Long Island Truck Accident Attorneys

Learn How Our Firm Can Help After a Wreck

Any truck accident claim requires detailed knowledge of truck accident law and demands extensive investigation and legal preparation. Navigating this process can be difficult to manage alone, but we help guide you through each step.

The Long Island truck accident lawyers at The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. have represented victims and their families seeking compensation for over 20 years. Our attorneys understand the regulations truck drivers and trucking companies must follow. With our extensive experience, our legal team knows how to pursue the compensation you may deserve. Don't handle this process alone—let us assist you.

Call the truck accident lawyers at (800) 242-3740 for a free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Long Island

Truck accidents in Long Island can happen for many reasons, and most are preventable with proper attention to safety rules. Understanding what caused your accident can help identify who is responsible and secure important evidence for your claim.

The following list outlines some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents in the area, highlighting the importance for trucking companies and drivers to maintain safety standards and protect everyone on the road.

Causes of truck accidents:

• A driver was experiencing fatigue
• A driver was distracted at the wheel
• A driver was intoxicated
• A driver failed to follow the rules of the road
• The truck itself was loaded improperly
• The truck was improperly maintained
• The cargo the truck was carrying was improperly secured

You may be able to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered if you can prove negligence by a driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer caused the crash.

Identifying the root cause of a truck accident involves piecing together facts from various sources. Police reports, driver logs, and maintenance records often reveal patterns of repeated violations or systemic issues within trucking operations. By analyzing the evidence, our team looks for underlying causes like insufficient training or disregard for safety protocols, aiming to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Investigating & Analyzing Truck Accident Claims

After a truck accident, thoroughly examining what happened and why it occurred is crucial. Many complex regulations govern commercial truck traffic on Long Island. When these standards are ignored or violated, accidents often result. To clarify what happened and identify any regulatory violations, we consult with engineers and investigate the accident's facts. We review the conduct of the trucking company and any third parties to determine where responsibility lies.

Truckers must comply with detailed laws and regulations. Hours of service requirements dictate how long drivers may operate before taking breaks. Additional rules define how long a trucker must rest after driving and outline how companies must compensate for those required breaks.

The FMCSA details the criteria for holding a commercial driver's license (CDL), which all truckers must have to drive legally. Federal and state laws impose weight limits, hazardous cargo rules, driver training requirements, and strict credentialing standards.

When a trucking company violates these regulations and an accident occurs as a consequence, it can be held liable for resulting injuries and losses. Because of our firm's extensive experience handling these matters, we know what regulations to review and where violations often occur. If we discover violations and choose to move forward with your claim, we have the resources and team to pursue your case thoroughly.

When we investigate a truck accident claim, creating a detailed timeline helps link mechanical failures or procedural errors to the crash. Evidence from electronic control modules, dispatch records, and inspection logs often reveals critical information that may not be visible at the scene. By carefully tracking the actions of the driver and company before the accident, we strengthen your claim and provide clear arguments about what led to the harm.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Some people might focus on the fact that truck accidents are less common than car accidents. However, a trucking accident almost always results in serious damage to vehicles, people, and lives. If a trucking accident has brought these losses into your world, you have the right to seek compensation.

A few more types of damages worth significant amounts of money that our law firm is prepared to help you recover are:

• Car Repairs: Even a low-speed trucking accident can cause such severe damage that replacing your vehicle is more reasonable than repairing it. You may also need rental or alternate transportation during repairs.
• Medical Bills: With our law firm guiding you, you can pursue recovery for all related medical costs, whether for immediate care or ongoing treatment after a trucking accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we can help you seek recovery for lost income during your recovery period.
• Lost Earning Potential: Catastrophic trucking accidents sometimes lead to permanent disabilities that prevent a return to your previous work. We fight to help you seek compensation for diminished earning capacity if you can no longer continue in the same field.
• Pain & Suffering: If you suffer ongoing physical pain or mental distress from the crash, reach out to find out how you could pursue compensation for these challenges as well.

A trucking accident can become very expensive, quickly. We help you focus on moving forward by pursuing the full amount you need to recover your quality of life.

After a truck collision, some people require long-term rehabilitation or need to modify their home to accommodate injuries. Families may need to shift work arrangements to care for loved ones. By fully documenting these impacts on your daily living and finances, our legal team helps you seek compensation for every aspect of your loss.

Reviewing Evidence

After you have received medical attention and addressed immediate needs, collecting evidence becomes essential. Our firm investigates accident scenes, requests police reports, interviews witnesses, works with accident reconstruction professionals, and more. These steps help determine what caused the crash and which parties may be responsible for your losses.

The sooner you gather evidence after a truck accident, the better, though evidence is sometimes preserved even after significant time has passed. Always contact our attorneys to discuss your options, even if the accident was more than a year ago. We may still be able to assist you.

In addition to physical evidence and documents, our attorneys review information from the truck's electronic systems, known as the "black box." This technology records vital data before and during the crash, like vehicle speed, brake application, and steering input. Analyzing this information lets us build a stronger case for your claim.

Strong evidence creates a solid foundation for your claim with insurance companies or in court. Video from traffic cameras or nearby businesses can provide additional clarity, supporting the story of how the accident unfolded. Records such as logbooks, maintenance documentation, and cellphone use history can each reveal unique details about the moments leading up to the crash. A thorough review of all available evidence improves the quality of your claim and increases accountability for those responsible.

