Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer?

Brooklyn's busy streets are frequently traveled by large commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers, delivery vehicles, construction haulers, and box trucks. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we represent people who have been harmed in truck collisions throughout New York. We have an outstanding track record of success, helping countless clients receive full compensation from liable parties.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Brooklyn Truck Accident Attorneys?

Our experienced Brooklyn truck accident lawyers understand the complexity of these cases, and we appreciate the stakes involved. Here’s why so many people in Brooklyn have come to trust our firm:

• Decades of Experience in complex personal injury and truck accident litigation – trusted by New Yorkers for over 50 years.
• Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Settlements in trucking cases across New York – results that reflect our commitment to justice.
• Recognized by Super Lawyers – based on peer reviews and independent research.
• AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and ability – the highest rating for professional standards.
• Selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – recognized among the nation’s leading trial attorneys.
• More Than $2 Billion Recovered for Our Clients – We fight for full compensation.
• No Legal Fees Unless We Win – you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
• Free, Confidential Consultations Available – speak with our team with no obligation or pressure.

Don’t Go Up Against Trucking Companies Alone

Let Brooklyn personal injury lawyers at WRSMH fight for you. Call (212) 986-7353 to learn more today.

Notable Truck Accident Cases

$6.5 Million: Man Hit by Waste Removal Truck

$6.2 Million: Vehicle Stuck by Truck at Intersection

$4.7 Million: Driver Struck by Box Truck at Intersection

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Reasons to See a Lawyer Right Away

Truck accident cases move quickly, and trucking companies often have legal teams working against you from day one. The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your case will be.

• Preserve critical evidence before it is lost or destroyed
• Identify all potentially liable parties beyond the truck driver
• Handle communications with insurance companies and investigators
• Avoid costly mistakes that could weaken your claim
• Initiate a proper investigation while facts are still fresh
• Meet important filing deadlines and statute of limitations

Our firm handles every phase of litigation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we take care of the legal battle.

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How Negligence Causes Truck Accidents

Negligence occurs when a person or company fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. In the context of a truck accident, negligence can apply to the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance crews, cargo loaders, or even the manufacturer of a defective truck part.

• Speeding: Truckers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines may exceed the speed limit. Large trucks need more time and distance to stop to avoid a crash, and speeding only increases that distance, along with the risk of a crash.
• Overloading: Semi-trucks are designed with specific weight limits. Overloading can increase wear on the brakes, cause tires to blow out, increase speed while traveling downhill, cause rollovers, and make it more difficult for the driver to control the rig.
• Negligent lane changes: Large trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. Truckers who fail to exercise the proper care to check blind spots before changing lanes can hit other vehicles in the process.
• Tire blowouts: When truck tires are not properly inspected and maintained, or when semi-trucks are overloaded, a tire can blow out, which can cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
• Fatigued driving: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service regulations limit truck drivers’ hours behind the wheel without rest to help prevent fatigued driving. Violation of these regulations can lead to driver fatigue and serious truck wrecks.
• Distracted driving: Truckers spend long hours on the road, day after day. They may be tempted to talk on the phone, send or read text messages, adjust the stereo, read, eat, drink, smoke, or engage in other forms of driver distraction.
• Brake failure: It takes a lot of friction to stop or slow an 80,000 pound 18-wheeler traveling downhill. When trucking companies fail to routinely inspect and service the brakes, or when truckers use the brakes improperly on a steep downgrade, truck brakes can fail, leading to a deadly crash.
• DUI: Operating a commercial truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous. Impaired truck drivers suffer from delayed reaction times and poor decision-making, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers at serious risk on Brooklyn streets.
• Unsafe Turns: Due to their wide turning radiuses, trucks require additional space to complete turns safely. When a driver makes a tight right turn without checking for pedestrians or smaller vehicles, or attempts an illegal wide left turn, the result can be a severe side-impact crash.
• Running Stop Signs and Red Lights: Intersections are among the most common locations for serious truck collisions. When truck drivers run red lights or fail to stop at clearly posted signs, they violate the rules of the road and create dangerous situations for everyone around them.
• Disobeying Traffic Laws: Speeding, failing to yield the right of way, and other traffic violations increase the risk of a devastating crash. Truck drivers must adhere to strict traffic rules, as the size and weight of their vehicles make collisions far more destructive.
• Illegal Lane Changes: Trucks have large blind spots that can easily obscure other vehicles. When a truck driver changes lanes without signaling or thoroughly checking these blind spots, they may sideswipe smaller vehicles or trigger rollover accidents that shut down entire roadways.

