New York City Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
Collisions involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers in New York City are some of the most devastating accidents on our roads. Fully loaded rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 to 30 times more than a passenger car—making them capable of causing catastrophic or fatal injuries in even low-speed crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in NYC, you need skilled legal representation. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our attorneys have decades of experience holding negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. We fight for maximum compensation so victims and their families can rebuild their lives.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents in NYC Are So Dangerous
Semi-trucks are more difficult to maneuver, require significantly longer stopping distances, and often operate under intense delivery pressures. These factors make semi-truck crashes in New York City far more dangerous than standard car accidents. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment (alcohol/drugs)
- Speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes
- Hours-of-service (HOS) violations and unrealistic schedules
- Blind-spot accidents on NYC’s narrow streets
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Defective brakes, tires, or other safety system failures
- Hazardous weather or poor road conditions
Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents in New York City often involve:
- Jackknife collisions – trailer swings out into an L-shape
- Rollover accidents – from high speeds or shifting cargo
- Rear-end crashes – caused by long stopping distances
- Underride accidents – cars slide beneath trailers, often fatal
- Intersection/T-bone collisions – frequent at busy NYC intersections
- Tire blowouts – sudden loss of control at highway speeds
Life-Changing Injuries from Semi-Truck Accidents
The sheer force of a semi-truck crash often causes severe, permanent injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and severe back trauma
- Amputations, crush injuries, and complex fractures
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Severe burns and scarring
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety
These injuries often require lifelong medical care, creating an overwhelming financial strain.
Determining Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accident cases are highly complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Negligence may fall on:
- The semi-truck driver
- The trucking company or motor carrier
- Cargo loaders or shippers
- Mechanics or maintenance contractors
- The truck’s owner or leasing company
- Manufacturers of defective parts
- Government entities (for unsafe road conditions)
New York applies a pure comparative negligence rule, which allows injured victims to recover damages even if they were partially at fault.
Your Rights Under New York Law
Victims of semi-truck accidents in New York City are protected under state law:
- No-Fault (PIP) Benefits – cover basic medical bills and lost wages.
- Serious Injury Threshold – required to sue for pain and suffering.
- Statutes of Limitations:
- 3 years for personal injury claims
- 2 years for wrongful death claims
- 60–90 days to file a Notice of Claim against government entities
- No Damage Caps – Unlike some states, New York places no limits on personal injury or wrongful death damages.
Compensation in Semi-Truck Accident Cases
An experienced NYC semi-truck accident lawyer can help you pursue full compensation, including:
- Economic damages – medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage
- Non-economic damages – pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages – funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship
- Punitive damages – available in cases of reckless or egregious misconduct
How Insurers Handle Semi-Truck Crashes
Trucking companies and insurers act fast after a crash to protect their bottom line. They often:
- Deploy defense teams within hours
- Offer quick, low-ball settlements
- Dispute the severity of injuries
- Delay claims to pressure victims
- Shift blame onto accident survivors
Our attorneys counter these tactics by immediately preserving evidence, securing black box and ELD data, and working with top accident reconstruction experts.
How Our NYC Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we handle every step of your case so you can focus on recovery:
- Free Case Evaluation – Honest assessment of liability and potential compensation.
- Investigation – Collecting police reports, witness testimony, and electronic data.
- Evidence Preservation – Protecting black box, ELD logs, dashcam, and maintenance records.
- Filing Claims – Against all responsible parties and insurers.
- Negotiation – Pursuing the maximum settlement.
- Trial Advocacy – Aggressive courtroom representation when necessary.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Experienced New York City semi-truck accident lawyers
- Local Harlem office plus six additional NYC and Long Island locations
- No fee unless we win – our Fee Guarantee
- Free consultations (in person, by phone, or virtually)
- Multilingual support (Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Korean, and more)
- Award-winning attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers
- Proven results, including multi-hundred-thousand-dollar semi-truck settlements
- Firm motto: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
Speak to a New York Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck or tractor-trailer accident in New York City, don’t face powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers alone. Our attorneys fight for maximum compensation and justice for victims across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced NYC semi-truck accident attorney.