Reviewed by Alexander Karasik, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney | 18+ Years Experience | Super Lawyers 2021-2024 | Last Updated: April 2026
Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer
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In the United States, thousands of people are killed or badly injured every year in collisions involving large trucks. Truck accidents often result in fatalities or serious injuries due to the size, weight, and speed of the vehicles involved. The average car stands little chance against the typical big truck. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The typical car, meanwhile, weighs in at about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. And because trucks cannot slow down or stop as quickly as cars, trucks tend to hit cars at higher speeds and with greater impact, leaving the car occupants with devastating and often fatal injuries.
Also, because cars sit so much lower to the ground than trucks, cars can easily slide under a semi in a crash. These underride accidents are often catastrophic, even at slower speeds. Car occupants end up crushed, trapped, or decapitated. Those who survive sometimes have severe head or neck injuries.
Why Truck Accidents Happen
Driver error is a contributing factor in most fatal crashes involving large trucks. The common reasons for truck accident occurrences due to driver error are:
- speeding
- distraction or inattention
- Failure to yield the right of way
- impairment (fatigue, alcohol, illness, etc.)
- careless driving
- improper training
Truck Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a serious problem in the trucking industry. Truckers work long hours and often do not get the sleep they need. Many only take short naps when they actually need extended sleep for optimum functioning levels. Drowsy driving can have deadly consequences.
Poor Training and Maintenance
There are regulations and requirements for how many hours of training a driver must take in order to drive a commercial vehicle. Yet some drivers manage to get on the road without meeting those requirements, such as following protocols for driving in inclement weather. It takes ample experience and training to learn how to drive in bad weather safely, especially when maneuvering a large commercial truck. The trucking company is also required to inspect each truck before it gets on the road, but this often does not happen; sometimes the routine maintenance falls short, and a truck is on the road without being safe for the trip.
If a truck is poorly maintained, there are several parties that could be liable, such as the trucking company that operates the truck or the mechanic responsible for repairs or maintenance.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Truck and car accidents are traumatic events, especially if you are involved in a crash that occurred through no fault of your own. You might feel frightened, in shock, or in pain after a high-impact collision, and not sure how to proceed next.
- If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately for assistance. Tend to those who need first aid, but do not move anyone who is injured unless the person is in imminent danger.
- If you are able, get the names and insurance information of other parties involved in the accident. Also, make note of the location of the accident and conditions at the time of the accident, including weather conditions and time of day. Photos/videos of the accident scene can also be helpful. Important information to obtain is the following:
- The license plate of the truck and any other identifying information (make/model)
- The truck driver’s license number and employer
- Names and addresses of drivers/passengers
- Insurance company information and policy number
- Names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses
- Accident report
- Seek medical attention immediately. Do not refuse medical treatment if emergency services are dispatched to the scene. Even if you are not transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment, visit a physician as soon as possible after the accident to get a thorough evaluation of your injuries. Some symptoms of injuries like mild traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, whiplash, and others may appear in the following hours or days, so do not assume you are not hurt just because you feel fine right after the truck accident occurred.
- Not seeking medical treatment could severely harm your injury claim if you need to file one later. If your doctor refers you for imaging tests, surgical procedures, physical therapy, or other treatment, you should follow their orders. A gap in treatment is significant evidence insurance companies can use to deny claims. They might argue that the accident didn’t cause an injury or that your injury isn’t severe enough to require medical intervention.
- Speak with a knowledgeable car and truck accident attorney. After the truck accident, if the other party’s insurance company tries to contact you and ask for information, you should not speak to them until you have discussed your case with an experienced accident attorney. Keep in mind that the insurance adjuster will look for any information they can use to shift all or some of the blame onto you. To protect yourself and ensure that you get the fair compensation you deserve after an accident, hire a qualified and experienced truck accident lawyer to represent you.
How Can a New York and New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney Help?
Truck accidents can be more complex than car accidents. If you were injured in a truck crash, Top-Rated Personal Injury Law Group will fight for your family’s right to compensation for every dollar you are entitled to under the law. Call us today at 929-444-4444 to schedule a Free Consultation. And be sure to visit our website at www.karasiklawyers.com. At Karasik Law Group, winning matters. Win with us! We speak for the injured; our results speak for themselves.
