If you suffered losses in a trucking accident, you could recover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Trantolo & Trantolo’s Long Beach personal injury lawyers have been fighting for injury victims since 1938. We are here to help you get justice.
Contact our office today to explore your legal options in a free consultation. Our truck accident attorneys in Long Beach, NY charge nothing upfront to represent you. If you hire us, we will only take payment if we win a final settlement or verdict in your favor.
Why Work With Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Long Beach?
You may be tempted to file insurance claims and handle legal negotiations on your own, but there are several reasons to hire our attorneys to do it for you.
Handling Negotiations
New York’s no-fault laws let you file a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) for a trucking accident, but that doesn’t mean the PIP provider will give you a fair settlement. The personal injury lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo have the knowledge and skill to establish your losses and fight for the best possible settlement value.
Building a Strong Case
You must be able to prove fault when filing a truck accident claim with the responsible party’s insurance. Our team gathers evidence such as videos, photos, driver logs, delivery schedules, and witness statements to identify those responsible for your injuries. With this information, we can build a compelling claim for maximum damages.
Filing a Lawsuit
You have limited time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurer. This deadline can vary widely depending on your case details. If you miss a filing deadline or fail to submit appropriate legal documents, you could lose your chance of a fair resolution. We are well-versed in legal filing requirements and deadlines, so you can rest assured that we will keep your case on track from start to finish.
Results-Oriented Legal Support
Trantolo & Trantolo provides comprehensive, personalized legal representation focused on getting the results you need. You can trust us to fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter how complex your claim is. When you hire us, you can expect:
- Focused representation from an assigned team
- 24/7 availability and constant communication
- Vigorous advocacy throughout your case
While you focus on recovering your health, your team focuses on getting the financial recovery you need. Our team is dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation, and we will not settle for less than you deserve.
What Damages Can I Seek After a Truck Accident in Long Beach, NY?
Following a truck accident, you can seek compensation through an insurance claim with the truck driver’s insurance or their employer’s policy. 18-wheeler claims can get complicated fast, with different insurers covering different parts of the vehicle and multiple responsible parties.
A truck accident lawyer with Trantolo & Trantolo will know how to identify the liable parties and secure compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Diminished future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for motor vehicle accident victims, and we are prepared to pursue every available avenue to get the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death in a Trucking Accident
Semi-trucks are massive and difficult to maneuver, which makes them especially hazardous to passenger vehicles sharing the road. Nearly 6,000 victims passed away in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2024. Approximately 70% of those lost are occupants of other vehicles.
If you lost a close family member to a truck collision, our wrongful death attorneys in Long Beach can help you navigate the legal aftermath and seek compensation for your loved one’s untimely passing.
Understanding the Mechanics of a Trucking Accident
Semi-trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger vehicles, and this significant size makes dangerous accidents more likely, including:
- Underride Accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller passenger vehicle is pulled under the tractor trailer during a rear-end crash. Such accidents can crush the smaller vehicle, resulting in more catastrophic and deadly injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: A heavily-loaded 18-wheeler requires extra space to stop. Combined with poor brake maintenance, defective parts, and uneven cargo can all worsen maneuverability. A driver who tries to stop or turn too quickly may veer into other lanes or roll the whole truck and trailer over into the ditch.
- Jackknifing: A sudden turn or stop, especially on slippery roads, can cause the trailer of a truck to swing out to the side of the cab at a V-shaped angle. The truck may skid into other vehicles on the road, causing severe damage and injuries.
- Head-On Collisions: A distracted, intoxicated, or fatigued driver who crosses the center line can hit an oncoming vehicle, with devastating effects.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Collisions
Sadly, many 18-wheeler crashes result from preventable negligence. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Poor maintenance
- Defective vehicle components
- Dangerous road conditions
Trantolo & Trantolo investigates your trucking accident to determine the cause and hold the liable party accountable.
Who is Liable for a Trucking Collision in Long Beach?
Determining fault in an 18-wheeler accident is often complicated. Numerous parties can be responsible, including:
- Truck operator
- Trucking company
- Shipping entity
- Truck manufacturer
- Third-party driver
- Local municipality
- Vehicle maintenance crew
Although New York is a no-fault state, you still have the option to seek compensation for an accident that caused serious injuries. Our dedicated 18-wheeler attorneys will review the details of your case to determine whether you have grounds to seek additional compensation through the liable party’s insurance.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Long Beach, NY
The hours and days following a semi-truck accident are disorienting. Taking the following steps can protect your legal claim and help you avoid common mistakes:
- Document everything: Save any correspondence, receipts, invoices, or other documentation relating to your case and pass it on to your attorney. Keep a log or journal documenting the ways your injury affects your quality of life.
- Don’t post to social media: Avoid discussing your trucking accident while your case is in progress. Don’t post to social media, as even posts unrelated to your injuries can compromise your claim.
- Avoid claiming fault: You may be asked to give a statement to the police or an insurance company about your accident. Do not make any statements that imply fault – just stick to the facts. If you aren’t sure what to say, you can advise that you wish to consult your lawyer first.
- Don’t release medical records: The insurance company may ask you to sign a medical release. They do this to determine whether you have preexisting conditions they can use to lower your settlement. Avoid signing a release or any other documentation before you talk to your attorney.
- Contact a lawyer immediately: The sooner you reach an attorney, the sooner they can begin working on your case. While you receive treatment for your truck accident injuries, your lawyer can preserve time-sensitive evidence and begin building a claim.
Get a Free Consultation With a Long Beach Truck Accident Attorney
Our attorneys are passionate about helping injury victims seek justice after a truck collision. Contact us today for your free consultation to discuss how a Long Beach semi-truck accident lawyer can help with your claim. We are here to listen to your story and help you understand your legal rights.
FAQs for Our Truck Crash Lawyers
How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?
A truck accident settlement can take months or years, depending on your case’s complexity. Cases with multiple parties and high damages may take longer than smaller claims, especially if the trucking company decides to go to court. Cases that go to trial typically take longer than out-of-court settlements. Trantolo & Trantolo knows how to navigate the legal process and streamline negotiations to secure the compensation you need as fast as possible.
How Much are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlements can vary widely depending on injury severity and extent, amount of lost income, future medical needs, and extent of liability. Speak with a truck accident attorney at Trantolo & Trantolo to learn what you could recover for your truck collision.
How Do I Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer?
Choose the best truck accident lawyer by reviewing the firm’s expertise, success rate, communication methods, and fee structure. Look for a firm with experience handling trucking accidents and a track record of successful cases. Consider whether they offer the level of communication and responsiveness you require for your case. Review their costs and fees to determine whether they are a financial fit for your legal needs.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Most 18-wheeler accident lawyers accept cases for no upfront costs. Trantolo & Trantolo handles truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing for our fees and costs until we win a settlement or verdict in your favor. If we don’t win, you pay nothing for our legal assistance.