Every day, commercial trucks and 18-wheelers travel across Long Island’s major highways and roads, moving goods between New York City and Long Island. With many of these vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, even a single moment of negligence can cause devastating crashes that leave victims with catastrophic injuries or families mourning the loss of a loved one.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we understand that a personal injury case is about more than just one person; it is about helping an entire family rebuild after a tragedy. As trusted Long Island personal injury lawyers, we are dedicated to guiding you with compassion and determination, so you can focus on recovery while we work tirelessly to secure the justice you deserve.
Our Long Island truck accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in holding trucking companies and their insurers accountable, and we are prepared to fight for your rights. Call us now to get started.
Why You Should Choose Trantolo & Trantolo To Represent Your Long Island Truck Accident Claim
At Trantolo & Trantolo we have helped many families cope in the aftermath of a semi-truck collision. We recognize the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized attention, compassionate support, and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Our track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases has earned us a reputation as a leading personal injury law firm on Long Island. When you entrust your case to us, you can focus on your recovery while we fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your claim.
Our law firm was founded to protect and serve people just like you whose lives were turned upside down when they were injured through no fault of their own. We believe all people are created equal, and big corporations and powerful insurance companies should not have more rights than you do. Our focus is on making sure your well-being is the first priority – not an insurance company’s profits.
How Negligence Causes Truck And 18-Wheeler Accidents On Long Island
Accidents involving commercial trucks and 18-wheelers on Long Island roadways are often caused by various forms of negligence. From the Long Island Expressway to Sunrise Highway and other busy highways and local roads, these roads see heavy truck and commuter traffic every day. When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to follow safety rules, the results can be devastating for other motorists and families sharing these congested routes.
Some of the most common causes of semi-truck collisions our Long Island accident lawyers represent include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel and tight delivery schedules are especially common for trucks moving goods from New York City to Long Island. Exhausted drivers on the LIE or Sunrise Highway can easily cause catastrophic crashes.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers who engage in activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving can easily lose focus on the road, resulting in collisions.
- Poorly maintained vehicles: Trucking companies and owners who fail to properly maintain their vehicles, including brakes, tires, and lights, put other motorists at risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Speeding: Drivers exceeding the limit on stretches of I-495 or Route 27 have less time to react to sudden traffic slowdowns, often causing rear-end or chain-reaction crashes.
- Weather or road conditions: Long Island winters bring snow and ice, while coastal fog and heavy rain reduce visibility on major roadways. Combined with potholes or uneven surfaces, these conditions make truck accidents more likely.
- Drug and alcohol use: Some truck drivers turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with long, boring hours on the road, loneliness, and unreasonable time demands that don’t allow them to get adequate sleep.
- Inadequate driver training: Trucking companies that fail to properly train drivers put everyone on Long Island’s roads at risk. Human error from poor training often leads to devastating outcomes.
When a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, carelessness, failure to act, or failure to properly react leads to accidents that cause injuries, the victims have the right to seek compensation in New York. A Long Island truck accident lawyer from Trantolo & Trantolo can help you file a claim.
Our Long Island Truck Accident Lawyers Hold Trucking Companies Responsible
Our law firm brings over 85 years of experience, success and tradition to Long Island. After a large truck accident, the dedicated legal team assigned to your case will work tirelessly to hold the trucking company responsible for their driver’s negligence, while you recover from your injuries.
Proving the Driver & Trucking Company Were at Fault
Accidents happen on Long Island roads every day but when commercial trucks are involved, the consequences can be devastating. When you work with Trantolo & Trantolo, we thoroughly investigate your case to determine who was at fault.
The first step in this process is to collect evidence and interview witnesses at the accident scene. We’ll also review the truck’s black box data and other available data to get a clear picture of what happened.
Once we have all the facts, we’ll negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company’s insurance carrier. If they are unwilling to offer a reasonable amount, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We have a strong history of success in the courtroom and will fight for the maximum compensation.
How Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Affect Long Island Truck Accident Claims
Commercial truck drivers are bound by a set of regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which aims to enhance safety on our nation’s highways by establishing minimum standards for the trucking industry. These regulations play a crucial role in determining liability and the outcome of truck accident claims.
When a truck accident occurs, investigators and attorneys will closely examine the truck driver’s actions and the trucking company’s compliance with FMCSA regulations. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence and strengthen the case for the injured party. For example, if a truck driver exceeded the allowable hours of service and caused an accident due to fatigue, the trucking company may be held responsible for damages.
Understanding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and how they apply to truck drivers and trucking companies is essential when pursuing a truck accident claim. By working with Long Island truck accident attorneys who are well-versed in these regulations, victims of truck accidents can build strong cases and seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
To learn more about the laws and regulations that apply to your truck driving claim, reach out to our Long Island truck accident lawyer at Trantolo & Trantolo.
Understanding Your Injuries and Protecting Your Right to Compensation
Collisions with 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks on Long Island often cause devastating, life-changing injuries. Victims may face months of medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and permanent limitations. Some of the most common injuries in these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) leading to memory loss, cognitive challenges, and long-term neurological issues.
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis, which can drastically alter a victim’s ability to work or live independently.
- Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries that require surgeries, physical therapy, and long recoveries.
- Severe burns or lacerations from fires, hazardous cargo, or shattered glass and metal.
- Internal injuries and organ damage that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
These injuries can change the course of a victim’s life, making fair compensation essential. However, trucking companies and insurers often argue that the injured person shares some responsibility for the accident.
That’s where New York’s comparative negligence rule comes into play. Under this law, even if you are found to have contributed in some way to the crash, you may still recover damages for your injuries. The key is demonstrating the full extent of your harm while minimizing any claims that you were at fault.
An experienced Long Island truck accident attorney can connect the medical impact of your injuries with the legal arguments needed to protect your rights, ensuring trucking companies and insurers cannot unfairly reduce the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Long Island Truck Accident?
Victims of truck accidents in Long Island may be entitled to pursue several forms of compensation. Because collisions with large commercial vehicles often cause severe injuries and long-term financial strain, it’s important to understand the full scope of damages you may recover:
Economic Damages
These compensate for the measurable, out-of-pocket costs caused by the accident, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care.
- Lost wages: Income you’ve already lost due to time off work, as well as loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.
- Property damage: Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Other expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, in-home care, or necessary modifications to your home or vehicle (such as ramps or lifts).
Non-Economic Damages
Truck accidents can have devastating effects on your quality of life. These damages compensate for intangible but very real losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and ongoing limitations caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or psychological trauma stemming from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or daily routines you once enjoyed.
- Loss of consortium: The impact your injuries have on your relationship with your spouse or family.
Wrongful Death Damages
Sadly, many truck accidents on Long Island result in fatalities. In 2024, large truck and bus crashes accounted for approximately 10 percent of traffic fatalities in the state. In these cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and parental care
- Emotional anguish experienced by surviving loved ones
By working with a Long Island truck accident attorney at Trantolo & Trantolo, you can ensure that every category of loss, both immediate and long-term, is identified, documented, and pursued in your claim. The goal is to secure the resources you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
There Is a Time Limit To File a Long Island Truck Accident Claim
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in New York State is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on Long Island, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
It is crucial to meet this deadline because failure to do so can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will be barred from pursuing legal action, regardless of the strength of your claim.
Over time, crucial evidence such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness statements can be lost or destroyed. As time passes, witness memories of the accident may also fade, making it more difficult to build a strong case. By contacting a Long Island truck accident attorney soon after the crash, you can protect your rights.
Tactics To Avoid Paying Fair Compensation In Long Island Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies and their insurance providers often employ various tactics to avoid paying compensation or to minimize the amount they must pay to accident victims. These strategies can be especially frustrating for families in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, who may already be struggling with high medical bills and the stress of navigating New York’s legal system.