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What's the Legal Process for a Truck Accident Case?

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, understanding the legal process can help you feel more in control. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation: You meet with a lawyer to discuss your accident and legal options.
2. Investigation: Your legal team gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and black box data.
3. Claim Filing: A personal injury claim is filed against the responsible parties.
4. Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange information and evidence.
5. Negotiations: Your attorney works to secure a settlement that covers your full damages.
6. Trial (if necessary): If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we take the case to court and fight for you before a jury.

Hurt by a Commercial Truck?

Our Brooklyn truck accident lawyers are ready to help. Call (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation.

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Who Is Liable for Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, depending on the circumstances. We pursue compensation from all responsible sources.

Truck Drivers

The driver may be liable for speeding, fatigue, DUI, violating traffic laws, and other types of negligent behavior.

Drivers in Other Vehicles

In multi-vehicle crashes, another motorist may have contributed to the chain of events.

Trucking Companies

Carriers may be liable for failing to properly screen, train, or supervise their drivers, or for pressuring drivers to violate safety rules to meet deadlines. If the company failed to vet the driver's driving history or allowed an unqualified individual to operate a commercial vehicle, they may be liable for negligent hiring or lack of supervision.

Truck Loading Companies

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift in transit and cause a truck to overturn or jackknife. Loading companies can be held accountable for accidents caused by their negligence.

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How an Attorney Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and aggressive insurance adjusters. A skilled truck accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the cause of the accident thoroughly
• Obtain black box data and driver logs
• Identify all parties responsible for your injuries
• Consult with accident reconstruction experts
• Calculate the full value of your damages
• Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
• Take your case to trial if necessary

Our firm levels the playing field between injury victims and powerful trucking companies.

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Other Locations We Serve in New York

• Bronx
• Manhattan
• New York City
• Queens
• Staten Island

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Case Results

$1.8 Million Settlement - Two Clients Struck by Garbage Truck

Attorneys Cliff Shapiro and Noah Katz from Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, secured a $1,800,000 settlement a year before trial in a New York County case. Their successful argument for summary judgment refuted the defendant's claim that the plaintiff negligently pulled out of a parking spot. Evidence, including photographs, demonstrated the client had not started moving, and the injuries from the garbage truck accident—neck surgery for one client and shoulder surgery for the other—were proven to be directly caused by the incident. Despite claims of minimal vehicle damage and pre-existing conditions, medical records and physician opinions verified the injuries were solely due to the accident's impact, with the clients enduring pain even as they resumed work to support their families.

$1.5 Million Settlement for Motor Vehicle Accident

A 43-year-old woman was rear-ended by a New York City Department of Sanitation truck, resulting in severe injuries, including disc herniations, chronic pain syndrome, and a traumatic brain injury. Our client required significant medical treatment and experienced considerable physical and psychiatric impairments, necessitating vocational rehabilitation. With the support of specialists, she was shown to have past and future lost earnings. The case, handled by WRSMH attorneys Michael Fitzpatrick and Clifford Shapiro, concluded in a $1.5 million settlement before trial, following a summary judgment on liability.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

Honesty and a professional zeal unmatched by any attorney- Gary G (5-Star Google Review)

I suffered multiple injuries when a truck driver failed to obey a traffic stop sign on a local road here in Staten Island, NY, almost two years ago, and proceeded to strike my prized Mustang GT in a head-on collision destroying the car and sending me to the hospital. Shortly after starting my recovery, I received what turned out to be a life-changing recommendation to the injury law firm of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, here in NYC. My personal attorney, Konstantin Burshteyn, proceeded to represent me with both a refreshing honesty and a professional zeal unmatched by any attorney I've come to know or work with during my life experiences! His candor and ability to present all the pertinent information to me in terms which were easy to understand was greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend not only the firm of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, but Konstantin Burshteyn, in particular, to consider as your attorneys!

