Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents in Brooklyn cause devastating injuries and financial hardship for victims and their families. These collisions involve massive commercial vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, creating catastrophic damage that far exceeds typical car accidents. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, Parker Waichman LLP can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our truck accident lawyers in Brooklyn have recovered over $2 billion for injured clients nationwide, and we’re ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation—we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Truck Accident Claim

When you’re injured in a truck accident, you need a law firm with the experience and resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of proven success to your case.

Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, has spent over 40 years fighting for injured clients. He holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer review rating available, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2010. Our team includes multiple attorneys with extensive experience in personal injury and mass tort litigation, including Raymond C. Silverman, a partner with deep expertise in complex commercial vehicle cases.

We understand what truck accident victims face. We’ve recovered $10 million for a Canadian family who suffered brain damage and multiple fractures in an auto accident. We’ve secured $6.2 million for a construction worker injured in a fall, and $4.5 million in a verdict for a client with multiple fractures. These results show our commitment to maximizing compensation for serious injuries. View our verdicts and settlements to see how we’ve helped clients recover.

Parker Waichman LLP operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we win your case or reach a settlement. Our Brooklyn office is located at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, and we’re available 24/7 to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout Brooklyn and all of New York.

How Truck Accidents Happen in Brooklyn

Truck accidents occur through many different causes, and understanding what led to your collision helps establish liability. Brooklyn hosts significant commercial vehicle traffic, which increases accident risk on our streets daily.

Driver error causes many truck accidents. Fatigued drivers may violate federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR Part 395), which can increase crash risk and reduce reaction time. Distracted driving—texting, eating, or adjusting equipment—takes a driver’s attention from the road. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop or maneuver safely, especially in a vehicle weighing 80,000 pounds. Improper training leaves drivers unprepared for emergency situations.

Vehicle maintenance failures also cause accidents. Worn brake pads, faulty steering systems, and tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control. Cargo loading problems create instability, causing trucks to tip or jackknife. Poor road conditions and weather—ice, rain, and potholes—increase accident risk on Brooklyn’s streets.

Truck accidents occur frequently in Brooklyn. Common accident locations include the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, Gowanus Expressway, and Belt Parkway. These high-traffic corridors see significant commercial vehicle activity daily. If you’ve been injured in a Brooklyn car accident, our team can help you understand your legal options. We also handle pedestrian accidents and motorcycle accidents in Brooklyn.

Types of Injuries from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents produce severe injuries because of the massive weight and force involved. Victims often suffer multiple injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when the head strikes an object or experiences violent movement. TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. Spinal cord injuries and paralysis result from damage to the spine, potentially leaving victims unable to walk or use their arms. Broken bones and fractures are common, ranging from simple breaks to complex fractures requiring surgery and physical therapy.

Internal organ damage happens when the body experiences blunt force trauma. Injuries to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other organs can be life-threatening. Severe burns and lacerations occur when vehicles catch fire or when victims are trapped in wreckage. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries affect the neck, back, and shoulders, causing chronic pain and limited mobility. Some victims suffer amputations caused by crushing injuries or fire.

Tragically, some truck accidents result in wrongful death. Families lose loved ones and face enormous financial and emotional burdens. Parker Waichman LLP handles wrongful death cases and helps families recover damages for their loss.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Brooklyn Truck Accident

Determining liability in a truck accident requires investigating multiple potential defendants. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties who share responsibility.

The truck driver bears responsibility if their negligence caused the accident. This includes violations like speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or improper lane changes. The trucking company that employs the driver can be held liable under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” which makes employers responsible for employee negligence. Additionally, trucking companies must maintain their vehicles properly and ensure drivers receive adequate training.

Equipment manufacturers can be liable if defective parts caused the accident. Faulty brakes, steering systems, or tires may have design or manufacturing defects. Maintenance and repair companies bear responsibility if they failed to properly service the truck. Cargo loading companies can be liable if improper loading caused the truck to tip or jackknife.