Types of Injuries that Occur from Truck Accidents
Truck accidents with passenger cars tend to result in more serious injuries than collisions between two or more passenger cars. Sometimes, the aftermath of a truck accident can stick with a person for life, which is why it is crucial that you receive the money you need to handle your ongoing and future medical and life care expenses. Some common injuries from truck accidents are:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations and broken bones
- Chest injuries
- Arm and leg injuries
- Internal bleeding and internal injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Unfortunately, thousands of deaths occur each year from truck accidents. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, you might want to consider a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death claim is intended to compensate survivors of someone who died prematurely because of another person’s negligence.
With the modern advancements in technology, our Truck Accident Attorneys now offer virtual consultations, which allow individuals to consult with a Top-Rated attorney from the comfort and safety of their own homes. This virtual consultation can provide a convenient and efficient way to discuss your case and receive expert advice.
Additionally, we understand that language barriers should never prevent individuals from seeking legal aid. At Top-Rated Karasik Law Group, we are proud to offer services in multiple languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, English, and Spanish. This enables us to effectively communicate with a diverse range of clients, ensuring that their needs are understood and their rights are protected.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorney?
When our clients find themselves involved in personal injury Truck Accidents, they often face not only physical and emotional distress, but also financial burdens. These accidents can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. In such cases, seeking the assistance of a Truck Accident Attorney becomes crucial. However, the cost and fees associated with hiring such attorneys may be a concern for many.
Fortunately, our personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not require any upfront payment, and instead, they are only compensated if they successfully win the case. This payment structure ensures that individuals have access to legal representation without worrying about the financial implications.
Meet Alexander Karasik: Brooklyn’s Truck Accident Attorney
Alexander Karasik, Esq. founded Karasik Law Group in 2007 and has spent over 18 years fighting for accident victims across New York. He holds a Superb 10.0 Avvo Rating and has been recognized by Super Lawyers for his work in personal injury litigation.
Truck accident cases are different from standard car crashes. The trucking company, their insurer, and their legal team begin building their defense within hours of the accident. Alexander matches their resources with thorough investigation, including driver logbook analysis, black box data retrieval, and carrier compliance review.
Our team has recovered over $100 million for injured clients, including significant results in truck and commercial vehicle cases. We understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that govern the trucking industry and know how to identify violations that prove negligence.
If a truck driver’s fatigue, a carrier’s corner-cutting, or a maintenance company’s failure caused your injuries, we will hold every responsible party accountable.
Our Truck Accident Case Results
Our firm has secured significant compensation for truck accident victims in New York:
- $950,000 for an injured driver in a truck accident
- $1,750,000 for a motor vehicle accident involving a fire truck where the victim underwent multiple surgeries
- $825,000 for a rear-end collision by a truck requiring multiple surgeries
- $700,000 for a pedestrian hit by an Amazon truck requiring bilateral knee surgeries
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. These results reflect our commitment to pursuing full compensation for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
How is a truck accident claim different from a regular car accident case?
Truck accident cases involve additional layers of liability. The trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance provider, and cargo loader can all share responsibility. Federal regulations govern driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and load limits, creating more evidence to review and more parties to hold accountable.
Who can be held liable for my injuries after a truck accident?
Multiple parties may be responsible: the truck driver, the trucking company that employed or contracted them, the company responsible for maintaining the truck, the manufacturer if a mechanical defect contributed, and the party that loaded the cargo if improper loading was a factor.
Can I sue the trucking company for a truck accident caused by their driver?
Yes. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies are generally responsible for accidents caused by their drivers while on duty. Additionally, the company can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits.
Why is it important to hire a lawyer quickly after a truck accident?
Trucking companies send their own investigators to the scene immediately. Critical evidence like the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records can be overwritten or lost if not preserved quickly. An attorney can send a spoliation letter to prevent evidence destruction.
What compensation can I receive for injuries from a truck accident?
You may recover medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages. Truck accident settlements tend to be higher than car accident claims because the injuries are typically more severe and multiple insurance policies may apply.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.