Were you injured in a NYC truck accident or lost a loved one in a fatal commercial vehicle crash? At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our top-rated NYC truck accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and proven record to hold negligent trucking companies, drivers, and insurers accountable.
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Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers are Ready to Help
Under state and federal truck accident laws, trucking companies, drivers, and parts manufacturers are legally obligated to operate safely and maintain their vehicles. When crashes result from driver negligence, mechanical failure, or safety violations, those responsible can be held accountable. With hundreds of millions recovered for injury victims and decades of experience, HKD’s truck accident lawyers know how to uncover liability, prove negligence, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
NYC Truck Accident Attorneys Fighting for the Injured
Serious truck accidents are far too common on New York’s busy roads, often caused by driver fatigue, overloaded trailers, faulty brakes, or companies cutting corners to protect their bottom line. These crashes can be catastrophic and are almost always preventable. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our NYC injury attorneys, led by Jordan Hecht,Jonathan Damashek, and Judd Kleeger, have decades of experience standing up to negligent trucking companies and recovered hundreds of millions for injured New Yorkers. Let us fight for the full compensation you need.
Commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other large vehicles, play a major role in New York City traffic accidents. The New York Police Department classifies large commercial vehicles as those with six or more tires, and in 2023 alone, they were involved in 6,794 accidents—accounting for nearly 20% of all crashes. While truck accidents may not always be fatal, they often lead to severe injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and lasting physical and financial consequences for victims.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our New York truck accident attorneys handle cases involving all types of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, box trucks, delivery vans, construction vehicles, and buses. We aggressively pursue compensation for those injured by negligent truck drivers, fleet operators, and commercial carriers, ensuring victims receive the financial recovery they need to rebuild their lives.
Our commercial truck accident attorneys accept cases involving all types of commercial vehicles, including but not limited to:
Truck accidents in New York City can be catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries and life-altering consequences. The size, weight, and speed of commercial trucks make collisions especially dangerous. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our NYC truck accident lawyers handle all types of truck crashes, investigating liability and seeking maximum compensation for victims.
Common New York Truck Accidents We Handle
Jackknife Truck Accident – When a truck’s trailer swings out, creating a dangerous V-shape that can collide with multiple vehicles
Wide-Turn Accident – Trucks require extra space to turn, and misjudged turns trap or crush vehicles in adjacent lanes.
U-Turn Accident – Large trucks making illegal or unsafe U-turns can block lanes and cause high-speed collisions.
Runaway Truck Accident – When a truck loses control on a downhill slope, often due to brake failure or excessive speed.
Brake Failure Accident – Poor maintenance, defective brakes, or driver error can lead to complete brake loss and devastating crashes.
Rollover Accident – High speeds, sharp turns, or unbalanced loads can cause a truck to flip onto its side or roof, endangering everyone nearby.
Tire Blowout Accident – A sudden tire failure can make a truck swerve unpredictably, putting other motorists at risk.
Override Accident – A larger truck runs over a smaller vehicle, often crushing it under its front wheels.
Underride Accident – A car slides beneath the rear or side of a truck, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Head-On Accidents– These occur when a truck veers into oncoming traffic, often due to drowsy or impaired driving.
Read-End Accident – Due to their heavy weight and slow braking distance, trucks can cause serious injuries in rear-end crashes.
Side Impact “T-Bone” Accident – When a truck strikes the side of another vehicle at an intersection, often due to failure to yield.
Blind Spot Accident – Large trucks have significant blind spots, leading to collisions when changing lanes or merging.
Unsafe Lane Change Accident – Truck drivers who fail to check mirrors or signal properly can sideswipe nearby vehicles.
Lost Load/Unsecured Load Accident – Improperly secured cargo can fall into traffic, creating hazards for other drivers.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in NYC
If you were involved in a crash with a large truck or another commercial vehicle in New York, there are steps you should take to protect your possible claim for compensation:
Call 911 to report the truck crash.
When you are involved in a truck wreck, whether you appear to be injured or not, you should report the accident to the police. An official report will be made, which is helpful if you pursue compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Calling 911 also enables emergency responders and the police to arrive quickly to provide aid and control traffic.
Obtain medical care ASAP.
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries. You should never hesitate to be checked over by paramedics or go to the emergency room after a crash. This enables a physician to conduct a full exam and look for injuries that may not be immediately visible, such as internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Document the crash scene.
If you or a companion can, take photos and videos of the crash site. Document the damage to the vehicles and surrounding property as thoroughly as you can.
Exchange information.
Ask for the truck driver’s name, contact information, employer’s name and contact information, and insurance information. You will need to provide your information in return.
Ask for witness information.
If any witnesses stopped to help, ask for their help and contact information. Your lawyer will contact these witnesses for their statements.
Notify your insurer.
As soon as you can, notify your auto insurer that you were involved in an accident.
Call a New York truck accident lawyer.
When you are hurt by getting hit by a truck in New York, you need to work with the best truck accident lawyer you can find – one who has specific experience in handling commercial truck crashes.
New York Trucking Regulations & Federal Guidelines
One of the reasons you need a lawyer experienced in handling commercial truck claims is that these vehicles are heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To operate these vehicles, a driver must have specialized training and a Commercial Driver’s License. Drivers also must gain specific endorsements to operate certain types of vehicles and comply;y with NY truck laws.
In addition to operator requirements, truckers, trucking companies, and other related businesses must adhere to many FMCSA regulations. These include hours of service regulations, which limit how long truckers can work within certain periods. They also include inspection and maintenance requirements, which are intended to ensure that all trucks on the road are in safe working order.
