Meet Your NYC Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we understand the difficulties of dealing with a commercial vehicle accident and are here to provide empathetic and expert legal support. Our aim as personal injury attorneys is to guide you through this challenging time with care and precision.
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a top personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn, known across New York State for his expertise. With a degree from St. John’s University and extensive experience from the Daniel Galinson firm, Paul has secured over $150 million in settlements.
Paul Aljouny’s dedication to clients and pursuit of justice set him apart from other lawyers in the field.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz combines his legal expertise with a background in competitive sports, enhancing his negotiation skills and client relations. A graduate of Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Michael is honored as one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and has earned the Rising Star award from Super Lawyers Magazine.
Michael Levitz’s focus is on achieving outstanding results for his clients.
Important Initial Advice for a Commercial Truck Accident
Being involved in a commercial truck accident can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after the accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Here’s what to do right away:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority, so even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention ensures your well-being and provides crucial documentation for your claim.
- Call the Authorities: Report the accident to local law enforcement. A police report is essential for documenting the details of the accident and can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible from the scene, including photographs of relevant road conditions, any damages, and visible injuries.
- Avoid Discussing Fault: Be careful about what you say at the scene, and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with others.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but be cautious when discussing details. Your insurance provider will guide you through the claims process, but a personal injury lawyer can help.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies. This information will be critical in building your case.
- Consult a Lawyer from Ajlouny Injury Law: Contact our skilled commercial truck accident lawyers immediately. Our experienced attorneys can help you work through the complexities of the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected after a large truck crash.
Do I Have to Contact the Police?
Under certain circumstances, you are required by New York law to contact the police immediately after a collision.
As noted by the New York City Police Department, you must contact the police immediately after an accident if:
- Someone was injured
- Someone was killed
- A domestic animal was injured or killed
- A vehicle or other property was damaged and the owner cannot be located.
Furthermore, New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires that you file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days if there was over $1,000 of property damage to any one person as a result of the accident.
Deadlines for an Accident Involving a Truck Driver
In New York, if you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s important to act swiftly. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit as per the state's personal injury law guidelines. However, if a government vehicle was involved, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days.
Delaying can also result in loss of evidence and weaker claims, so it's essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that all deadlines are met and your case is effectively managed.
Gathering Evidence After Your NYC Truck Accident
To build a strong case, gather the following evidence as soon as possible:
- Police Report: Obtain the official report detailing the accident and involved parties.
- Medical Records: Keep records of all treatments, hospital visits, and prescriptions to document your injuries and recovery costs.
- Photos and Videos: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Witness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from anyone who saw the accident.
- Driver Information: Record the commercial vehicle driver’s contact details, insurance, and vehicle information, as well as the trucking company’s details, if applicable.
- Accident Scene Details: Document the scene, including images of road conditions and hazards, to illustrate contributing factors to the accident.
- Truck Records: If accessible, gather the truck’s maintenance logs and the driver’s logbook for insights into vehicle condition and compliance.
Promptly gathering the above evidence helps strengthen your case and supports a successful claim. If you need assistance, contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer from our firm to help manage and organize your evidence.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At our firm, you don’t need to worry about upfront legal fees, because we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or award we secure for you, so there's no financial risk on your part.
This approach ensures that our interests are aligned with yours—we only succeed when you do. If you're curious about our fee structure, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.
Why Choose Us Over Other NYC Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys?
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we put clients first. You will always work on your case one-on-one with a licensed attorney, not with a paralegal or receptionist. Our Brooklyn commercial vehicle accident lawyers will first provide you with free legal advice so that you can make the right choice on how to proceed with your case.
We believe that injury victims deserve superior legal representation so that they can stand up to commercial vehicle companies and their insurance companies. With Ajlouny Injury Law, you not only get a lawyer, you get an advocate who will represent you in and out of the courtroom.
You don’t have to trust your case to an inexperienced attorney who is unfamiliar with commercial vehicle cases. Instead, get the experience you can trust by working with our Brooklyn commercial vehicle accident attorneys!
General Information on Commercial Vehicle Accidents in NYC
Commercial vehicle accidents in New York City can have serious ramifications, affecting the involved parties and the broader community. Due to the size and weight of trucks and other commercial vehicles, these accidents often result in significant damage and complex legal challenges.
What is Classed as a Commercial Vehicle?
The term “commercial vehicles” generally refers to vehicles that are driven for professional use.
In most industries, commercial vehicle drivers are required to be specially trained and licensed. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides regulatory standards for most commercial drivers and vehicles.
Types of commercial vehicles include:
- Trucks
- Box trucks, also known as straight trucks
- Semi-trailers, also known as tractor-trailers or eighteen-wheelers
- Vans
- Buses and Coaches
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment used in mining, construction, and farming
- Caravans over 10,000 pounds.
