Truck Accident Lawyers in Staten Island, NY
Being hurt in a collision with a large commercial truck can leave victims suffering with catastrophic injuries, costly medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our truck accident lawyers in Staten Island, New York, provide the experienced counsel and compassionate support you need after being injured in a crash. With more than five decades of legal experience and $500 million recovered for injured victims in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas, our
personal injury attorneys are here to take the weight off your shoulders so you and your family can focus on healing.
Key Takeaways
- Truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries — Due to their sheer weight and size, vehicles like tractor-trailers often cause life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
- Act quickly to protect your rights — Seeking immediate medical care, documenting the scene, and contacting our attorneys before crucial evidence disappears can give you the best chance of a successful outcome for your case.
- We fight for full financial compensation — Our firm has a proven track record of success and the resources necessary to take on powerful insurance companies and pursue multiple sources of compensation.
- Our personal injury lawyers take cases on contingency — You pay no attorneys' fees unless we successfully secure a recovery for you. Your initial consultation is always free.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Because of the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions often result in devastating consequences for occupants of smaller vehicles. Our Staten Island truck accident lawyers have successfully handled cases involving jackknifes, tire blowouts, rollovers, underride accidents, and more.
We know how to prove fault and accurately calculate damages in cases involving injuries such as:
- Broken and crushed bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries and paralysis
- Amputation
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
The True Cost of Truck Accident Injuries
The long-term costs of hospital bills, rehabilitation, and lost income often reach into the millions of dollars for victims of truck crashes. If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, our personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case and determine whether a wrongful death claim is a viable option for seeking the justice and financial security you deserve.
Recovering Damages in Truck Accident Cases
Our truck accident attorneys in Staten Island may be able to help you recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Wage loss
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and consortium
Our team works tirelessly to ensure any compensation you receive covers the full scope of your economic and non-economic losses.
Building Your Truck Accident Case in New York
Unlike many
car accident claims, truck injury cases are rarely straightforward. Our truck accident attorneys understand the unique challenges and multilayered aspects of these cases. We have the necessary legal knowledge and resources to fully investigate and hold responsible parties accountable.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Highly Complex
- Multiple liable parties — In many truck accident cases, liability extends beyond just the driver or trucking company. The cargo loader, maintenance company, or even the manufacturer of a defective part may be liable if their negligence caused an injury. Our personal injury lawyers know how to identify and track down all potentially liable parties and pursue all sources of compensation.
- Federal and state trucking regulations — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, with rules that cover everything from hours of service (HOS) to cargo loading and maintenance requirements. We investigate to find violations of these rules and prove negligence.
- High policy limits — Trucking companies carry insurance policies with very high limits. This means the stakes are incredibly high for their insurers, who devote vast resources to minimize payouts and deny claims. That’s why having seasoned legal counsel by your side is essential for obtaining the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Determining whether a driver is an employee or an independent contractor is also a challenging issue that trucking companies often use to deny liability. Our truck accident lawyers dig deeper to determine the true employment relationship and ensure the proper parties are held accountable.
Gathering and Analyzing Critical Evidence
To build a strong case, we secure and analyze critical evidence before it can be lost or destroyed, including:
- The truck's "black box" data — Most large commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR). This "black box" records important pre-collision information, such as speed, braking history, and engine performance, which can be invaluable for proving negligence.
- Driver logs and records — We subpoena the driver's logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to check for hours of service violations, which can prove a driver was fatigued.
- Maintenance and inspection records — Our team also gathers records to determine whether the truck was properly repaired, maintained, and inspected. This can often reveal issues such as faulty brakes or worn tires that contributed to the crash.
Our Staten Island truck accident lawyers work closely with digital forensics experts, accident reconstructionists, and medical specialists to analyze evidence, determine how the crash happened and establish the long-term financial and physical impact of your injuries.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident
The actions you take following a crash are important for protecting your health and preserving the integrity of your claim.
- Call 911 — A police report is a critical piece of evidence that can support your claim down the road.
- Document the scene — If you can, take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and your injuries. Ask any witnesses for their contact information.
- Seek medical treatment — Going to the emergency room or seeing a doctor as soon as possible documents your injuries and safeguards your health and well-being.
- Do not give a statement — Insurance companies often send adjusters to the scene of truck accidents immediately. Whether they ask for a statement in person or on the phone, do not speak to them, sign anything, or accept a settlement without talking to a lawyer first.
- Contact our truck accident attorneys —
Having a personal injury lawyer evaluate your case as soon as possible protects your rights and can give you peace of mind.
Why Choose Our Staten Island Personal Injury Law Firm?
When your health and financial future are on the line, you need a dedicated legal partner to handle your case with skill, compassion, and determination. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our mission is rooted in helping injury victims navigate challenging times with compassionate legal support they can trust.
For more than five decades, we’ve helped victims of truck accidents go up against powerful insurance companies and win. Our team handles hundreds of cases each year and treats every client like family, combining relentless advocacy with a passion for securing justice for injured victims in New York.
To see how our dedicated service has helped other accident victims achieve the life-changing financial recovery they deserve, take a look at our
client testimonials.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Staten Island, NY
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash, Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, can help.
Contact us or call 718-987-8444 for a free, confidential consultation with a truck accident attorney near you in Staten Island, NY. We serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in New York
How long will my truck accident case take?
The timeline for resolving your claim depends on the complexity of the case and other factors such as whether it goes to trial. While some settle in a matter of months, cases involving complex investigations and litigation can take years. Although we strive to resolve your case in an efficient manner, we won’t hesitate to take it to trial if necessary.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Each case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident, severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and other factors.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New York?
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to pursue damages, so it’s vital to contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for a truck accident?
New York follows the pure comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still recover compensation for damages, but it will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Why do I need a lawyer for a truck injury claim?
Truck accident claims are complex. Attempting to handle a case on your own could result in accepting a settlement that barely even covers your medical expenses, let alone damages like pain and suffering. Our truck accident lawyers level the playing field and help you pursue the maximum compensation you need and deserve to protect your health and financial future.