Some of the ways they may attempt to avoid liability include:
Denying Fault
Trucking companies may argue that their driver was not at fault for the accident or that the victim’s actions contributed to the crash. They may try to shift blame to other parties, such as another driver, the vehicle manufacturer, or even the victim.
Disputing the Severity of Injuries
Insurance adjusters may downplay the extent of the victim’s injuries, arguing that they are not as serious as claimed or that they were pre-existing conditions not related to the accident.
Offering Quick, Low-Ball Settlements
Insurance companies may try to take advantage of victims who are unaware of the full value of their claim by offering a quick, low-ball settlement. They hope that the victim will accept the offer without consulting an attorney and realizing the true extent of their damages.
Delaying the Claims Process
Trucking companies and insurers may drag out the claims process, hoping that the victim will become frustrated and more willing to accept a lower settlement. They may also use this tactic to push the case closer to the statute of limitations deadline, putting pressure on the victim to settle.
Hiding or Destroying Evidence
In some cases, trucking companies may attempt to conceal or destroy evidence that could prove their liability, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, or data from the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), also known as the “black box.”
Intimidating Victims
Trucking companies may use their size and resources to intimidate victims, discouraging them from pursuing legal action or making them feel like they have no chance of winning a case against a large corporation.
Challenging Jurisdiction
If the accident occurred in a state other than where the trucking company is based, they might argue that the case should be heard in a jurisdiction that is more favorable to them or less convenient for the victim.
To combat these tactics, it’s essential to work with a Long Island truck accident attorney who understands both the legal landscape in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the aggressive strategies insurance companies use. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence, file promptly in the proper court, and negotiate firmly to protect your right to fair compensation.
Contact our Long Island Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a life-altering accident with a truck driver, the experienced and dedicated team at Trantolo & Trantolo is here to help. Our attorneys will negotiate directly with the trucking and insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on victims and their families, and we are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way. After a serious crash with an 18-wheeler, you need an experienced legal team on your side. At Trantolo & Trantolo we fight for clients like members of our own family. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a large truck accident, call us now or fill out our online contact form to get started.
FAQs for Our Long Island Truck Accident Lawyers
How Do Federal Regulations Impact Truck Accident Claims?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) set specific standards for truck drivers and trucking companies regarding safety, vehicle maintenance, hours of service, and more. When a truck accident occurs, a thorough investigation often examines whether these federal regulations were violated. If a violation is found, it can serve as strong evidence of negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company. This evidence can be crucial in establishing liability and strengthening your truck accident claim.
Do Trucking Companies and Their Insurers Try to Avoid Paying Fair Compensation?
Yes, big trucking companies and their insurance providers often try to pay as little as possible after an accident. They might say it wasn’t their fault, claim your injuries aren’t that bad, or offer you a small amount of money hoping you’ll take it. These companies have a lot of power and lawyers on their side to protect their profits. That’s why having your own experienced lawyer is really important to fight back and get what you deserve.
How Do I Know If the Insurance Company’s Settlement Is Fair After a Long Island Truck Accident?
It’s very difficult for accident victims to know if an insurance company’s settlement offer is truly fair on their own. Insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts, and their initial offers often don’t fully cover all your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Long Island truck accident lawyer can thoroughly evaluate all your damages and assess the true value of your claim.
How Much Is My Long Island Truck Accident Case Worth?
There is no set dollar amount for a truck accident case. The value depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the amount of income you’ve lost, and whether you will need ongoing care in the future. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also considered. Because trucking companies and insurers often fight to pay as little as possible, having an experienced Long Island truck accident lawyer evaluate your case is the best way to understand its true value.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident on Long Island?
The moments after a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 so police and emergency responders arrive at the scene.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt — some injuries are not immediately obvious.
- Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses, if you are able.
- Avoid discussing fault with the truck driver, their company, or insurance representatives.
- Contact a Long Island truck accident attorney before speaking with the trucking company’s insurer. A lawyer can handle communications and begin preserving critical evidence for your claim.