Answering Your Questions, Listening to Your Concerns

We aim to make every step of the legal process straightforward and stress-free for the people who trust our firm. We are always here to answer your questions and address your concerns. Trial experience matters—our attorneys stand ready to defend your best interests in court and at the negotiation table. Whether your injuries are due to commercial truck driver negligence or truck part manufacturer failures, the attorneys at The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. can help you know your rights and determine what damages you might recover. Achieving a fair settlement or verdict after a truck accident can give your family greater stability as you move forward.

Our support goes beyond legal work. We keep you informed at every stage, explain legal options clearly, and provide both emotional and practical support when you need it most. We make sure you never feel like you're facing the challenges ahead alone.

Every client's situation is unique. We take time to listen and walk through the process with you. We do not use confusing legal terms. Instead, we break down every stage so you can understand where your case stands and what your next decisions might be.

Helping You Understand Truck Accident Liability

Many parties may be responsible for a truck accident. Responsibility can stretch across truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, product manufacturers, and cargo loaders.

Determining liability is more complex when multiple parties play a role, like when a faulty part compounds with operator error or poor maintenance. Detailed analysis of who did what, when, and how—along with careful review of inspection records, manufacturer notices, and workplace safety standards—helps us pursue claims from all possible angles.

Comprehensive Support in the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

In the difficult days after a truck accident in Long Island, having a resourceful and compassionate legal team is essential. The The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. works closely with clients to offer broad support, not just legal advice. We coordinate with healthcare providers, recommend approaches for dealing with insurance companies, and offer practical financial guidance as your claim moves forward. We strive to reduce your burdens and help you find a path forward.

We focus on clarity and transparency during every claim. Our attorneys update clients about each development and outline possible legal strategies so you always understand your options. By advocating for our clients, we make sure you have support and guidance at every stage.

We address your questions about expected timelines, the steps involved, and what happens during negotiations or litigation. You receive regular updates and straightforward answers as your case advances, whether it moves to settlement talks or the courtroom.

Understanding Long Island’s Local Laws & Procedures

For truck accident claims in Long Island, knowing relevant state and local regulations is essential. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law enforces specific rules for commercial vehicle operation, which shape both liability and the claims process. These include vehicle inspection mandates; when ignored, these requirements may influence the legal outcome for the parties involved. Our familiarity with these statutes helps us use local laws in our clients' favor.

Court procedures can vary between Nassau and Suffolk counties. At The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C., our knowledge of the area's courts and their processes means we approach your claim with procedures and expectations specific to your jurisdiction. Whether preparing pre-trial motions or taking a case to trial, we tailor our approach to align with local standards and better position your matter for success.

Procedural differences between courts impact how filings move forward and what supporting documentation may be required. Understanding these distinctions allows us to anticipate challenges and keep your claim compliant with local requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.

Types of Trucks Involved in Accidents

Truck accidents often involve a range of large commercial vehicles, including tractor trailers, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks. Each type of vehicle brings unique risks and may require different regulations, weight limits, and operating rules, which can affect how your claim develops.

Tractor trailers and 18-wheelers present dangers on highways due to increased stopping distances and higher centers of gravity. Semi-trucks face hazards turning or navigating intersections in crowded conditions. Understanding the specific type of vehicle allows us to pinpoint relevant safety standards or neglected requirements that may have led to your accident.

Insurance requirements differ depending on the vehicle type, which can affect the response from insurance carriers. Our attorneys analyze each accident to ensure that every applicable safety regulation and level of required coverage factor into your claim. Attention to these details helps us adapt strategies based on whether a tractor trailer, semi-truck, or other commercial vehicle was involved in your case.

What to Expect After Filing a Truck Accident Claim

After you file a truck accident claim, you will move through a series of steps with insurance companies and legal representatives. Insurance carriers typically conduct investigations, review police reports, and may ask for statements. Lawyers gather evidence, secure maintenance records, and reach out to witnesses as part of the claim process.

Adjusters often make initial settlement offers that do not reflect the full extent of your losses. You may need to provide additional information or clarify facts as negotiations proceed. If settlement discussions do not result in a fair agreement, your claim could go to court, where attorneys prepare to present your case before a judge or jury.

With a team dedicated to clear and open communication, you stay informed about timelines, developments, and major decisions in your case. Consistent updates help you prepare for each phase—whether you resolve the matter through settlement or decide to move toward trial if appropriate. This approach supports a more predictable and less stressful process as your claim progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including truck accident claims, is typically three years from the accident date. Exceptions sometimes apply, such as when a government entity is involved, which may shorten the time to file a notice of claim to 90 days. Because timelines can be complicated, consult an attorney promptly to protect your right to compensation. At The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C., we handle these deadlines and guide you through the process.

What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. Even if you share some blame for the accident, you can still recover damages—although the amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but assigned 20% fault, you would receive $80,000. Attorneys at The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. evaluate your case and work to limit fault claimed against you so your recovery reflects your real losses. Navigating the details of fault in these claims requires a knowledgeable legal team that protects your interests.

What Steps Should I Take Following a Truck Accident?

Following a truck accident, prioritize your health and safety. Get medical care, even for symptoms that appear minor, as injuries may show up later. Document your injuries and treatment to create a record for your claim.

If possible, gather information at the scene: take photos, obtain witness contact information, and get details about the truck involved. Always ask law enforcement to file an accident report, which adds valuable documentation to your file. Finally, reach out to a qualified attorney like those at The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. for advice on protecting your rights and starting your claim. Having experienced legal counsel early improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

Get in touch with The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C., Attorneys at Law at (800) 242-3740 to speak with a truck accident lawyer over the phone or to schedule a free initial consultation.