Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Queens, NY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Queens, New York?

  Dial 311 for non-emergencies in Queens.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Queens, New York?

  For accidents that occurred in the NYS Thruway, fill out and follow the instructions on the form TA-W4310 which can be obtained from this link: www.thruway.ny.gov. For accidents that were investigated by agencies other than the NYPD and those that occurred on roads other than the NYS Thruway, request a copy online through www.dmv.ny.gov.

• Who can be sued if a person gets hurt in a truck accident in Queens?

  Depending on who caused the truck accident, you can sue negligent parties such as the truck driver, their employer, and companies that make truck vehicles and equipment. It is also possible to sue government agencies, pedestrians or bicyclists, and other motorists such as bus drivers, motorcyclists, and Lyft or Uber drivers.

• Should a person who got into a truck crash in Queens go to the doctor for minor injuries?

  Yes. It is best to seek a medical opinion after you get into a truck crash in Queens. It is common to have internal injuries after an accident, and these are not apparent at first. Also, it will be in your interest to see a doctor because the medical report will aid your claim for compensation.

• How common are truck accidents, and where do they happen in Queens?

  Truck accidents in Queens are more common than you think. The NYPD reported that in January 2023 alone, there were around 118 accidents in Queens that involved commercial trucks. These accidents can take place on Jamaica Avenue and Beach Channel Drive. They also occur in intersections such as Baxter Avenue and Broadway, Van Wyck Expressway and Atlantic Avenue, and Rockway Boulevard and 150th Road.

• What types of compensation can a truck accident victim in Queens recover?

  Current and future medical expenses such as emergency room costs, doctor's fees, and physical therapy charges can be recovered by a victim of a truck accident in Queens. Severe injuries usually result from truck accidents, and intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life can be compensated for. In addition, the victim can get damages for loss of wages and future earning capacity.

• When can investigative material be obtained after a fatal truck crash in Queens?

  The investigative material of a fatal truck crash can be obtained once the investigation has been completed by a member of the Highway Collision Investigation Squad and, in some cases, following the prosecution of the case by the Queens DA. Such investigative materials include crash scene photographs, investigator findings, and witness statements. The Queens DA office can be reached at 718- 286-5951.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.