Buffalo Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Semi-Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident or other serious truck accidents in Buffalo, the experienced team at Faraci Lange, LLP is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of trucking accidents and understand the legal and logistical complexities these cases involve. From severe injuries to multi-party liability, we are prepared to guide you through every stage of your claim.

Many individuals seek guidance from a Buffalo personal injury lawyer after a crash to better understand their rights and options. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Contact us now by calling (888) 997-4110 to discuss your case with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Buffalo during a free, confidential, and no-obligation case evaluation. 

On This Page:

• Truck Accident Injuries
• Causes of Trucking Accidents
• Different Types of Truck Accidents
• Who Can Be Held Liable?
• Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Usually Go to Trial?
• How to File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Truck Accident
• Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
• Get a Free Consultation

Most Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents

Injuries sustained in trucking accidents tend to be more severe than those that result from the average car crash. The size and weight of large commercial trucks can cause significant damage when something goes wrong.

These injuries affect physical health and can lead to long periods of emotional and psychological distress. Truck accident victims often face extended recovery, ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation. Knowing how serious and lasting these injuries can be helps you seek appropriate compensation.

Common truck accident injuries include minor to severe:

• Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Head and brain injuries
• Internal injuries

In many cases, these injuries qualify as catastrophic injuries, requiring extensive treatment and significantly impacting quality of life.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents happen in several ways, similar to other motor vehicle accidents. However, since many parties are involved in commercial trucking operations, determining liability after a crash is usually more complex than ordinary car crashes.

For example, here are just a few common causes of trucking accidents in Buffalo:

• The trucker drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeds, or otherwise operates the vehicle in a reckless and dangerous manner.
• The trucker operates overtime because of pressure from the trucking company to meet deadlines, which can cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.
• The loading company fails to properly secure the cargo, leading to spills and rollovers.
• A component on the truck is defective, or the truck has not been properly maintained.
• Lack of driver training or experience.
• Driving on poorly designed or maintained roads.

These cases are often more involved than standard car accidents, requiring detailed investigation and legal experience.

Different Types of Truck Accidents

Negligence can cause several different truck accidents, many of which can be deadly:

• Jackknife Accidents - This occurs when a truck driver turns or stops suddenly, causing the tractor trailer to fold in half like a switchblade.
• Rollover Accidents - Although rollovers can involve passenger vehicles, they most often result in more severe outcomes with trucks. Trucks that roll over may land on top of other vehicles.
• Underride Accidents - When a semi-truck changes lanes without looking, brakes suddenly, or fails to brake in time, a smaller vehicle can become trapped underneath the trailer.
• Blind Spot Accidents - Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. These accidents often happen if the truck driver does not see other vehicles nearby.
• Lost Load Accidents - If cargo or even a trailer is not properly secured, it can break loose, striking other vehicles and causing multi-car crashes.

These crashes can be particularly devastating for others on the road, including victims involved in motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in New York?

Anyone injured in a truck, tractor trailer, big rig, or 18 wheeler crash in Buffalo should know the time window for bringing a claim. New York law (the statute of limitations) generally gives three years from the accident date to start an injury lawsuit. Claims involving government vehicles or public entities can have much shorter deadlines—sometimes as little as 90 days’ notice. If you wait too long, you may lose important rights. Evidence like electronic data, dash cams, and witness accounts are easier to collect right after a crash. For wrongful death claims, the window is usually two years from the date of passing. Our team guides clients through these deadlines so no opportunity is lost after a serious truck or semi accident in Western New York.

What To Do After a Buffalo Truck Accident

Knowing what to do in the hours and days after a crash can make a major difference in both your health and your legal options. After a collision with a tractor-trailer on routes like the New York State Thruway or I-190, getting prompt medical attention at a nearby hospital is the first priority, even if you feel only minor soreness. Once your immediate safety is addressed, try to preserve any evidence you can, such as photographs, contact information for witnesses, and the names of responding agencies, because this material may later support your claim.

In the days that follow, many people start receiving calls from insurance representatives for the trucking company, their own insurer, or other drivers involved. Before giving a detailed statement or signing any documents, consider speaking with a commercial truck accident attorney who can explain how these conversations may affect your rights. Gathering repair estimates, medical records, and documentation of missed work will also help create a clearer picture of your losses, and our team can coordinate these efforts while you focus on healing.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Trucking Accident?

