New York 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Have you recently experienced the turmoil and uncertainty of an 18-wheeler accident in New York? One moment you're living your life, and the next, you're faced with escalating medical costs, lost income, and the daunting question of what to do next.

That's when Raphaelson & Levine step in. Our commitment to you goes beyond trusted New York 18 wheeler accident lawyers; we treat you like family because we know the importance of support, guidance, and understanding in these tough times. We become your tireless champions and a voice of justice.

Awarded ‘Best Law Firm in New York City’ from Best Lawyers, when a New Yorker experiences a truck accident injury they turn to an experienced truck accident lawyer at Raphaelson & Levine.

We've consistently received the legal industry's highest honors, won New York's largest results, and have been given a perfect 5-star rating for client satisfaction from hundreds of local New Yorkers.

If you've been injured in a big rig crash, we'll help you get the compensation you deserve.

NEXT STEPS: Call 212-268-3222 today for a free case evaluation.

Why Choose Raphaelson & Levine as Your New York 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Choosing the right truck accident lawyer after a trucking accident in New York can be daunting. But with Raphaelson & Levine, you're not just hiring a law firm; you're gaining advocates who view your case personally, almost like family.

We understand that every New York truck accident has its unique challenges. We employ a tailored approach to each claim, utilizing over three decades of experience in personal injury law to obtain the most beneficial result for you. We take pride in standing up against powerful adversaries and relentlessly fighting for justice.

Since 1992: Demonstrated Experience & Expertise

When your livelihood is on the line, the value of experience cannot be overstated. This is especially true when dealing with complex cases involving large trucks and big rigs such as 18-wheelers. Our team at Raphaelson & Levine boasts decades of experience handling these types of accidents, specifically within New York’s legal framework.

From fatal truck accidents that lead to wrongful death or serious brain injury, to product liability, our proven track record speaks volumes about our capabilities.

Over 350 5-Star Reviews: A Personal Approach To Every Case

In many firms, lawyers handle multiple cases simultaneously, which might affect their focus on individual cases. At Raphaelson & Levine, we adopt a more personal approach by limiting the number of active cases per attorney, ensuring you have the best legal resources, undivided attention, and support from one of our firm's partners, a dedicated 18 wheeler accident lawyer, and paralegal.

We maintain open connections with each client with the communication style that works best for you — from in person meetings, text messages, email, phone, and video chat. We ensure that we are accessible whenever you need us, answering any questions or addressing concerns promptly throughout your claim.

Over $700 Million Won: Commitment to Maximize Compensation

We believe that victims deserve maximum compensation for their suffering - including medical expenses, lost wages or even emotional trauma following an incident involving an 18 wheeler vehicle.

We leverage all available resources, whether negotiating aggressively with insurance companies or taking them head-on in courtrooms if they fail to offer fair settlements.

How Our New York 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

After an accident involving an 18-wheeler, the road to recovery can be tough. You need someone who can navigate complex laws and fight for your rights. That's where our lawyers at Raphaelson & Levine come in.

An experienced NYC truck accident lawyer will meticulously analyze every detail of your injury. We investigate the crash scene, gather evidence, and consult industry experts to build the strongest personal injury case on your behalf.

Our commitment is unwavering because we know how much this means to the people who count on us during their most challenging times.

Gathering Evidence Effectively

Evidence is crucial for proving liability after a New York truck accident. Our team works diligently to collect all relevant information — from police reports and witness statements to photos of the tractor trailer, crash scene, a statement from the truck driver, and any other documentation that could help establish fault.

Negotiating With The Insurance Company

Each New York truck accident attorney at Raphaelson & Levine takes pride in helping navigate complicated personal injury cases involving a large truck such as a semi-truck, commercial truck, or tractor trailer aka '18 wheelers'. 

We're seasoned veterans of New York truck accident law and know the tactics an insurance company will use to try and pay out as little as possible to truck accident victims like you. 

But we won't let them take advantage of you; instead, we negotiate aggressively, aiming to recover full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and future earnings, among other past and future damages.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

In some cases, insurance negotiations may not result in satisfactory outcomes, which makes filing a truck accident lawsuit a necessary step toward justice and reparation for your injuries.

With the expertise and guidance of Raphaelson & Levine attorneys, we've got you covered every step of the way until the courtroom battle against the parties responsible for the harm done to your life, body, property, and safety. 

Your NYC truck accident attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve through a court judgment, award, or settlement agreement reached with the trucking company or insurance company under the laws of New York.

With a dedicated 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Raphaelson & Levine by your side, you can put more energy into healing. This allows you to worry less about the legal complexities of your situation.

Support Beyond Monetary Compensation

Financial recovery is crucial after truck accidents in New York City, but it's only part of the picture. At Raphaelson & Levine, we strive to represent victims like you comprehensively. Our objective goes beyond just monetary help - we'll be there for you throughout the entire process.

Maximizing Your Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim

After an 18 wheeler accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery. Each personal injury lawyer at our law office will work tirelessly to ensure each truck accident victim we represent gets the full amount of compensation available.

We understand that each truck accident case is unique. That's why we analyze every detail of your accident — from traffic conditions to truck maintenance records — as part of our strategy to build a robust claim for compensation on your behalf.

