Garden City Truck Accident Lawyer

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Legally Reviewed by:

Sameer Chopra
Sameer Chopra, managing partner and personal injury attorney at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP in Garden City, NY

Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. 

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community.  Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated:   April 23, 2024

Victims of truck accidents often face an uphill battle against trucking companies and insurers eager to deny compensation for expensive medical bills, lost time at work, pain, suffering, and more. Our skilled Garden City truck accident lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino are ready to fight back. Schedule your free consultation today and learn how we can help you pursue justice, accountability, and compensation.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, our Garden City truck accident lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino are ready to go to bat for you. We have the skills and experience needed to build a strong case on your behalf, handle settlement negotiations, or take your case to court if necessary. Our team will stand by your side every step of the way, offering compassionate support and comprehensive legal guidance throughout the process.

As real New Yorkers, we are proud to be the exclusive personal injury law firm of the New York Mets. Whether at the settlement negotiation table or before a judge and jury, you can count on our skilled truck accident attorneys to bring their A-game each and every time. Unlike other law firms, our no-nonsense team will not back down—even in the most complex cases against the most combative defendants.  

If you were injured in a Garden City truck accident, do not wait to take legal action. Call 855-692-4878 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today. 

Why Chopra & Nocerino Is the Right Choice for Your Truck Accident Case

Experience matters when it comes to truck accident lawsuits. You need a Garden City truck accident attorney who understands the complex laws and regulations involved in these cases, as well as how to handle unscrupulous insurance adjusters eager to deny your claim. 

At Chopra & Nocerino, we have over 20 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law and helping truck accident victims seek justice. Our deep legal knowledge and aggressive approach separate us from the rest.

Most importantly, our Garden City truck accident lawyers deliver results. Our top-tier legal team has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We have also been recognized by numerous professional organizations and publications for the high quality of our services. Our awards and accolades include:

  • Sameer Chopra, Super Lawyer (2022)
  • Alex Nocerino, Super Lawyer (2022)
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star
  • Top Lawyer, Top 100 Registry (2023)
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Top 10 under 40, National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys

Remember, because we offer free consultations, there is no downside to having one of our seasoned truck accident attorneys review your case. We are here to make sure you know your full legal rights and options. 

What Clients Have to Say About Working With Chopra & Nocerino

Our firm believes in the high quality of our services, but you do not have to take our word for it. Nothing speaks louder than the glowing reviews we receive from our many satisfied clients.  

“Chopra & Nocerino LLP is a hallmark of a law firm; they are the best! They prioritize my needs and my concerns. They maintained open and transparent communication with me, and they are experts in their field. Their staff are really nice, respectful, and incredible. I love their client-centered approach, and I highly recommend them to anyone”

– Gem L.

“Thank you so much for all the support and attention spent on my case! You guys are awesome. You did everything to help me with my accident case, and I am truly grateful for all your kindness and smartness on this deal. Glad with the result and all the attention I received! Recommended 100%.”

– Juliette M. 

“My experience with the law firm Chopra & Nocerino was one of the best experiences I had. The staff is very professional and helpful.”

– Tedesha P. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Garden City Truck Accident?

Determining fault and calculating damages is crucial in any truck accident claim. This requires thoroughly investigating the crash, gathering all available evidence, and connecting the dots to prove the at-fault party’s liability for your injuries and losses.

Our experienced Garden City personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of the laws governing truck accidents in New York. You can count on them to leave no stone unturned as they figure out the best way forward in your case. Parties who can be held liable for truck accidents include:

  • Truck Driver – If the truck driver caused your accident through negligence or a violation of traffic laws, they may be liable for compensating you and other injured parties. 
  • Trucking Company – The company that employs the truck driver can be held liable, especially if the accident was caused by issues like inadequate training, failure to follow safety regulations, or pushing drivers to work beyond the legal hours-of-service regulations.
  • Truck Owner – If the truck owner is not the trucking company, they can be held liable for inadequate maintenance or failure to comply with safety standards.
  • Cargo Loaders – If improper loading practices like overloading or failing to safely secure cargo contributed to the accident, loading companies can be held liable.
  • Truck Manufacturers or Parts Manufacturers – If the accident was caused by a defective truck or a defective part of the truck, the manufacturer or distributor can be held liable.
  • Maintenance Companies – If poor maintenance caused the accident, the company responsible for maintaining the truck might be liable.
  • Other Drivers – Sometimes, other drivers on the road contribute to truck accidents and may be held partially or fully liable.
  • Government Entities – In cases where road conditions or faulty traffic control devices contribute to the accident, government entities responsible for road maintenance and design might be liable.

Determining liability in truck accidents can be complex and requires thorough investigation. It is common for multiple parties to share the responsibility, requiring a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who can push back against defendants when they attempt to shift blame. Our accident lawyers in Garden City will strive to make sure all responsible parties in your case are held accountable. 

