible. We offer a free case evaluation and will outline the next steps for pursuing your claim.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Truck accident victims in New York may recover several categories of damages. Economic damages compensate for quantifiable financial losses, including hospital and rehabilitation bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the cost of future medical care.

Non-economic damages address intangible harms such as physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life. In cases involving a wrongful death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

In rare circumstances, punitive damages may be awarded to punish extreme or egregious misconduct, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

We carefully evaluate every potential category of recovery and pursue the full value of your claim.

Contact Us Today

You do not have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. is ready to help. Call 516-750-0595, email intake@jtnylaw.com, or visit our office at 326 Walt Whitman Rd, Suite C, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.