- Taxis
- Garbage Trucks
- Tanker Trucks
- Tow Trucks
Who is Usually Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
In New York State, determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident requires understanding the principles of fault and negligence. Here are possible at-fault parties:
- Commercial Vehicle Driver: Often, the driver of the commercial vehicle will be held liable if their negligence or failure to follow traffic laws caused the accident. Negligence can include behaviors like speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving.
- Employer or Company: In many cases, the company that owns the commercial vehicle may also be liable under the doctrine of "vicarious liability," which means that if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the employer could be held responsible for the driver’s actions. Vicarious liability is particularly relevant if the driver’s negligence is proven to be a result of inadequate training or poor company policies.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle or its parts might be liable. Issues like brake failure or tire blowouts due to manufacturing defects may mean that the manufacturer is held responsible.
- Other Parties: Sometimes, liability may extend to other parties, such as other drivers, maintenance companies, or even government entities responsible for road conditions. For example, if a road hazard or poor maintenance contributed to the accident, the party responsible for maintaining the roadway might share some responsibility.
The legal principle of comparative negligence also applies, meaning that fault can be shared among multiple parties. So, if you are found partially at-fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by a corresponding percentage.
What Are the Leading Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
A commercial vehicle accident can have one cause or several, depending on the situation. If another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct was a contributing factor, you might be entitled to compensation.
Leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents and truck accidents are:
- Driving while impaired (DWI/DWAI)
- Inadequate training
- Distracted driving/driver inattention
- Overweight vehicle or improperly loaded cargo
- Poor truck maintenance
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Following too close
No matter the situation, if you are injured, you should have your case reviewed by an experienced NYC truck accident lawyer.
How Common Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Thousands of commercial vehicle accidents occur each year, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Large trucks are defined as those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds, and are some of the most common commercial vehicles involved in accidents.
As noted in the most recent available data, there were 4,862 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in the United States in just one year, and nearly 100 of the fatal large truck crashes occurred in New York. Commercial vehicle accidents involving large trucks are rarely minor, given the weight and size of the vehicle, and tragically, it is most often an occupant of another vehicle that is killed in large truck accidents.
How Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Commercial vehicle accidents may involve more complicated litigation than the average car accident since several parties may be liable, and there may be more than one insurance policy to file against.
A lawyer who has not handled commercial vehicle accident cases in New York may not know to subpoena maintenance and safety logs as well as the driver’s logbook. Commercial drivers are regulated by both state and federal codes, and violating any of these laws could result in liability.
What if I Was a Pedestrian Hit By a Commercial Vehicle?
Occupants of other vehicles are not the only people injured in New York City commercial vehicle accidents. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are also at risk for serious injury in a commercial vehicle or large truck accident.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2022 15% of those killed in large truck crashes were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. 66% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and just 17% were truck occupants.
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we represent anyone injured in a commercial vehicle accident caused by another party or parties. Whether you were the occupant in another vehicle, a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist, we’re here to help.
For expert assistance with your commercial vehicle or truck accident lawsuit, contact our team today
What if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
First, it is important to remember that it is not your job to determine who was responsible for the commercial vehicle accident.
In fact, even a police report may not be definitive in assigning fault. An independent investigation of the facts can help determine who was at fault and how much you may be owed in damages.
If it is determined that you are partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. Contact an accident lawyer in New York from our firm to discuss your legal options, and whether there was any culpable conduct on your end that may diminish your recovery.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Commercial vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of injuries we encounter:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in accidents involving commercial vehicles, which occurs when the head is forcefully jolted forward and backward, leading to damage in the neck’s soft tissues. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and limited mobility.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents often lead to back injuries, including herniated discs, fractures, or spinal cord damage. These injuries can have long-term effects on mobility and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur due to direct impacts or sudden jolts during an accident. These injuries can vary from concussions to severe brain damage, potentially affecting cognitive functions, memory, and overall quality of life.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a commercial vehicle accident can cause broken bones and fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries may require surgery and physical therapy for proper healing.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, or ruptured spleens, may not be immediately visible, but can be life-threatening. Prompt medical attention is critical for diagnosing and treating these injuries.
- Psychological Injuries: The emotional impact of a serious accident can lead to psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These conditions can significantly affect one’s mental health and well-being.
Other Locations We Serve
We understand that accidents can happen anywhere, and we are committed to providing comprehensive legal support throughout New York City and beyond. Our team of dedicated New York City truck accident attorneys is here to assist clients across the entire city, ensuring that help is always available where you need it most.
We proudly serve the following areas, among others:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
Speak to a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in NYC Today!
If a commercial vehicle accident has disrupted your life in New York City, don’t wait to seek the help you need. We understand the impact these accidents can have, and our experienced team is here to provide the guidance and assistance necessary to get you back on track and achieve the best possible outcome.
Let us help you turn this challenging situation into a path toward recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our NYC accident injury law firm. We’ll review your situation and discuss how we can help you progress your truck accident claim.
