White Plains 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers
An accident involving an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer can be devastating. Unlike regular car crashes, commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, and even fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Victims of trucking accidents face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and significant emotional distress—all while dealing with aggressive insurance companies and trucking corporations that prioritize profits over justice. That’s where our experienced White Plains 18 wheeler accident lawyers step in.
At Marvin A. Cooper, P.C., we are committed to standing up for injured truck accident victims and their families. With over 60 years of legal experience, our firm has successfully represented clients in complex trucking accident cases across New York. We understand the intricacies of federal trucking laws, insurance tactics, and liability investigations, and we leverage our knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, contact Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. for a FREE consultation today. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Why Choose Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. for Your Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than passenger vehicle accidents because they involve:
- Federal trucking regulations that govern driver rest periods, cargo weight limits, and vehicle maintenance
- Multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, cargo loader, and even the government
- Commercial trucking insurance policies with high limits, meaning insurance companies will aggressively fight claims
- Unique accident evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and truck maintenance records
When you hire Marvin A. Cooper, P.C., you get a legal team that is experienced in handling the challenges of truck accident litigation. We provide:
Extensive Legal Experience in Truck Accident Claims
We have decades of experience representing victims of 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck crashes, and big rig collisions. Our legal team has successfully negotiated settlements and won verdicts in cases against trucking companies, corporate insurers, and negligent drivers.
Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Advocacy
Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to settle for far less than what victims deserve. We fight aggressively during negotiations and, if necessary, take cases to trial to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
Unlike standard car accidents, trucking accidents require in-depth investigations. Our firm secures black box data, driver logs, police reports, accident reconstruction analysis, and expert testimony to build a strong case for our clients.
Personalized Legal Representation
We provide one-on-one attention to every client, ensuring that you are kept informed throughout the entire process. Unlike larger firms, we prioritize client relationships and offer personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique case.
No Fees Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we secure compensation for you.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Trucking accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to driver negligence, mechanical failures, or unsafe road conditions. Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial in determining liability and seeking compensation.
Driver Negligence
Many semi-truck crashes are caused by reckless or careless driving behaviors, including:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers are often overworked and may exceed the federally mandated Hours of Service (HOS) limits, leading to drowsy driving.
- Distracted driving – Using a cell phone, adjusting a GPS, eating, or engaging in other distractions can take a driver’s attention off the road.
- Speeding or reckless driving – Semi-trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Speeding can lead to rear-end crashes or rollovers.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drug impairment significantly increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
- Failure to yield or improper lane changes – Large trucks have blind spots where smaller vehicles may not be visible. Improper lane changes can lead to devastating crashes.
Trucking Company Negligence
Truck companies can be held liable for accidents when they fail to follow safety regulations, including:
- Negligent hiring – Employing unqualified or untrained drivers who lack the necessary skills to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
- Forcing drivers to meet unreasonable delivery schedules – Some companies pressure drivers to speed or violate rest requirements, increasing accident risks.
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance – Poorly maintained brakes, steering systems, or tires can lead to mechanical failures and crashes.
Equipment and Mechanical Failures
Defective truck components, such as faulty brakes or defective tires, can cause a truck to lose control. In these cases, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held responsible.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and missing traffic signs can contribute to serious truck crashes. In some cases, government agencies may be held liable for failing to maintain safe roadway conditions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Trucking Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident is not always straightforward. Unlike typical car crashes, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, including:
Truck Driver
A truck driver may be held liable if they were:
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Driving while distracted or fatigued
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Trucking Company
Trucking companies may be held responsible for:
- Negligent hiring and training of drivers
- Forcing drivers to exceed safe driving hours
- Failing to maintain vehicles properly
Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
If the accident was caused by defective brakes, tires, or steering systems, the manufacturer or maintenance company may be liable.
Cargo Loading Company
If an improperly loaded truck caused a rollover or jackknife accident, the company responsible for loading the cargo could be held accountable.
Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable for their negligence.
Common Injuries Sustained in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries due to the massive force of impact. Many victims require long-term medical care, extensive rehabilitation, or suffer permanent disabilities.
Serious & Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Concussions, brain swelling, and skull fractures can cause permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
- Severe Burns – Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can lead to third-degree burns and permanent disfigurement.
- Broken Bones & Fractures – The impact of a semi-truck collision often causes multiple fractures, requiring surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage – The force of impact can lead to life-threatening internal injuries, including damage to the liver, spleen, and lungs.
- Amputations – In some cases, severe crush injuries result in the loss of limbs.
- Whiplash & Neck Injuries – Even low-speed truck collisions can cause serious neck, back, and soft tissue damage.
- Wrongful Death – Unfortunately, some truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and facing significant financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, you deserve full compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
How to File a Truck Accident Claim
Filing a truck accident claim can be a complicated process, as it often involves multiple insurance companies, federal regulations, and legal hurdles. To ensure you get the maximum compensation possible, it’s important to take the right steps when filing your claim.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine after a truck accident, some serious injuries (such as internal bleeding or concussions) may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical care creates a medical record of your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
Step 2: Report the Accident
You should always call 911 and file a police report after a trucking accident. This document serves as official evidence for your claim.
Step 3: Gather Evidence from the Scene
If possible, document the accident by:
- Taking photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions
- Collecting contact information from witnesses
- Writing down license plate numbers, trucking company names, and DOT numbers
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Before speaking to an insurance company, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in trucking accidents. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you may not receive the compensation you deserve.
Step 5: File an Insurance Claim & Demand Maximum Compensation
Your attorney will file a claim on your behalf, ensuring that you pursue all available damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death compensation (if applicable)
Step 6: Negotiate or Litigate
Many trucking accident claims settle out of court, but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to trial.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents are often entitled to significant compensation for their losses, including:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term medical treatments.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
- Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one was killed in a trucking accident, families can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of your truck accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the impact of the accident on your daily life. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death often result in higher settlements or verdicts. Additionally, if the trucking company or driver was grossly negligent, punitive damages may also be available. Every case is unique, and a consultation with our experienced White Plains 18 wheeler accident lawyers can help determine a more precise estimate of your claim’s worth.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Liability in a truck accident can extend beyond just the truck driver. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, and even government agencies responsible for road maintenance can be held accountable. If a trucking company failed to train its drivers properly, neglected truck maintenance, or pressured drivers to violate safety regulations, they could be liable for damages. If a defective truck part caused the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider could be responsible. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine all responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years from the date of death. However, certain factors, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines. It is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all legal deadlines are met and to preserve important evidence.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, your priority should be seeking medical attention, even if you do not feel injured right away. Call 911 and request a police report, as it will serve as an official record of the accident. If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Gather contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and any other involved parties. Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance representatives before consulting with a lawyer, as they may try to minimize or deny your claim.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
It is not advisable to accept an insurance settlement offer without consulting our experienced White Plains 18 wheeler accident lawyers. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that do not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, and long-term expenses. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if future medical complications arise. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you need a law firm that understands trucking laws and will fight to protect your rights. Contact Marvin A. Cooper, P.C.’s White Plains 18 wheeler accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
