Prominent Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island & More

The Manhattan truck accident lawyers at Segal & Lax care about our clients, and aggressively litigate cases in order to obtain the maximum compensation owed to the injured. In order to increase your chances of success, and file your claim before exceeding the statute of limitations, schedule a free consultation with our team as soon as possible so that we have time to properly evaluate and prepare the case. Seeking medical care should always be your first priority, and to assist you with the expenses of medical care, we work on contingency fees, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless you obtain some recovery through our firm.

What types of compensation could I receive after a fatal Manhattan truck accident?

When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, no amount of money can make things right. Still, New York law provides for several forms of compensation that can help ease the burdens you might face:

• Coverage for medical bills that were incurred before your loved one passed
• Reimbursement for funeral and burial or cremation expenses
• Replacement for the loss of your loved one’s financial support if they provided for your family
• Compensation for the loss of guidance and nurture for any children left behind
• Recognition of the deep emotional loss and companionship for surviving spouses

Each family’s situation is unique, but the goal is always to help you move forward in honor of your loved one.

What factors can affect your truck accident compensation?

Just like no two families are exactly alike, no two truck accident cases are identical. The amount of compensation you might receive can swing from modest to life-changing, and it all depends on the unique threads that make up your story. Here are the main factors that tend to shape the outcome:

• Severity of your injuries: A minor bump and a hospital stay are worlds apart. More serious injuries often lead to longer recoveries, more complex medical bills, and greater time away from work—all of which typically increase the compensation available.
• Long-term impact: If an accident leaves behind permanent scars, lasting impairment, or significant life changes (think traumatic brain injuries or loss of mobility), the potential damages can escalate significantly.
• Your diagnosis and recovery: Sometimes, despite doctors’ best efforts, full recovery isn’t possible. Ongoing symptoms or disabilities often play a major role in the final settlement amount.
• Missed work: Time off the job hits both your wallet and your future earning abilities. If you’re sidelined for weeks, months, or even permanently, those lost wages and lost opportunities are taken into account.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why it’s important to have someone on your side who treats you like family—looking at your individual needs rather than just the legal paperwork.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Trucking Company or Its Insurer?

Here’s the honest truth: deciding whether to accept a settlement offer from a trucking company or their insurance provider is rarely straightforward—and it’s almost never in your best interest to jump at the first number they toss your way. These offers have a sneaky habit of appearing generous at first glance, but they’re usually designed to serve the insurance company’s bottom line, not to truly make you whole.

Let’s break it down:

• Quick Offers, Long-Term Consequences: Right after an accident, insurance adjusters may come knocking with a check in hand. But here’s the catch: you might not even know the full extent of your injuries or what your future looks like yet.
• One Shot Only: Once you accept, that’s it—no going back for more if unexpected medical bills or complications pop up later.
• Stacked Deck: Insurance carriers have been through this rodeo more times than we can count, and their job is to settle for as little as possible.

So, before you consider signing anything:

• Talk to a lawyer (yes, I know, but trust me on this one!).
• Make sure ALL your injuries have been properly diagnosed and you have a plan for ongoing care.
• Be completely certain the offer even comes close to covering your present and future needs.

In short: don’t let the insurance company’s friendliness fool you—run every offer past someone who’s on your side before making any decisions.

Navigating Insurance Company Roadblocks

From what I’ve seen, the biggest bump in the road after a truck accident often isn’t just the paperwork or even the other driver—it’s dealing with the insurance company. These folks have plenty of practice looking out for their own bottom line, and that can make things tough for people trying to get what they’re owed.

Here’s what to expect:

• Lowball Offers: It’s incredibly common for insurers to swoop in with a quick offer that sounds tempting, but it rarely matches the full extent of your damages or pain. Allstate, State Farm—take your pick, they’re all pretty skilled at this game.
• Questioning Fault: Insurance adjusters might pick apart every detail of the accident, hoping to shift blame or minimize responsibility. That way, they can justify paying out less—or nothing at all.
• Scrutinizing Injuries: Don’t be surprised if they challenge your medical records or downplay your injuries, especially if you didn’t rush straight to the ER. They’ll use any gap in treatment or minor inconsistency to argue for a lower payout.
• Delays and Roadblocks: Sometimes, the process drags on with endless requests for paperwork or vague reasons why things can’t move forward. It’s their way of wearing you down so you’ll settle for less.

I’ve seen people try to tackle these hurdles alone and end up frustrated. This is exactly why having a strong advocate makes all the difference—someone who won’t let the adjusters push you around or settle for less than you deserve.

How Contractors Can Be Liable in Truck Accidents

Unlike your average car accident, truck crashes often involve more than just the person behind the wheel. In fact, the trucking industry is a web of companies that may each play a role in how a truck operates on our roads. Contractors are frequently enlisted for key responsibilities such as regular inspections, routine maintenance, and both the loading and securing of cargo. When any of these tasks are skipped or done poorly, disaster can follow.

For example:

• Improper Cargo Loading: If a contractor loads too much weight or fails to balance the cargo correctly, the truck’s risk of tipping over or jackknifing skyrockets.
• Inadequate Securing: Cargo that isn’t properly secured can spill onto busy highways, creating hazards for everyone around.
• Negligent Maintenance: Overlooking necessary repairs or routine maintenance—think worn brakes, balding tires, or faulty lights—can easily be a recipe for catastrophe.

When contractors neglect these crucial duties and their carelessness contributes to an accident, they can be held legally and financially responsible. This ensures all parties involved in keeping our roads safe are accountable—not just the driver or the company that owns the truck.

Frequency and Severity of Truck Accidents in Manhattan

Every year across New York State, thousands of truck accidents result in injuries and fatalities—and Manhattan is no exception. While bustling city streets and dense traffic make for a uniquely challenging environment, the risks for both motorists and pedestrians are substantial.

Despite strict city regulations—like the designated routes under the New York City Truck Route Network and specific Limited Truck Zones governing when and where large commercial trucks can travel—serious crashes still happen with alarming regularity. In fact, recent data shows that Manhattan alone experienced nearly 100 large commercial vehicle accidents in just one month. Leading causes often include driver distraction, tailgating, and improper lane changes.

It’s worth noting that certain Manhattan roads have a particularly notorious reputation for truck crashes. Among the most hazardous are:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive
• Triborough Bridge
• Harlem River Drive
• 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue
• East 59th Street and East 96th Street
• Broadway and 8th Avenue

Looking at the bigger picture, the long-term numbers show just how persistent the problem is. Over the last decade, truck accident totals in Manhattan have climbed from just over 500 to more than 1,500 incidents per year. Tragically, this has resulted in a steady toll of injuries and deaths—especially among vulnerable groups like pedestrians.

These sobering statistics underscore not just the frequency but also the severity of truck accidents in Manhattan, driving home just how urgent the need is for experienced legal support after a collision.