Queens Truck Accident Lawyer

At Parker Waichman LLP, our Queens truck accident lawyers have over 23 years of experience handling complex truck accident cases throughout New York. We have recovered over $2 billion for injury victims, including significant settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases. Our team understands the challenges these cases present and has the resources and knowledge to take on trucking companies and their insurance carriers.

Located at 118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400, Forest Hills, NY 11375, our Queens office is conveniently positioned to serve accident victims throughout the borough. Call (718) 469-6900 for a free consultation with a Queens truck accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Queens Truck Accident Case

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accident claims. They involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and insurance companies with teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. You need a law firm with the experience, resources, and track record to level the playing field.

Parker Waichman LLP brings several key advantages to your truck accident case:

• Proven Results: Our firm has secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, including an $11 million settlement in an 18-wheeler catastrophic injury case and a $10 million auto accident settlement. We have the experience to handle the most complex truck accident cases.
  
• National Recognition: Founding Partner Jerrold S. Parker has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions from 2010-2026. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Five Dragon rating from Law Dragon, representing the highest possible designation for litigation excellence.
  
• Comprehensive Resources: We have the financial resources to thoroughly investigate your case, hire expert witnesses, and take your case to trial if necessary. Our proprietary SmartAdvocate case management system helps track every detail.
  
• No Upfront Costs: We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free consultations and will come to you if you’re unable to visit our office.
  
• 24/7 Availability: Truck accidents can happen at any time, and we’re here when you need us. Our multilingual team can assist clients in multiple languages.
  

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Queens

Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Queens can help establish liability in your case. Our experienced attorneys investigate all potential factors that may have contributed to your accident.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents. Federal regulations limit how many hours of service truck drivers can operate their vehicles, but violations are common. Under current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service rules, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, with a 14-hour on-duty limit and mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 consecutive hours of driving.

Drivers may falsify logbooks, ignore mandatory rest periods, or drive beyond legal limits to meet delivery deadlines. When fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time and judgment, the results can be catastrophic on busy Queens roadways like the Long Island Expressway or Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Improper Loading and Cargo Issues

Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, leading to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills. Overloaded trucks require longer stopping distances and put additional stress on braking systems. Cargo that shifts during transport can cause drivers to lose control, particularly when traveling Queens’ numerous bridges and highway interchanges.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can cause serious accidents. Under the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s updated 2025 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, trucking companies and drivers have strict responsibilities to properly maintain their vehicles and conduct comprehensive pre-trip inspections covering brake systems, tire conditions, suspension components, cargo securement, and lighting systems. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries We Handle

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Our Queens truck accident attorneys have experience handling cases involving all types of truck accident injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries or death in collisions with smaller vehicles. We handle wrongful death cases where families have lost loved ones in truck accidents, pursuing compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the immeasurable loss of companionship and support.

Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries

Truck accidents frequently cause spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or complete paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries are also common, potentially causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and can prevent victims from returning to work.

Burn Injuries and Crush Injuries

When trucks carry hazardous materials or fuel, accidents can result in fires and explosions causing severe burn injuries. The force of truck accidents can also cause crush injuries, particularly to occupants of smaller vehicles. These injuries often require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

Queens Truck Accident Statistics and High-Risk Areas

Queens’ extensive highway system and proximity to major shipping ports make it a high-traffic area for commercial trucks. According to NHTSA data, large truck fatalities have increased significantly nationwide. Several locations in Queens see higher rates of truck accidents:

• Long Island Expressway (I-495): This major east-west highway carries heavy truck traffic and has seen numerous serious truck accidents, particularly during rush hour congestion.
  
• Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278): The BQE’s narrow lanes and sharp curves create challenging conditions for large trucks, leading to frequent accidents. The NYC Department of Transportation has implemented weigh-in-motion technology to reduce overweight truck violations.
  
• Queens Boulevard: Historically known as the “Boulevard of Death,” this major thoroughfare underwent a comprehensive redesign completed in 2024. The redesign has dramatically improved safety, with a 68% reduction in fatalities and 35% reduction in injuries since 2015. The boulevard now features 7-mile protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands, and improved signals, earning it the new designation “Boulevard of Life.” While significantly safer than before, the boulevard still sees truck traffic serving local businesses.
  
• Grand Central Parkway: Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds and vehicles with more than two axles are prohibited on this parkway. However, violations occur and can result in serious accidents due to low overpasses and narrow lanes designed for passenger vehicles only.
  
• Van Wyck Expressway (I-678): This highway connects to JFK Airport and sees heavy truck traffic, particularly near cargo areas.

Understanding these high-risk areas helps our attorneys investigate whether road conditions, signage, or traffic patterns contributed to your accident.