New York Fuel, Gas & Tanker Truck Accident Lawyers
Experienced NYC Tanker Truck Accident Attorneys – Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Tanker and fuel truck accidents are among the most catastrophic crashes on New York roads. These massive vehicles carry flammable fuels, toxic chemicals, and hazardous cargo that can cause explosions, fires, and chemical spills in an instant. Victims often suffer life-threatening injuries, overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term disabilities.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York truck accident lawyers fight for full justice and maximum compensation for victims of tanker and fuel truck crashes across New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding counties.
Why Tanker & Fuel Truck Accidents in New York Are So Dangerous
Unlike ordinary truck accidents, tanker and fuel truck crashes present unique dangers:
- Explosions & Fires – Gasoline, heating oil, propane, and other fuels can ignite, causing massive fires.
- Toxic Chemical Exposure – Spilled chemicals release fumes that can cause respiratory failure, burns, or long-term illness.
- Rollover & Jackknife Risks – Partially filled tanks “slosh,” destabilizing the truck and increasing rollover accidents.
- Massive Weight & Momentum – Fully loaded tankers can weigh over 80,000 pounds, creating devastating impact forces.
- Environmental Hazards – Fuel spills contaminate New York’s soil and waterways, requiring costly cleanup.
Common Causes of Fuel & Tanker Truck Accidents in NYC
Our investigations often reveal preventable causes, including:
- Distracted, fatigued, or impaired driving
- Speeding or unsafe maneuvers in heavy New York traffic
- Inexperienced drivers without required HAZMAT endorsements
- Improper loading or overfilling of tanks
- Poor maintenance of brakes, tires, tanks, or valves
- Defective truck or tanker components
- Unsafe scheduling or employer negligence
- Hazardous weather and road conditions on NY highways, bridges, and tunnel
Serious Injuries From New York Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker truck crashes frequently cause catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Severe burns and chemical injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations, crush injuries, and multiple fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Respiratory failure from toxic fumes or smoke inhalation
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and PTSD
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and lifelong medical care.
Who May Be Liable in a New York Tanker Truck Accident?
Fuel truck crashes are complex and may involve multiple parties, including:
- Truck driver – negligence, fatigue, or distraction
- Trucking company – negligent hiring, training, supervision, or unsafe schedules (respondeat superior liability applies)
- Cargo loaders/shippers – improper loading or classification of hazardous cargo
- Maintenance contractors – negligent inspection or repair
- Manufacturers – defective trucks, tanks, valves, or parts
- Government entities – unsafe highways, tunnels, or bridges (under the NY Court of Claims Act)
Our NYC truck accident attorneys analyze driver logs, black-box/EDR data, loading records, police reports, and maintenance files to identify every liable party.
New York & Federal Laws That Apply
Tanker accident litigation often involves violations of:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) – driver hours, training, and safety requirements
- U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171–180) – safe labeling, handling, and transport
- New York DOT Hazmat Transport Laws – permits and placards for hazardous materials
- New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 385 – commercial vehicle size and weight restrictions
Violations of these laws can be powerful evidence of negligence.
Compensation for Tanker Truck Accident Victims in New York
If you’ve been injured in a tanker or fuel truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and surgeries
- Ongoing and future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and PTSD
- Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (funeral expenses, medical bills, lost support, companionship) under EPTL § 5-4.1
- Punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence
New York Statute of Limitations
- Personal Injury Claims – 3 years from the date of the accident (CPLR § 214)
- Wrongful Death Claims – 2 years from the date of death (EPTL § 5-4.1)
Failing to file within these deadlines may bar recovery.
What To Do After a Tanker or Fuel Truck Crash
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
- Move to safety—explosions or toxic leaks may occur.
- Document the accident scene with photos, video, and witness information (if safe).
- Seek immediate medical evaluation—even if symptoms seem minor.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before speaking to insurers or trucking company representatives.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
- NYC-Based Trial Attorneys – Proven success in truck and HAZMAT cases
- Fee Guarantee – No fee unless we win
- Convenient Offices – Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, Nassau County
- Millions Recovered – For New York accident victims
- Bilingual Legal Services – Serving diverse NYC communities
- Respected Reputation – Hundreds of client testimonials; recognized by Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers
Speak With a New York Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a tanker or fuel truck accident alone. Greenstein & Pittari, LLP holds negligent drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers accountable while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation today.
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Protecting the Rights of New Yorkers Injured in Tanker & Fuel Truck Crashes