Truck Accidents

When a collision with a commercial truck changes your life, Parker Waichman LLP stands ready to help. If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, garbage truck, or delivery vehicle in Port Washington, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Our team has decades of experience representing victims of trucking accidents and holding negligent parties accountable. Call 800-968-7529 today or contact us here to speak with a Port Washington truck accident attorney. 

Why Truck Accidents in Port Washington Are So Dangerous

Port Washington’s proximity to major thoroughfares like the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway means heavy truck traffic moves through town regularly. Unfortunately, the results are devastating when large trucks collide with passenger vehicles. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks increase the risk of severe injuries, including spinal damage, brain trauma, and even wrongful death.

Trucking companies often rush deliveries, pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines. Fatigue, distraction, improper loading, and mechanical failures contribute to the danger on local roads. Add poor weather or tight turns on Port Washington’s narrow streets, and the risk grows even more.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles are especially vulnerable. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s no match for a car or motorcycle during a crash. When these accidents happen, victims deserve aggressive legal representation. 

Common Causes of Truck Collisions

Some of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents include:

• Driver fatigue due to hours-of-service violations
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Distracted driving, especially texting or GPS use
• Poor maintenance or mechanical defects
• Improper cargo loading or overloading
• Inadequate driver training or licensing
• Impaired driving

In some cases, a combination of these factors leads to disaster. For example, a tired driver operating a poorly maintained truck on a rainy road can easily lose control. Our attorneys investigate every detail to identify every cause. 

What Injuries Can Lead to a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

The consequences of a trucking collision can be catastrophic. Victims often suffer injuries that change every aspect of their daily lives, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Multiple broken bones
• Burns or disfigurement
• Amputations

Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to lifelong pain or disability. Neck and back injuries are common and may not show full effects until weeks after the accident.

We consult medical experts to fully understand your diagnosis and how it may affect your future. Our legal team will secure all the available medical evidence—from ambulance records to surgical procedure reports to rehab reports—to support your claim. 

Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident

A truck crash can disrupt your finances, health, and family life. If someone else caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical costs from trucking accidents (hospital bills, physical therapy, surgeries)
• Lost income due to crash injuries (missed work or reduced earning capacity)
• Pain and suffering from truck crash injuries (physical and emotional toll)
• Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
• Future medical care and in-home assistance
• Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases

Some damages, like lost income, are easy to calculate. Others, like pain and emotional trauma, require skilled argument and expert testimony to achieve the greatest possible amount of compensation. We know how to present a strong case for both types of losses.

Determining Liability in Trucking Accidents

Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes involve multiple layers of liability. It is not just about the driver. The trucking company, maintenance contractors, vehicle manufacturers, or cargo loaders could bear responsibility.

To build a strong case, our attorneys will gather:

• Black box data from the truck
• Dashcam footage or surveillance video
• Driver logs and employment records
• Maintenance and inspection documents
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction reports

We will determine whether the trucking company failed to screen drivers properly or skipped routine inspections. If a defective brake system is involved, we will trace it back to the manufacturer. Our goal is to pursue every responsible party for the money you deserve.

Filing a Claim Against a Trucking Company

Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to minimize liability. After a crash, they may send investigators to the scene, pressure victims to give statements, or offer lowball settlements.

You do not have to face them alone. A Port Washington truck accident lawyer from Parker Waichman LLP will:

• Communicate directly with the trucking company and their insurer
• Protect your rights during the investigation
• Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
• Negotiate from a position of strength

We often uncover safety violations, falsified driver logs, or neglected maintenance. This evidence can shift the case in your favor and strengthen your compensation claim. 

The Truck Accident Lawsuit Process in New York

Filing a truck accident lawsuit in New York involves several critical stages.

• Investigation – Our legal team thoroughly investigates, gathers evidence, and identifies all potentially liable parties.
• Filing the Claim – We prepare and file a formal complaint in civil court to initiate your case.
• Discovery – Both sides exchange information, including documents, accident reports, and witness depositions.
• Negotiation – Many truck accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial.
• Trial – If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we present your case in court and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Throughout the process, our attorneys handle the legal work and keep you updated, giving you the space to focus on healing while we fight for justice. 

Evidence Needed in Truck Accident Cases

Solid evidence is the backbone of any successful trucking collision case. Our legal team often gathers:

• Photos from the crash scene
• Police accident reports
• Medical records and expert opinions
• Vehicle inspection reports
• Driving history of the truck operator
• Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists

Sometimes, key evidence hides in overlooked details. A missing inspection sticker, a black box download, or a falsified time log could prove the driver was negligent or out of compliance. We know what to look for and where to find it. Building a strong case from day one puts you in the best position to recover full compensation.

Trucking Regulations That Could Affect Your Case

Federal and state regulations govern nearly every aspect of commercial trucking. Many of these rules are outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets safety standards for the industry. These include:

• Hours-of-service regulations that limit how long drivers can operate
• Inspection and maintenance requirements to keep trucks road-safe
• Drug and alcohol testing mandates for all commercial drivers
• Strict cargo weight limits to prevent overloaded vehicles

When these rules are broken, serious accidents can follow. A Port Washington truck accident lawyer from Parker Waichman LLP will investigate violations. If non-compliance played a role in the crash, it could significantly strengthen your injury claim and help increase your potential compensation. 

Trucking Collision Cases We Handle

Our team has decades of experience handling a wide range of trucking accident lawsuits, including:

• Commercial delivery truck crashes
• 18-wheeler wrecks
• Jackknife and rollover accidents
• Underride accidents
• Rear-end collisions involving large trucks
• Truck-pedestrian or truck-cyclist accidents
• Collisions caused by brake or tire failure

We have recovered millions for clients hurt in crashes involving major freight carriers, local service trucks, and everything in between. Whether your accident involved a box truck or a massive rig, we are prepared to help. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions after a truck accident? You are not alone. Here are answers to the ones we often hear from clients in Port Washington. 

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Port Washington?

You generally have three years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. 

Who can be sued after a truck crash?

Depending on what caused the crash, potential defendants include the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or even the shipper. 

What if I were partially at fault?

New York follows a comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation. 

What does it cost to hire Parker Waichman LLP?

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if we recover compensation for you. 

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on your injuries, expenses, and how the crash impacted your life. 

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?

Yes. Trucking companies have strong legal teams. Without a lawyer, it is easy to be outmatched. We level the playing field. 

Can I sue for emotional distress after a truck accident?

Yes. Emotional trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is common after serious crashes. We can include these in your claim.

These answers provide a starting point, but we recommend speaking directly with an attorney about your case. 

Speak With a Port Washington Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you were hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, do not wait. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and protect your rights. Parker Waichman LLP has recovered millions for truck accident victims across New York, and we are ready to help you, too.

Contact us through our online form or call 800-968-7529 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.