Compensation Available in a New York Truck Accident Lawsuit

In New York State, victims can seek several types of compensation. These include reimbursement for medical expenses incurred due to the injury and loss of earnings if one cannot return to work after their injuries. 

There are also damages awarded for pain and suffering, which encompasses both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.

Experienced attorneys are crucial in ensuring that all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly considered when calculating how much your truck accident case is worth. Our extensive experience in car accident and product liability claims provides valuable insight into insurance company practices and negotiation processes.

Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents in New York

It's a fact that the bustling streets and highways of New York are often shared with large trucks. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, unfortunately, is a leading cause of all types of road accidents, including commercial vehicle crashes. Whether a truck driver is tinkering with the radio or checking text messages on their phones — any distraction can lead to catastrophic injury or even wrongful death when operating such large vehicles.

Truck Driver Fatigue

The demanding schedules and tight deadlines can force a truck driver to drive for extended periods without sufficient rest breaks. This leads to fatigue and impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, vital to prevent a trucking accident.

Mechanical Failures

A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs around 80,000 pounds, nearly twenty times more than an average car. Mechanical failures like brake issues or tire blowouts in these massive machines can be devastatingly dangerous on busy roads.

Poor Training or Lack Of Experience

Raphaelson & Levine have seen many cases where inadequate training or lack of experience plays a significant role in causing trucking accidents. Proper training is critical as handling an 18-wheeler requires special skills due to its size and weight difference compared to regular vehicles.

Though we've discussed several factors here, remember every case differs based on the accident's circumstances. 

Understanding Your Rights After an 18 Wheeler Accident in New York

Experiencing a truck crash can be a terrifying and overwhelming event. It can leave you feeling shaken and uncertain about what to do next.

The first right to remember is that as a victim of such an accident in New York, you have the right to seek compensation for damages caused by another party's negligence. This could include medical expenses, lost wages due to injury recovery time, and even pain and suffering. It's essential for immediate financial relief and helps secure your future needs.

Another critical right involves representation; injury victims can hire a NYC truck accident lawyer like us at Raphaelson & Levine. Hiring the best New York City personal injury lawyer can play a vital role in safeguarding these rights. 

We use our experience dealing with similar claims to help you understand complex legal procedures and guide you through every step of the process. Our attorneys are familiar with all potential pitfalls along the way and will make sure no stone goes unturned when building a strong truck accident claim on your behalf.

We're not just your lawyers but also a part of your family. 

And when it comes to our family, winning isn't an option—it's a must. Our unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of justice have earned us the trust of many in New York as their go-to legal advocates.

The Impact of New York Laws on 18 Wheeler Accident Claims

New York's laws have a significant role in shaping the outcomes of 18 wheeler accident cases. These laws regulate all aspects of an 18 wheeler accident, from how it's reported to who is responsible and the type of compensation victims can receive.

Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL)

The Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) covers traffic violations, vehicle operations, and penalties. For instance, if an 18-wheeler driver violates VTL by speeding or not following road signs, this can help prove negligence in your case.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) 

Administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these regulations set national standards for commercial vehicle operations, including truck driver qualifications, hours of service, maintenance, and cargo loading. Non-compliance with FMCSR can be a factor in determining liability in truck accidents.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements

In New York State, commercial vehicles (like 18-wheelers) must carry higher liability insurance than standard vehicles due to their potential for causing more severe damage. This requirement means there’s typically more compensation available for those injured in such accidents. However, these insurance companies often put up strong defenses, making it harder for injury victims to get full payment without expert legal help.

No-Fault Insurance Rule

Another critical aspect is New York's no-fault auto insurance rule under Article 51 (No-Fault Law) which applies only to private passenger automobiles but excludes most trucks, including tractor-trailers or semi-trucks involved in commercial activities. So unlike other car accident claims where you would first turn towards your own insurer regardless of fault—after an accident with an eighteen-wheeler truck—you will directly seek damages from the at-fault party's insurer.

New York’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

Familiarity with New York's pure comparative negligence rule is also crucial. Under New York's pure comparative negligence rule, any fault on your part will reduce the amount of damages you can recover; however, an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer at our firm can help ensure that justice is served.

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In New York, personal injury lawsuits, including those arising from truck accidents, must generally be filed within three years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar the victim from seeking compensation through the courts.

Wrongful Death Statutes

If a large truck accident results in a fatality, the victim's family may file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit has its own specific statute of limitations and damage calculations.

Injured? Get a Free Case Evaluation Today — Call Now

Life after an 18-wheeler accident can be daunting. The aftermath of large truck accidents can be overwhelming, from medical bills and therapy to lost wages and reduced earning capacity. At Raphaelson & Levine, we are here to help you navigate this challenging time, so don't despair.

Our team of attorneys understands the challenges truck accident victims face and we are here to help. We will carefully evaluate your claim and provide you with clear guidance on how we can assist.

Over the past three decades, Raphaelson & Levine have earned a reputation as relentless advocates who aren’t afraid of going up against powerful adversaries — even when it means taking on some of the largest commercial trucking companies in New York.

Our track record speaks volumes: from securing maximum settlements to winning cases in court, we've made sure those responsible were held accountable.

Regain control of your life following an accident involving a commercial truck or other large vehicle. Get your no-risk, free consultation with us today. 

NEXT STEPS: Call 212-268-3222 or complete our online case evaluation form to learn how we can help.