Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Fighting for Injured New Yorkers Across All Five Boroughs

When a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a car, pedestrian, or cyclist, the results are catastrophic. Victims often suffer life-changing injuries, permanent disabilities, or the tragic loss of life. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident anywhere in New York City, you deserve answers, accountability, and full financial compensation.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our mission is simple. We hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, loading companies, and all others responsible for the harm they cause. We fight aggressively for every dollar our clients are owed under New York law.

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Why Truck Accidents Happen in New York City

Most truck accidents are not unavoidable. They usually arise from preventable choices, corporate negligence, poor training, unsafe loading practices, or violations of federal trucking regulations. Research consistently shows that:

• Driver error is the leading cause of truck crashes
• Mechanical failures and ignored maintenance contribute significantly
• Improper loading, unsafe speeds, weather mistakes, and poor supervision often play a role

To recover compensation in New York, you must prove negligence. Our attorneys understand the evidence needed and act quickly to secure it before the trucking company can alter or destroy it.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in NYC

These are the top causes of serious truck accidents on New York City highways and streets, including the Cross Bronx Expressway, Brooklyn Queens Expressway, Van Wyck Expressway, Long Island Expressway, FDR Drive, and local neighborhood roads.

1. Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue remains one of the most dangerous and widespread causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers often work long, irregular hours and face pressure from employers to meet rigid delivery schedules. Fatigued truckers are more likely to:

• Drift from their lane
• Misjudge stopping distances
• React too slowly
• Fall asleep behind the wheel

A moment of fatigue in NYC traffic can cause catastrophic harm.

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers handle multiple devices and tasks inside the cab, turning distraction into a significant hazard. Common distractions include:

• Texting or talking on a cellphone
• GPS programming
• Dispatch devices
• Eating or drinking
• Reaching for items in the cab

At highway speeds, even a two-second distraction can cause a deadly crash. Trucks require greater stopping distances, making constant attention to the road critical.

3. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speed is a significant factor in many truck accidents. Trucks that speed or follow too closely cannot stop in time to avoid a collision. Aggressive driving behaviors include:

• Tailgating
• Sudden or unsafe lane changes
• Taking curves or ramps too fast
• Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions

These behaviors are often linked to company pressure to meet delivery schedules.

4. Improper Lane Changes and Blind Spot Mistakes

Trucks have large blind spots known as No Zones. When drivers fail to check these areas, signal properly, or confirm space before changing lanes, they can strike vehicles, knock down cyclists, or force cars into barriers or oncoming traffic.

5. Failure to Yield and Intersection Violations

New York City intersections are among the most dangerous locations for truck crashes. Common errors include:

• Running red lights
• Rolling through stop signs
• Turning without yielding to pedestrians or cyclists
• Blocking intersections
• Misjudging tight turns

Because trucks need extra time and space to maneuver, these mistakes often lead to devastating injuries.

6. Improper Turns

Wide right turns, swinging left before turning right, and cutting across multiple lanes are common causes of truck-related injuries. These errors endanger:

• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Motorcyclists
• Drivers in adjacent lanes

Improper turns often stem from poor training or inattentiveness.

7. Poor Weather Decisions

Rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds are frequent hazards on New York roads. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior for conditions. Even driving at the posted limit can be negligent if conditions require slowing down.

8. Improperly Loaded or Unsecured Cargo

Cargo that is overloaded, unbalanced, or not properly secured can cause:

• Rollovers
• Jackknife accidents
• Loss of control
• Flying debris
• Bridge strikes

Liability may fall to the trucking company, shipper, warehouse, third-party loader, or driver, depending on who handled the cargo.

9. Poor Maintenance and Mechanical Failures

Trucking companies are legally required to inspect and maintain their vehicles. Mechanical failures that lead to crashes include:

• Worn or defective brakes
• Tire blowouts
• Steering failures
• Faulty lights or reflectors
• Broken coupling devices

When companies ignore maintenance warnings or push unsafe vehicles back onto the road, they can be held accountable.

10. Impaired Driving

Impairment may involve:

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness

Commercial truck drivers must follow stricter standards than regular motorists. Any level of impairment behind the wheel of a large truck is unacceptable.

11. Inadequate Training or Inexperience

Driving a commercial truck safely in New York City requires skill and knowledge. Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers may:

• Misjudge stopping distances
• Fail to manage skids or mechanical failures
• Make unsafe wide turns
• Struggle with complex traffic patterns
• Overreact in emergencies

When trucking companies rush drivers into service without proper training, they increase the likelihood of severe collisions.

12. Negligent Trucking Company Policies

Trucking companies play a significant role in preventing or causing crashes. Dangerous corporate practices include:

• Pressuring drivers to speed
• Encouraging violation of federal hours of service rules
• Negligent hiring and supervision
• Failure to enforce drug and alcohol policies
• Ignoring mechanical issues
• Assigning unsafe routes or sending trucks onto prohibited NYC streets

When a company prioritizes profit over public safety, New York law allows victims to hold them responsible.

How We Prove the Cause of a Truck Accident

Determining what caused your accident is only the beginning. Proving it requires a fast, comprehensive investigation. Our legal team gathers and analyzes critical evidence, including:

Black Box Electronic Data (ECM)

• Speed
• Braking patterns
• Sudden deceleration
• Engine performance
• Hours of service information

Driver Logs and Company Records

• Maintenance records
• Dispatch communications
• Training documents
• Prior safety violations

Scene Evidence

• Photos and videos
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam recordings
• Debris patterns

Police Reports and Witness Statements

We will ensure we secure evidence before it can be changed or destroyed. Our rapid response often makes the difference between a strong case and a lost opportunity.

Compensation Available in a New York Truck Accident Case

Truck accident victims may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and PTSD
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages when applicable
• Punitive damages in cases of extreme misconduct

Our goal is always maximum compensation, not the low settlements insurance companies hope you will accept.

Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Today

If you or your loved one was injured in a truck accident anywhere in New York City, do not face the aftermath alone.

Call for a free case review.
Please feel free to contact us online 24 hours a day.
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FAQ: Truck Accidents in New York City

1. What is the number one cause of truck accidents in NYC?

Driver error, including fatigue, distraction, speeding, and improper maneuvers, is the leading cause.

2. Who can be held liable after a truck accident?

Possible liable parties include the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and government agencies responsible for roadway conditions.

3. What evidence is needed to prove a truck accident claim?

Key evidence includes black-box data, driver logs, maintenance records, police reports, eyewitness statements, photos, surveillance footage, and expert reconstruction.

4. What injuries are most common in truck accidents?

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, burns, and psychological trauma are common due to the force of impact.

5. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under New York comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation. Your percentage of fault reduces your damages.

6. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New York?

Most personal injury cases must be filed within three years, but claims involving government agencies require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years.

7. Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Adjusters aim to minimize payouts. You can contact a lawyer before giving any statement.

8. What if the truck driver blames the bad weather?

The weather does not excuse negligence. Drivers must adjust their speed and behavior to conditions.

9. How long does a truck accident case take?

Some cases settle within months, while others require litigation. Your attorney will guide you through every step.

10. Does hiring a lawyer increase settlement value?

Yes. Trucking insurers aggressively defend claims. A skilled attorney strengthens your case and helps secure full compensation.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

• Local Harlem office that clients trust
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• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing

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At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we focus exclusively on personal injury litigation. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency basis, and fight for injured New Yorkers every day. If you were injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured vehicle, please call us today.

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