If an 18-wheeler hits your car, and you or a loved one suffer injuries, do not hesitate to call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. A New York truck accident lawyer is here to thoroughly investigate the crash and determine if any of the other parties violated one or more FMCSA regulations.
What Causes NYC Trucking Accidents?
Truck accidents are more complex than the typical personal car crash for many reasons, including FMCSA regulations, the wide range of truck types, and the various ways truck accidents happen.
Another complication is that the underlying cause of the truck wreck and who is responsible may not be obvious. While negligent drivers cause most car crashes, truck accidents can be the result of negligently maintained and defective equipment and not the truck driver’s carelessness.
However, the possible and theoretical causes of trucking accidents are not helpful to you. What is helpful is having an 18-wheel accident lawyer investigate the crash and identify the underlying cause, which may include:
After you are hit by a truck and suffering severe injuries, you naturally want to know why the accident happened and who is at fault. Sometimes it is very clear who was in the wrong, but things can quickly become confusing. A mechanic or another party may be responsible for inadequate maintenance, or a trucking company may have ignored critical safety procedures.
These facts will be difficult to ascertain unless you work with a veteran New York truck accident lawyer. One of our experienced and skilled attorneys will immediately investigate the crash and file a truck accident lawsuit to gain access to critical information through the discovery process.
Through an in-depth investigation into the New York truck accident, we may find that one or several parties are at fault, including:
The truck operator
The trucking company (motor carrier)
The maintenance provider
A trucking company vendor
The cargo owner
The loading company/shopper
A truck or part manufacturer
After determining who is at fault for the underlying cause of the wreck, we will have a more specific target for our pursuit of compensation. We can then focus on negotiating a truck accident settlement with the liable party as well as preparing for trial should it be necessary.
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
The aftermath of a truck crash can be particularly devastating, requiring premier legal intervention to navigate the complexities of your case. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. offers unique insight in this field, ensuring your truck accident case receives the attention it deserves.
We engage with all parties involved, including trucking companies and insurers, to negotiate a settlement that recognizes the full extent of your trauma and losses.
Maximize Truck Accident Compensation
Our goal is to secure a comprehensive compensation package that addresses your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related truck accident damages.
Advocacy for Road Safety
By pursuing your claim, we also advocate for safer road practices, contributing to the prevention of future trucking accidents and enhancing road safety standards.
Compensation after New York Truck Accidents
Whether we believe it will be necessary to take your case to trial or we are confident we will negotiate a settlement, we will pursue full and fair compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial injuries.
Through a personal injury claim based on truck accident injuries, you may have the right to obtain compensation for your
Medical bills, including future medical expenses
Physical pain and suffering
Mental anguish and emotional distress
Permanent disfigurement
Disability
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity when you are disabled and cannot return to work or earn as much as your previous position
Loss of normal life and reduced quality of life.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we are proud to have recovered significant sums for many truck accident victims. However, there is no way to tell the potential value of your claim without speaking to an attorney first. To discuss your injuries and how much you may receive through a truck accident settlement or court award, contact truck accident lawyer with HKD today.
NY Truck Accident Statute of Limitations
If you wish to pursue compensation for your truck accident injuries, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. All states limit how long accident victims have to file personal injury lawsuits. In New York, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury claim. This time limit can sometimes be extended or shortened depending on specific circumstances, but If you file suit after the time limit expires, it is likely that the court will bar your claim and dismiss the suit.
Fatal New York Truck Accidents
Due to the extreme weight of commercial vehicles and the speed at which many truck wrecks occur, fatalities are tragically far too common. Your loved one may have lost their life immediately, or in the days, weeks, or months after the crash, succumbed to their injuries. Whatever the case, we recommend you call a New York truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
When your spouse, parent, child, or other close relative’s death is the result of a truck wreck, your family may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This requires you to work with a lawyer with practical experience and prior success in these types of claims, like the team with Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
We encourage you to research our attorneys, read our client reviews, and call 212-490-5700 for a free consultation to see why HKD is a top-rated NYC law firm serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
It’s impossible to know exactly how much your truck accident claim is worth; however, car vs. truck accident compensation is usually higher than typical car vs. car accident settlements. That’s because trucks have higher insurance policy limits. You can often get more money from a truck accident settlement than a car accident settlement.
What Should I Do If the Truck Driver’s Insurance Company Wants a Statement?
Do not speak to the truck driver’s insurance company. Instead, call an attorney right away. Your attorney will help you write down your statement and convey it to them. The insurance company will use your words against you and may even try to blame you for the accident.
What If the Insurance Company Tries to Blame Me for the Accident?
The trucking company’s insurance will likely try to avoid liability. In doing so, they may try to blame you. Do not let them take advantage of you or use scare tactics. Call an attorney to stand by your side.
How Are Insurance Policies For Commercial Vehicles Different?
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Video Transcript
A commercial vehicle will generally have a much higher primary policy than a standard vehicle ... that's on the road. So commercial vehicles will generally have a primary policy that begins at a million dollars, and then there'll be excess coverage on top of that.
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Injured in a Truck Accident? Call HKD Today.
The effects of a truck wreck are often severe and long-lasting. For help dealing with the aftermath of a trucking accident in New York, contact Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. as soon as you can. In addition to your physical injuries, you must address the psychological impact and navigate the financial difficulties that typically follow unexpected medical expenses and lost wages. This is more than you should have to handle when you’re hurt due to no fault of your own, without adding in a truck accident insurance claim or lawsuit.
You can reach us online or call 212-490-5700 to schedule your free consultation with a top-rated truck accident lawyer in NYC. There are no costs up-front, and you won’t owe us anything until you recover compensation.
