The aftermath can be overwhelming if you've been involved in a truck accident. The physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills can leave you feeling lost and unsure of where to turn. You shouldn’t have to face your truck accident injuries alone.
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we are here to listen, support, and guide you through each step of the process, helping you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Your well-being is our priority if you were struck by a truck or in a truck collision, and we're committed to standing by your side during this challenging journey.
Get in touch with us today to see how a truck accident attorney in New York City can help with your next steps
Do You Have a Case?
Determining whether you have a valid claim involves understanding the core elements that must be present. In a New York personal injury case, the following key components are essential if you have been injured in a truck accident:
- Duty of Care: The first step in proving a case is showing that the defendant owed you a duty of care, meaning they were legally required to act in a way that prevents harm. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws to keep others safe. Without this duty, there's no legal basis for holding someone responsible.
- Breach of Duty: After establishing a duty of care, you must prove the defendant breached it by failing to act as a reasonable person would in the same situation. This could include actions like running a red light or neglecting property maintenance.
- Causation: You then need to link the breach of duty directly to your injuries, proving the defendant’s actions were the cause of your harm. This can be complex, especially if multiple factors contribute to your injury.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that you suffered actual damages, such as physical injuries, lost wages, or medical bills, due to the breach. Proper documentation, like medical records and financial statements, is key to proving these damages.
Damages You Can Recover
If you've been involved in a semi-truck accident, tractor-trailer accident, big rig accident, commercial vehicle accident, or 18-wheeler truck accident, it's vital to know your rights and the damages you can recover. An experienced New York personal injury lawyer can help.
These damages are designed to compensate you for the losses you've suffered due to someone else's actions.
- Economic Damages: Cover the tangible financial losses from your injury, like medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. The goal is to reimburse you for the economic impact, such as surgery, rehab, or home modification costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensate for subjective, non-monetary losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. They acknowledge how your injury has affected your quality of life beyond financial losses.
- Punitive Damages: Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages punish the defendant for especially reckless or malicious behavior and deter similar actions. They are less common and awarded in cases of particularly egregious conduct.
How to Get in Touch With Us
We’re here to help, and getting in touch with Ajlouny Injury Law is simple. You can reach us through any of the following methods:
- Telephone: Call us at (718) 866-3848 for immediate assistance.
- Contact Form: Contact Us Online for free advice at your convenience.
Remember, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.
Meet Your New York City Truck Accident Attorneys
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny specializes in personal injury law, helping people with cases like slip-and-falls, auto accidents, premises liability, and pedestrian accidents throughout New York State. A St. John’s University graduate, he started his career at the well-known Daniel Galinson firm and has built a strong reputation for outstanding work.Â
Paul is dedicated to giving each client personalized attention and works hard to get the best results. You can trust that Paul understands how challenging these situations can be and is committed to fighting for truck accident victims during their most problematic times.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz is a skilled personal injury lawyer who advocates for his clients. Leveraging his background as a former competitive athlete, he effectively tackles large insurance firms. He values building close relationships with clients and offering consistent communication and personal contact throughout their cases.Â
With a law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, Michael has earned accolades, including being named one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine.Â
How We Can Help
Our accident injury law firm is dedicated to supporting you through every aspect of your truck accident claim. Here’s how we can assist:
- Wide Range of Situations: We handle a wide range of truck accident cases, including those involving severe injuries, wrongful death, and complex liability issues. If you’ve been injured or affected by a truck accident, we can evaluate whether you have a strong case.
- Recovering Lost Wages: If your accident has left you unable to work, we can help recover compensation for your lost wages and ensure you receive fair compensation for your time off.
- Help with Medical Bills: We work to ensure that your medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments, are covered so you can focus on your recovery without financial stress.
- Property Damage: We assist with claims for vehicle damage and other personal property, ensuring you are compensated for repairs or replacements.
- Emotional Recovery: We understand the emotional toll an accident can take. We provide support for your emotional well-being and seek compensation for the pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
- Insurance Negotiations: We handle all interactions with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and avoid common pitfalls in the claims process.
If you've been in an accident involving a truck, take us up on our free consultation offer
Important Initial Advice to Follow After a New York Truck Accident
Following these critical steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries may not immediately appear. Seeing a doctor ensures hidden injuries are diagnosed early and provides medical records to document the accident’s impact on your health.
- Attend All Medical Appointments and Follow Expert Advice: Attending all medical appointments and following your doctor’s advice helps with recovery and creates a record of your ongoing health issues, which is vital if you need to make a claim later.
- Report the Accident to the Police: A police report provides essential details about the accident, including what happened, who was involved, and witness information. Ensure the accident is reported and obtain a copy of the report for your case.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries and collect contact information from witnesses. This evidence is required to establish what happened.
- Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer in New York City, NY:Â Truck accident cases require specialized legal knowledge. Contacting one of our personal injury lawyers from Ajlouny Injury Law as soon as possible is a great choice. We are the best team to call for comprehensive assistance for commercial truck accidents, large truck crashes, serious injuries, or other New York state truck accidents.Â
- Be Cautious in Communications with Insurance Companies: When speaking with insurance adjusters, choose your words carefully. Only discuss fault or your injuries once you fully understand them, as insurers might use your statements to reduce their payout.
- Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer: Initial offers from insurance companies are often lower than you may be entitled to. Consult our New York truck accident lawyer before accepting any offer to recover more for your injuries and damages.
- Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries, as insurance companies may monitor your accounts and use your posts against you to downplay your injuries.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, and how your injuries affect your life. This documentation is vital for accurately calculating your damages.
Deadlines
Under Section 214 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP), you have three (3) years from the date of the accident to bring an action to recover damages for property damage and personal injury.