Other drivers involved in the accident may share fault. Government entities responsible for road maintenance can be liable if poor road conditions contributed to the accident. New York follows a ‘pure comparative negligence’ rule (NY CPLR § 1411). This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—even if you were more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 60% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you could still recover $40,000.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York’s comparative negligence law allows injured victims to recover damages even if they contributed to the accident. If you were 30% at fault and the truck driver was 70% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages. However, if you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. This rule makes it critical to have an experienced attorney investigate your accident and establish the defendant’s liability. Learn more about New York personal injury law to understand your rights. Under New York law, victims have specific protections and remedies available.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident victims can recover several types of damages depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident.

Economic damages compensate you for financial losses. Medical expenses include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages cover income you missed while recovering. Future care costs account for long-term medical needs, home care, and assistive devices. You can also recover costs for property damage to your vehicle.

Non-economic damages compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional harm, and loss of quality of life. Pain and suffering damages reflect the physical pain you endured. Emotional distress damages account for anxiety, depression, and trauma from the accident. Loss of enjoyment of life damages compensate you for activities you can no longer participate in due to your injuries.

Punitive damages are available in cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct. These damages punish defendants for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. For example, if a truck driver was operating under the influence or flagrantly violated safety regulations, punitive damages may apply. Under New York law, punitive damages serve as a deterrent.

Wrongful death damages are available if the accident killed your loved one. These damages include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for the loss of companionship and guidance.

New York law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to recover compensation, so contact Parker Waichman LLP immediately if you’ve been injured.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Brooklyn

Taking the right steps immediately after a truck accident protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury, don’t show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation creates documentation of your injuries, which is critical for your claim. Call 911 and report the accident to police. A police report provides an official record of the accident and often includes the officer’s assessment of fault.

Document the scene by taking photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the accident location. Get contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Preserve evidence by keeping your damaged vehicle and not repairing it until your attorney reviews it. Avoid discussing fault with the truck driver, their company, or insurance adjusters. Anything you say can be used against you.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible. Do not accept settlement offers from insurance companies without legal counsel. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts, and their initial offers are typically far below what your case is worth. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file lawsuits to secure fair compensation. Schedule a consultation with our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Brooklyn

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Brooklyn?

New York law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply for minors or under the discovery rule, which extends the deadline if you didn’t discover your injury immediately. Don’t wait—contact Parker Waichman LLP right away to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

New York follows comparative negligence rules. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This rule makes it essential to have an attorney investigate the accident and establish the defendant’s primary responsibility.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Your case’s value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other factors. Each case is unique. A minor injury with quick recovery is worth less than a catastrophic injury requiring lifelong care. Parker Waichman LLP provides free case evaluations to discuss your specific situation and give you an estimate of your claim’s value.

Do I need a lawyer for my truck accident claim?

Insurance companies often undervalue claims and pressure victims into accepting inadequate settlements. A lawyer helps maximize your compensation by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. Parker Waichman LLP works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we win your case or reach a settlement.

How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?

The timeline depends on case complexity. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle within months to one or two years. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, serious injuries, or disputed liability can take two to five years or longer. Parker Waichman LLP keeps you informed throughout the process and works efficiently to resolve your case.

What evidence is important in a truck accident case?

Critical evidence includes the police report, your medical records, witness statements, photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene, truck maintenance records, hours-of-service records (paper logbooks or ELD data, depending on the carrier), and black box data from the truck. Black box data records speed, braking, and other information that proves how the accident occurred. Our attorneys know how to obtain and use this evidence to build a strong case.

Will my case go to trial?

Most truck accident cases settle before trial through negotiations with insurance companies. However, Parker Waichman LLP is prepared to litigate if necessary. Our experienced trial attorneys have successfully tried cases in front of juries and judges. We handle settlement negotiations professionally while remaining ready to fight for your rights in court.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Truck Accident Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Brooklyn, don’t face the insurance company alone. Parker Waichman LLP is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call (718) 554-8055 today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. Our Brooklyn office is located at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. We serve clients throughout Brooklyn and all of New York.

Don’t let the statute of limitations expire. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today and let our experienced truck accident lawyers help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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