After a devastating truck accident, survivors need more than just legal help; they need an advocate with the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful trucking companies. That’s why truck accident victims across New York trust Munley Law.
For over 65 years, Munley Law has been at the forefront of trucking litigation. Our attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of complex truck accident cases involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. We are nationally recognized for our expertise in this highly specialized area of law, and we bring that knowledge to every New York case we take on.
Why New York Truck Accident Survivors Trust Munley Law
Truck accidents happen from coast to coast across the U.S., but New York is one of the top 5 states for truck accident injuries. Last year, New York drivers experienced more than 3,500 truck accidents and more than 4,000 truck accident-related injuries.
At Munley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on survivors and their families. Our team of experienced New York truck accident lawyers is dedicated to helping guide you through the personal injury law system to secure the fair compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident or lost a family member to a wrongful death, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact the New York truck accident lawyers at Munley Law today for a free consultation and let us help you on the path to recovery.
National Leaders in Truck Accident Law
Munley Law is not just another personal injury firm. We are one of the few firms in the United States with a focus on truck accident litigation and a track record of success to back it up. Our truck accident attorneys are board-certified in civil trial advocacy and have held leadership roles in the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group. We are frequently called upon to speak at national conferences and train other lawyers on how to handle truck crash cases.
Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are among the most highly credentialed truck accident attorneys in the country. Both hold triple board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law, a distinction achieved by only a select group of lawyers nationwide. Each has also served as Chair of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group, a role that reflects their national leadership and deep expertise in trucking law. In addition, they serve on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and are frequently invited to speak at legal conferences and educate fellow attorneys on the complexities of truck accident litigation.
Proven Results for Truck Accident Victims
Our firm has secured some of the largest settlements and verdicts in trucking accident history, including multi-million-dollar awards for individuals and families who have suffered life-altering injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes take, and we fight relentlessly to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurance carriers accountable.
Resources to Take On the Biggest Trucking Companies
Successfully litigating a truck accident case requires deep resources and investigative power. At Munley Law, we work with accident reconstructionists, former trucking industry insiders, and regulatory experts to uncover violations, preserve critical evidence, and build airtight cases. From recovering black box data to identifying FMCSA compliance issues, we know exactly where to look and how to win.
We Help Truck Drivers Injured on the Job
At Munley Law, we understand that truck drivers face serious risks every day they’re on the road. When an accident occurs, those behind the wheel can suffer life-altering injuries while simply doing their job. If you’re a truck driver who has been hurt in a crash, whether due to another motorist’s negligence, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions, you have rights, and we’re here to protect them.
Our nationally recognized truck accident attorneys have decades of experience representing injured drivers across New York and beyond. We know the trucking industry inside and out, including the federal regulations and insurance complexities that impact professional drivers. Whether your case involves a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both, we will fight to get you the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
You’ve worked hard to keep our highways moving. Let us work hard for you. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York
Understanding what leads to truck accidents can help victims and their families recognize liability and pursue justice. In New York, several common factors contribute to devastating truck crashes:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face grueling schedules and long hours behind the wheel. Even with federal hours-of-service regulations in place, pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead drivers to push past safe limits. Fatigue slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and is a leading cause of serious truck collisions.
Distracted Driving
Whether it’s texting, using GPS, eating, or adjusting in-cab technology, distractions behind the wheel can be deadly, especially when operating a multi-ton vehicle. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic results on busy New York highways.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions greatly increases stopping distances and the likelihood of losing control, particularly for large trucks. Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, also increase the risk of collisions.
Inadequate Training and Maintenance
Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained and their vehicles are safe to operate. Poorly maintained brakes, worn tires, or failure to inspect and repair essential components can all lead to mechanical failures and preventable accidents.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment are dangerous behind the wheel of any vehicle, but especially devastating when a commercial truck is involved. Even prescription or over-the-counter medications can impair a driver’s ability to operate safely.
Bad Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Snow, ice, rain, fog, and high winds are common in New York and can make driving hazardous for trucks with high centers of gravity and long stopping distances. Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or inadequate signage can exacerbate these conditions, making them even more hazardous.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks
Cargo that is too heavy, unbalanced, or improperly secured can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or spill its contents into traffic. Violations of weight limits or loading protocols can make a truck unstable and far more likely to crash.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in New York
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the lives of the victims. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of truck accidents. These injuries occur when the head experiences a sudden impact or violent motion, leading to damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, causing long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also common in truck accidents and can lead to partial or complete paralysis. The impact of a collision can damage the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord itself, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. These injuries often result in lifelong disabilities and significant medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck collision can cause multiple broken bones and fractures. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgical intervention and prolonged immobilization, depending on the severity. Recovery can be painful and lengthy, impacting the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent after an accident. The impact can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding is a serious concern and requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. These injuries often necessitate surgery and intensive medical care.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in truck accident cases, especially in rear-end collisions. The sudden jolt can cause the neck to snap back and forth, resulting in soft tissue damage, including strains and sprains. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While some cases resolve with conservative treatment, severe cases can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
Burns and Lacerations
Truck accidents can cause fires or explosions, leading to severe burns. Burns can damage the skin, muscles, and even bones, requiring extensive medical treatment for disfigurement, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Additionally, the impact of a collision can result in deep cuts and lacerations, which may cause significant blood loss and require surgical repair.