My children & I thank you for everything-Positive Mind77 (5-Star Google Review)

I would like to take this time to express my gratitude for my attorney, Victor Goldblum. I am a solo entrepreneur & depend on myself to support my 3 children. After being struck by a tractor-trailer, I endured spine surgery, shoulder surgery, nerve damage, years of pain injections, & severe back pain, which forced me to depend on others. I was so scared when I was unable to walk & move around like normal. Victor was by my side the whole process & took my worries away, genuinely caring for my wellbeing and recovery. Trucking companies are the WORST! They don't care who's life they destroy! Victor stayed on top of them & we are finally getting justice. My children & I thank you for everything, Victor.

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Talk to a Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we offer compassionate representation to truck accident victims and their families throughout Brooklyn and New York City.

Call us today at (212) 986-7353 to schedule your free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we win your case.

Let us help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward after a serious truck accident.

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Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Brooklyn?

Your safety comes first. Call 911, seek medical attention, and if possible, gather evidence like photos, witness names, and the truck's license plate. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies until you speak with a lawyer.

Who can be held responsible in a truck accident case?

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s owner, a maintenance contractor, a cargo loading company, or even another vehicle’s driver.

How is a truck accident case different from a car accident case?

Truck accidents are typically more complex due to the size of the vehicles, severity of injuries, and involvement of commercial entities with their own legal teams and insurance providers. They also require knowledge of federal trucking regulations.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under New York's comparative negligence law, you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your total recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New York?

Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If a government entity is involved, the deadline to file a notice of claim may be as short as 90 days.

What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, diminished earning capacity, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Can I sue the trucking company for the accident?

Yes, if the company hired an unqualified driver, failed to maintain the truck, violated safety rules, or contributed to the crash in any way, they can be held liable.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Truck accidents involving hazardous cargo can lead to additional injuries and liability. Special federal regulations apply, and these cases often involve multiple responsible parties and insurance carriers.

Do I need a lawyer to handle a truck accident claim?

Truck accident cases involve commercial insurance companies, complex regulations, and extensive evidence. A Brooklyn auto accident lawyer can protect your rights, handle negotiations, and fight for maximum compensation.

How much does it cost to hire WRSMH for a truck accident case?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement on your behalf.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Bryce Moses

Bryce Moses is a partner and senior trial attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he has built a reputation as a fierce and effective advocate for individuals seriously injured due to negligence. With more than 25 years of litigation experience, Bryce has successfully represented clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including construction accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian injuries, and workplace incidents.

Clifford H. Shapiro

Clifford H. Shapiro is a managing partner and seasoned trial attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he has been advocating for injured clients for nearly four decades. Cliff has handled virtually every type of serious injury case, including construction accidents, car and truck crashes, premises liability, and general negligence claims. His ability to leverage early and meaningful resolutions makes him a critical asset to both clients and the firm.

Philip Russotti

Philip Russotti is a senior partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and one of New York’s most respected civil trial attorneys. With decades of courtroom experience, Phil has built a career around preparing and trying complex, high-stakes personal injury cases, including those involving medical malpractice, product liability, construction accidents, automobile crashes, and civil rights violations.

Kenneth J. Halperin

Kenneth J. Halperin is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he leads the firm’s complex litigation and construction accident units. With a legal career spanning over 30 years, Ken has successfully represented countless injured New Yorkers in high-value personal injury cases, including construction site accidents, workplace injuries, motor vehicle collisions, and premises liability claims.

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Additional Information

• Truck Accident Reconstruction in Brooklyn