The following individuals and entities may be held liable for a truck accident:

• Truck drivers
• Trucking companies
• Loading companies
• Truck manufacturing companies
• The truck’s owner(s)
• The cargo’s owner(s)
• Vendors providing services to the carrier
• A local government entity and/or contractors responsible for highway design or maintenance

Depending on what led to your crash and its aftermath, more than one of the above parties may be liable for your accident. By listening to the unique details of your case, we help you determine who is responsible and pursue full compensation.

Do Truck Accident Claims Usually Go to Trial?

Like most injury claims, truck injury cases rarely go to trial. In fact, most cases involving wrongful injuries end in settlements outside of court.

However, trucking companies often have defense attorneys ready to oppose claims. This makes these cases more likely to reach the courtroom compared to other accidents. Our legal team prepares to go to trial when needed and stands by clients throughout the courtroom process.

We prepare each case early for trial. This method lets us use every available avenue, whether negotiation or litigation. Trucking companies recognize the risks of jury trials in New York, which encourages many to offer fair settlements. If a claim proceeds to court, clients benefit from counsel familiar with trucking laws and a respected presence in Western New York courts.

Contact our Buffalo truck accident lawyer by calling (888) 997-4110 today!

Understanding the Long-Term Impacts of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can bring lasting consequences long after the initial injury. The effects often disrupt daily life for victims and their families.

Some of the long-term effects of truck accidents include:

• Chronic pain and disabilities: Truck accidents can cause severe injuries that lead to ongoing pain and disabilities. Victims may need continuing medical care, rehabilitation, and help with daily activities.
• Emotional trauma: The emotional aftermath of a truck accident can be severe. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues that impact daily life.
• Financial burden: The financial impact of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost income, property damage, and ongoing care add up quickly, creating stress for families.
• Disruption of daily life: Injured individuals may be unable to work, participate in favorite activities, or care for their own needs. This loss of independence often leads to frustration and isolation.

At Faraci Lange, LLP, our experienced Buffalo truck accident attorneys understand the long-term impacts of these accidents and are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation to help victims and their families rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim and learn how we can assist you.

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Trucking Accident

If you have lost a loved one in a truck crash, you or another close family member can file a wrongful death claim in New York on their behalf. This type of claim must start within two years of the date of death. Please reach out to us for more details.

Losing someone to a truck accident is devastating, especially if it happens near home in Buffalo or after severe weather. Families may seek compensation for funeral costs and lost financial support. By law, New York requires trucking companies to maintain insurance coverage for accidents involving fatalities. This insurance can affect the claim process. We support families by explaining these options and providing guidance during an overwhelming time.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation

Ready to get started on your personal injury claim? We look forward to helping you secure the just compensation you deserve so you can make the best possible recovery and move on from this ordeal.

You can also read our reviews to see how we have helped others recover after serious accidents.

Contact us by calling (888) 997-4110 now to learn more during your free consultation with our Buffalo truck accident lawyers. 

Truck Accident FAQs

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Immediately after a truck accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. If possible, move to a safe location and call emergency services. Gather evidence, such as photos of the scene, witness contact information, and truck and driver details. Keep records of your injuries and treatment, as these can be vital in any legal matter. Do not provide detailed statements to insurance adjusters or sign documents before consulting a legal professional. Protecting your rights starts with these steps.

How Is a Truck Accident Different from a Car Accident in Legal Terms?

Truck accident law differs from car accident cases because of the complexity of commercial operations and many layers of liability. Unlike typical crashes, truck accident claims may involve evaluating not just the driver’s behavior but also the responsibilities of trucking companies, manufacturers, and government entities. Complex state and federal regulations mean experienced legal support is critical. Our team knows how to approach these tough cases to protect your rights after a trucking accident.

What Compensation Can Be Pursued After a Truck Accident?

Victims of truck accidents may seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property loss. If a trucking company acted with gross negligence or recklessness, a court may allow punitive damages. Calculating damages accurately requires a clear picture of both current and future financial impacts. Working with a dedicated attorney at Faraci Lange, LLP helps ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available in your case.