Amputations
In the most severe truck accidents, victims may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs. The crushing force of a truck can cause irreparable damage to extremities, necessitating surgical amputation. Losing a limb is a life-changing event that requires long-term rehabilitation, prosthetic devices, and psychological support.
Beyond the physical injuries, large truck accidents can also bring significant psychological damage and post-traumatic stress.
Damages Available to NY Truck Accident Victims
The purpose of a truck accident lawsuit is to compensate victims for the harm they’ve suffered and hold negligent parties responsible. If you were injured in a truck accident in New York, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. These can be divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. The amount and type of compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the specifics of your case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you’ve incurred as a direct result of the accident. These include:
- Medical expenses – including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment.
- Lost wages – for the income you missed while recovering from your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity – if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working in the future.
- Property damage – including the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged personal property.
- Out-of-pocket expenses – such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or assistive devices.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional toll of the accident that are real, but harder to quantify. These may include:
- Pain and suffering – for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress – including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma resulting from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
- Loss of consortium – for the impact your injuries have had on your relationship with a spouse or partner.
Are there damage caps in New York?
No, New York does not impose statutory caps on damages in personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents. This means that compensation for both economic and non-economic damages is generally not limited by law.
A New York truck accident lawyer can assess your truck accident claim and calculate the maximum amount of damages you are eligible to receive.
Who Can I Sue if I Was Injured in an Accident with a Semi Truck in New York?
If you were injured in an accident involving a semi truck, there may be multiple parties who can be held legally responsible. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve a web of commercial relationships that can lead to shared liability. Here are the most common parties you may be able to sue:
The Truck Driver
If the truck driver was negligent due to speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, you can file a claim directly against them. However, in most cases, their employer may also be liable.
The Trucking Company
Employers can be held responsible for their truck drivers’ actions, especially if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver, encouraged unsafe practices (like exceeding hours-of-service limits), or neglected vehicle maintenance.
The Truck Owner
Sometimes, the truck is owned by a separate company or individual from the driver or trucking company. If poor maintenance or mechanical failure contributed to the crash, the truck owner may be liable.
The Cargo Loader or Shipping Company
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can make a truck unstable or cause a rollover. If a third-party logistics company or shipping team loaded the truck incorrectly, they could be held accountable.
Truck or Parts Manufacturers
If a mechanical failure, such as brake malfunction or tire blowout, was caused by a defective truck part, the manufacturer or distributor of that part may be liable under product liability law.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will investigate your claim and identify all sources of recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving truck accidents, is three years from the date of the crash. This means you generally have three years to take legal action against the responsible parties. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
However, there are important exceptions that could affect the deadline. If your truck accident involved a municipal vehicle or a poorly maintained public road, you may have to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. The lawsuit itself must then be filed within one year and 90 days.
If the truck accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Because deadlines can vary based on the circumstances of your case, it’s important to speak with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly also ensures that vital evidence, such as black box data, dashcam footage, and witness testimony, is preserved before it’s lost or destroyed.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a New York Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Munley Law, you don’t pay anything upfront to hire a truck accident lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our payment is entirely dependent on the outcome of your case. You only pay if we win compensation for you, either through a settlement or a jury verdict.
There are no hourly rates, no retainers, and no hidden fees. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
This arrangement ensures that all accident victims, regardless of financial situation, have access to top-tier legal representation. And because our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover, we are fully invested in getting you the maximum recovery possible.
Get a Free Case Review from an Award-Winning New York Truck Accident Attorney
New York truck accident victims deserve top-tier legal representation. Whether you were injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer in Buffalo or the Bronx, a top-rated New York truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can investigate your case and prove who was at fault. With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, Munley Law has become a trusted name for those seeking justice after a commercial truck accident. Our commitment to client care and our extensive knowledge of New York’s legal system ensure you receive the personalized attention and aggressive representation you need during this challenging time.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on July 14, 2025.
