Syracuse Truck Accident Attorneys

Syracuse, situated at the crossroads of major highways like I-81, I-690, and the New York State Thruway (I-90), experiences a significant volume of commercial truck traffic. These heavily traveled routes are crucial for transporting goods across the state and beyond, but they also contribute to a high risk of truck accidents. Busy areas such as the Destiny USA corridor, the intersections along Erie Boulevard, and the congested lanes of South Salina Street are common sites of serious truck crashes that cause catastrophic harm. Many truck accidents result from negligence and the people who carelessly cause such devastating collisions should be held accountable. If you suffered losses in a truck accident, it is wise to confer with an attorney about what claims you may be able to pursue. The dedicated Syracuse truck accident attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers possess the skills and resources needed to prevail in claims against negligent truck drivers and trucking companies, and if we represent you, we will help you seek the damages you deserve. We regularly represent truck accident victims in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York.

After a truck accident, obtaining a police accident report is a critical step in proving liability. In Syracuse, accident reports can be requested through the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, or the New York State DMV. These reports contain key details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as witness statements and the responding officer’s observations regarding the cause of the crash. In truck accident cases, the report may indicate whether the truck driver was cited for violations, such as reckless driving, speeding, or operating a vehicle under the influence.

A Syracuse truck accident attorney can help you secure this report and use it as part of a broader investigation into the accident. The trucking industry is governed by strict federal regulations, and violations of these rules often contribute to crashes. If the report suggests that the driver exceeded the legal hours-of-service limits, failed to maintain the vehicle properly, or was operating without the necessary qualifications, it could provide critical evidence for your claim. Without a police report, proving negligence becomes much more challenging.

Truck accidents are among the most serious collisions on the road due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. While an average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This massive weight difference means that even low-speed truck collisions can cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities.

Federal trucking regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) impose strict safety standards on commercial drivers and trucking companies. These rules govern everything from the number of hours a driver can spend on the road to the weight limits of cargo. Despite these regulations, violations are common. Many trucking companies push their drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, leading to driver fatigue and reckless driving behaviors. Others neglect routine maintenance, allowing mechanical failures to contribute to deadly crashes. If a Syracuse truck accident attorney can prove that a violation of federal regulations led to your accident, it can significantly strengthen your case.

One of the challenges in truck accident litigation is determining liability. Syracuse truck accident attorneys will conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties. This often involves reviewing the truck’s black box data, obtaining maintenance and driving logs, and consulting accident reconstruction experts.

While the truck driver may be responsible for the accident due to reckless driving, fatigue, or impairment, the trucking company itself may also bear liability. Employers can be held accountable if they fail to properly train drivers, allow unsafe trucks on the road, or pressure drivers to violate hours-of-service limits. In some cases, third parties such as maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or truck manufacturers may also be liable if equipment failures or improper loading contributed to the crash.

Regardless of who is ultimately responsible, carelessness is the root cause of most trucking accidents. As such, the majority of lawsuits arising out of such collisions will assert negligence claims against the defendants. To prove negligence under New York law, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant owed them a duty and that the defendant breached the duty owed. The duty in a trucking accident case may be to act with the care a reasonable person would use in a similar situation, or it may arise out of a regulation or law. The plaintiff also has to demonstrate that the defendant’s breach proximately caused the accident, which in turn caused them to suffer actual harm.

Victims of truck accidents in Syracuse may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries and financial losses. This includes economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and diminished future earning capacity. Given the severity of injuries often sustained in truck crashes, many victims require long-term medical care and ongoing treatment, which should be factored into any settlement or court award.

Non-economic damages are also available to compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For those who have suffered permanent disabilities, damages may also include compensation for the impact on their quality of life and ability to engage in everyday activities.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, you need strong legal representation to protect your rights. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Syracuse truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of cases involving commercial truck collisions, and if you engage our services, we will craft compelling arguments on your behalf. We have an office in Syracuse, and we represent clients throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us online or call 833-200-2000 today.