Brooklyn Truck Accident Attorney

Experienced Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims

Big rig rollover accident lawyer handling truck rollover cases from driver inattention, texting and speeding

Brooklyn, New York, one of the busiest boroughs in the state, is a thriving hub for commerce, transportation, and industry. With major roadways like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278), Belt Parkway, and Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn experiences significant truck traffic daily. Commercial delivery trucks from companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx, as well as industrial trucks carrying oversized loads, navigate these heavily congested routes. These trucks often operate under tight deadlines and, in some cases, fail to follow safety regulations, such as using proper reflectors, flags, or escort vehicles. Additionally, illegal parking on shoulders, particularly at night, creates hazardous conditions for other drivers, contributing to the high rate of truck accidents in Brooklyn and the surrounding areas.

Nearby cities like Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and Newark, New Jersey, also experience frequent truck accidents due to dense urban traffic, busy industrial zones, and delivery demands. These areas share similar risks, including congested highways, distracted driving, and unsafe practices by commercial truck operators.

The Dangers of Truck Accidents in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s dense population and constant flow of commercial vehicles create a perfect storm for truck accidents. Highways like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway are notorious for congestion, where oversized loads, abrupt lane changes, and distracted driving often lead to serious crashes. Delivery trucks navigating crowded urban streets like those in Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg face challenges, including tight intersections, heavy pedestrian traffic, and construction zones, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Illegal parking on shoulders, especially on highways and busy streets, poses another significant risk. These trucks obstruct traffic flow, reduce visibility, and force drivers into sudden lane changes. At night, these dangers are magnified as decreased lighting makes parked trucks even harder to detect, leading to devastating accidents.

How to File an Injury Lawsuit After a Truck Accident

Filing an injury lawsuit after a truck accident in Brooklyn requires immediate action and thorough documentation. Seek medical attention as your first priority, even if injuries appear minor. Medical records will play a critical role in supporting your claim. Document the scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report.

An experienced New York truck accident attorney will guide you through the legal process, investigating the crash and collecting key evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. These records help establish liability, whether it lies with the driver, the trucking company, or another responsible party.

The lawsuit process begins with filing a complaint in the appropriate New York court. This document outlines your injuries, damages, and the negligence of the defendants. Your attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement. If necessary, your case may proceed to trial, where your attorney will fight for maximum compensation.

Red semi-truck on highway—legal representation for truck accident injury victims
Truck accident lawyer near me helping clients recover from rollover injuries.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Brooklyn

Truck accidents in Brooklyn come in various forms, each with devastating consequences. Rollover accidents frequently occur on highways like I-278, where speeding, sharp curves, or improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to overturn. Jackknife accidents, often triggered by sudden braking or slick road conditions, result in the trailer swinging into adjacent lanes, endangering nearby vehicles.

Rear-end collisions are common in high-traffic areas, especially near intersections and during rush hour. Trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, making these collisions particularly severe. Right-turn accidents frequently occur in urban neighborhoods like Williamsburg or Park Slope, where truck drivers miscalculate their turning radius or fail to account for cyclists, pedestrians, or smaller vehicles. Underride accidents, where smaller vehicles slide beneath a truck, are among the deadliest types of collisions. Despite federal requirements for underride guards, poor maintenance often renders these safety features ineffective. Brooklyn shares many of the same challenges as Newark, New Jersey, another densely populated urban area with significant truck traffic. Both cities experience high rates of truck accidents caused by illegal parking on shoulders, congested roadways, and delivery trucks operating under tight deadlines.

Semi-truck accident attorneys proving negligence in trucking litigation

Liability in Brooklyn Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a Brooklyn truck accident often involves multiple parties. Drivers may be held responsible for negligent actions such as distracted driving or failing to secure oversized loads properly. Trucking companies frequently share liability for inadequate maintenance, enforcing unrealistic delivery schedules, or failing to provide proper training for drivers. Cargo loaders may also be responsible if improperly secured or overloaded cargo contributes to a crash. Manufacturers of defective parts, such as brakes or underride guards, can also face liability for equipment failures.

New York law allows victims to recover compensation even if they share partial responsibility for the accident. Liability is apportioned based on the degree of fault assigned to each party, ensuring victims can pursue damages from all responsible entities.

Preserving Evidence After a Truck Accident

Preserving evidence is crucial for building a strong case after a truck accident in Brooklyn. Critical evidence includes black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. Black box data reveals important details about speed, braking patterns, and compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Driver logs often expose patterns of fatigue or violations of federal regulations, while maintenance records highlight lapses in vehicle upkeep. Witness statements and surveillance footage provide additional context to strengthen your claim.

To ensure evidence is not lost or tampered with, your truck accident attorney may file a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). Acting quickly is essential to preserving critical documentation for your case.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident victims in Brooklyn often face significant physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Compensation can include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and diminished earning capacity. Victims may also recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence.

The psychological impact of a truck accident can be severe, often including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Comprehensive legal representation is essential to securing the compensation needed to recover and rebuild after such a traumatic event.

Why Choose the Willis Law Firm?

David P. Willis of the Willis Law Firm is licensed to practice law in New York and Texas and has decades of experience advocating for victims of catastrophic injury cases. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer since 1988, Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a former attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, Willis brings unmatched expertise to every case. With a track record of settling hundreds of millions of dollars for past clients, the Willis Law Firm is committed to achieving justice and fair compensation. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, ensuring clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.

Leading truck accident trial lawyer in Houston with proven results in trucking litigation with 40+ years experience

Contact Willis Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Brooklyn or nearby cities like Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, or Newark, New Jersey, contact the Willis Law Firm today. Call 1-888-LAW-2040 or fill out our online form to discuss your case. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.