Compensation Available if You Were Injured in a Truck Accident in Garden City

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Garden City, you may be entitled to significant legal compensation. Compensatory damages in these cases include economic and non-economic losses. 

Economic damages cover financial losses resulting from the accident and are generally straightforward to quantify. They normally include things like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. By contrast, non-economic damages cover the more subjective impact of the accident on your life. Though less tangible, these damages can still make up a significant portion of your compensation.

After a truck accident in Garden City, your economic and non-economic damages may include:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages and lowered earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Amputation or permanent disfigurement
  • Psychological distress
  • Wrongful death 

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may also qualify for punitive damages. Though rarer, courts award punitive damages as punishment for extremely reckless or otherwise reprehensible conduct on the part of defendants. 

At Chopra & Nocerino, we work tirelessly to maximize the compensation our clients receive. We will conduct a thorough, independent investigation to calculate the full and fair compensation you are owed. Schedule your free consultation to learn what your truck accident case may be worth.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Commercial Truck Accident Injury Claim in Garden City?

The New York statute of limitations limits how long you have to take legal action after a truck accident. Injury victims generally have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. Subject to very limited exceptions, if you file your lawsuit after the filing deadline passes, your case will be dismissed in court.
It’s crucial to speak with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to make sure you file before the correct deadline passes. Failure to file on time will destroy your right to seek compensation in court, as well as your bargaining power in out-of-court settlement negotiations. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Garden City

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 494,00 traffic crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2021. About 110,000 collisions involved truck accident injuries, and 5,149 resulted in fatalities. Common causes of truck accidents include:

SPEEDING

Semi-trucks are much heavier than cars and most other vehicles, which means they take more time to slow down or stop. When truck drivers speed, they may not have enough time to avoid a collision.

Distracted driving

If a truck driver texts, answers a phone call, eats, or otherwise takes their attention off the road while driving, it can lead to a crash.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s response time, vision, and judgment, raising the risk of a catastrophic collision.

Fatigued driving

If a driver operates a truck for too long, they could become fatigued, causing them to drift into other lanes or even fall asleep behind the wheel.

NEGLIGENT CARGO LOADING

When cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift while the truck is in motion. Unbalanced cargo can fall off the truck or cause it to swerve dangerously.

POOR ROAD CONDITIONS OR VISIBILITY

Poor weather, missing signage, potholes, overgrown trees, and other road hazards can contribute to truck accidents.

VEHICLE OR EQUIPMENT FAILURE

Defective parts and worn-out equipment cause accidents when they malfunction

Remember, even if you share some fault for the cause of your truck accident, New York law allows you to claim compensation. However, the amount you can receive will be reduced proportionally to your degree of responsibility. Our truck accident attorneys are here to make sure that the at-fault party does not unfairly try to pin the blame on you. 

Trucking Laws and Regulations That May Impact Your Claim

There are numerous state and federal regulations in place governing the trucking industry. They are meant to protect trucker drivers and other road users alike. Some of the most important regulations include:

Infographic on Trucking Laws and Regulations

1. Hours of Service

Hours of service limits restrict how long truckers are allowed to drive without taking a break. According to the FMCSA, when a trucker is hauling freight, they can drive a maximum of 11 hours after a 10-hour consecutive break. They are allowed to extend the 11-hour maximum driving limit by up to 2 hours when they encounter adverse driving conditions. All truck drivers must take a 30-minute break for every eight hours of cumulative driving.

2. Insurance Coverage Requirements

Federal law also requires truck drivers to carry minimum levels of liability insurance. Because large commercial trucks present a heightened risk to other road users, these minimums are much higher than that required for most other drivers. Depending on the cargo they carry, these insurance policies can be worth millions of dollars. 

3. Size and Weight Limits

Because trucks pose a heightened risk to other drivers when they are over-loaded, or the weight of their cargo is not distributed evenly, truck drivers must also comply with federal size and weight restrictions. For example, Federal limits are 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pounds on a single axle, and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group.

4. New York Trucking Laws

Trucking laws in the state of New York generally align with federal regulations. However, there are some differences. For example, New York requires truck drivers to complete an additional training course before obtaining their commercial driver’s license. New York’s hours-of-service limits also differ slightly from federal limits.

When truckers and trucking companies cause accidents by not following federal or state laws, victims have strong grounds to sue for compensation. Our Garden City truck accident attorneys are ready to hold them accountable.

How to Get Started on Your Trucking Accident Claim

At Chopra & Nocerino, our team swings for the fences. We are real New Yorkers who proudly fight for the full and fair compensation our clients deserve. Our truck accident lawyers in Garden City, NY are ready to walk you through the legal claims process to ensure you understand your legal rights and options.

Time is of the essence, and you should not wait to take legal action. Call 855-692-4878 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with a skilled Garden City truck accident lawyer today. 

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