According to Section 5-4.1 of New York’s Estates, Powers & Trusts (EPT) Law, the personal representative of a decedent’s estate has two (2) years from the date of the decedent’s death to bring a claim for wrongful death.
Gathering Evidence If You Were Injured In A Truck Accident
Collecting evidence after a truck accident is necessary for building a solid case, but it can feel overwhelming when dealing with injuries and the stress of the situation. Here’s what you should start gathering as soon as possible:
- Police Documentation: This report includes important details like the officer’s observations, citations issued, and initial fault determinations, which are critical for your case.
- Medical Records:Â Keep all medical records related to your injuries, including emergency room visits, doctor consultations, and physical therapy. These documents will help establish the extent and impact of your injuries.
- Eyewitness Statements:Â If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and ask them to provide statements about what they saw. These accounts can corroborate your version of events.
- Photo/Video Evidence:Â Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Visual evidence can be powerful in demonstrating the accident's severity and the damage's extent.
- Your Vehicle Damage Reports:Â Document the damage to your vehicle by obtaining repair estimates and reports. These reports will calculate the property damage portion of your claim.
- Truck Driver Information:Â Gather information about the truck driver, including their employment records, toxicology reports, and driving logs. This evidence can reveal whether the driver was fatigued, under the influence, or violating any regulations during the accident.
- Trucking Company Information:Â Obtain records from the trucking company, such as investigation reports, dispatch records, and the company's safety record. These documents may show if the company was negligent in its hiring practices or failed to maintain safe working conditions.
- Specific Information Relating to the Truck:Â Collect data recorder information (black box data), freight/load manifests, and maintenance logs for the truck. This technical evidence can provide insights into the truck's speed, braking patterns, and maintenance history leading up to the accident.
- Insurance Information:Â Secure copies of the insurance policies for the truck driver and the trucking company. Understanding the coverage limits and exclusions is key to determining the potential compensation available.
- Expert Testimonies:Â Consider obtaining expert testimonies from accident reconstructionists or medical professionals who can provide insights into the cause of the accident and the long-term impact of your injuries.
Gathering this evidence is not just about proving what happened; it’s about protecting your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. However, we understand that this process can be cumbersome and stressful, especially when trying to recover.
That’s where we come in at Ajlouny Injury Law—let us take on the burden of collecting and preserving all evidence mentioned so you can focus on your recovery.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
When you work with us, there are no upfront costs. We use a contingency fee model, meaning you only pay if we win your case. This way, you can focus on improving while we care for everything else.
For further guidance on fees and your injury claim, contact us today for a free consultation!
Why Choose Us Over Other New York City Truck Accident Lawyers?
When handling truck accident cases, you shouldn't bear the cost of someone else's mistake. Our firm stands out because we are dedicated to securing your best possible outcome.
You'll work directly with a seasoned injury attorney who provides assertive, ethical representation by choosing us. We focus on securing the maximum compensation you deserve, guided by our extensive experience and commitment to your case.
We understand that you may have many questions during this challenging time. That’s why our attorneys are available 24/7 to provide the support and guidance you need. We’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of filing a personal injury lawsuit and dealing with insurance companies.
Never agree to a settlement without consulting with an experienced New York personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements, aiming to pay less than your claim is worth. We offer a free case review to help you determine the best course of action, ensuring your rights are fully protected.
General Information on Truck Accidents in New York City
Dealing with a truck accident in New York City can be confusing and stressful. We aim to help you work through the aftermath with clarity and compassion, ensuring you know what steps to take and how to protect your rights during this challenging time.
Below are some important things you should know in a truck accident.Â
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability after a truck accident can be complex. An attorney can conduct an independent investigation to identify responsible parties, which may include:
- Truck operators
- Trucking carriers (companies)
- Truck owners
- Manufacturers or maintenance crews
- Negligent drivers
- Cargo or shipping companies
Acting swiftly is key, as there are tight deadlines for filing claims against certain parties. Consulting with a lawyer promptly ensures your rights are protected.
What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?
Various factors can contribute to truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperience
- Distraction or inattention
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Equipment malfunctions
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Inadequate training
A thorough investigation by an NYC truck accident lawyer may involve subpoenaing evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to establish liability.
Types of NYC Truck Accidents
Unfortunately, truck accidents in New York City are common and can involve a range of scenarios. From 2013 to 2019, Brooklyn had the highest number of crashes among New York City’s boroughs, totaling 431,039 accidents.Â
Here are some common types of truck accidents you might encounter in New York City:
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks hitting vehicles from behind, often due to sudden stops or congestion.
- Side-Impact Crashes: Also known as T-bone accidents, where a truck strikes the side of another vehicle.
- Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out, forming a "V" shape with the cab, usually due to braking issues.
- Rollover Accidents: When a truck overturns, often due to sharp turns or excessive speed.
- Underride Accidents: When a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer during a collision.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Collisions caused because a truck driver couldn’t see a vehicle in their blind spot.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Injuries sustained in truck accidents can vary widely in severity, but they are often severe. Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is vital to address injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent due to shock.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
A New York City truck accident lawyer can help you receive compensation to cover all losses, including less obvious damages like pain and suffering.
Other Locations We Serve
Our team proudly covers all of New York City and the surrounding areas. While we are based in the city's heart, our services extend beyond the urban core. Here are some of the locations we serve:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
Speak to a New York City Trucking Accident Attorney Today!
We know dealing with a truck accident can be challenging, and we’re here to help. Our team is ready to provide the support and guidance you need to get through this difficult time by filing a truck accident lawsuit.Â
If you need help or have any questions, contact us today. By giving us a call, you can schedule a free consultation with any of our experienced New York lawyers.
We're here for you and ready to assist you with care.
