Hurt by a Truck in Hudson Valley? We Fight for You
If you were injured in a truck crash anywhere in the Hudson Valley, our New York personal injury team can help investigate, preserve critical evidence, navigate No-Fault rules, and pursue compensation. Questions now? Contact us for a free consultation.
Why truck crashes are different in New York
Truck cases often involve multiple parties (driver, motor carrier, broker, shipper, maintenance contractors) and specialized evidence. Federal motor carrier safety rules, such as the Hours-of-Service and ELD requirements (49 CFR Part 395) and inspection/maintenance obligations (49 CFR Part 396), can be central. New York law may also impute a driver’s negligence to the vehicle’s owner in certain circumstances (VTL § 388).
Common causes we investigate
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service issues
- Improper loading or cargo securement
- Speeding or following too closely on I-84, I-87, Route 9, the Thruway, and local corridors
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Poor maintenance, brake or tire failures
- Unsafe turns, wide-right turns, and blind-spot lane changes
- Weather-related negligence and inadequate training
What to do after a Hudson Valley truck crash
- Call 911 and get medical care
- Photograph vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries if it is safe
- Gather names of witnesses and responding agencies
- Avoid detailed statements to insurers before speaking with counsel
- Preserve all medical records, bills, and repair estimates
- Consult a New York attorney to send preservation letters and begin an investigation
Pro tips to strengthen your New York truck claim
- Save and back up photos and videos to multiple locations.
- Keep a daily pain and recovery journal; it helps document non-economic damages.
- Do not authorize blanket medical releases for insurers without legal advice.
- Have your vehicle inspected before repairs to capture crush profiles and black box data.
- Forward any carrier or broker contacts to your attorney to avoid inadvertent admissions.
Compensation you may be entitled to
Depending on the facts, recoverable damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings and diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation, home or vehicle modifications, and pain and suffering. In tragic cases, eligible family members may pursue wrongful death damages (EPTL § 5-4.1). New York’s comparative negligence rule may reduce—but does not automatically bar—recovery if multiple parties share fault (CPLR § 1411).
Insurance and No-Fault in New York
New York’s No-Fault system provides basic economic benefits after most motor vehicle crashes (Insurance Law § 5102). If you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by statute, you may be able to pursue a bodily injury claim against at-fault parties (§ 5102(d); § 5104). Trucking insurance programs may include higher limits and layered coverage, such as motor carrier liability and excess/umbrella policies, which can affect claim strategy.
Key evidence in truck cases
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data and hours-of-service records (motor carriers generally must retain records of duty status and supporting documents for six months; see 49 CFR Part 395)
- Driver qualification and training files
- Vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance records
- Dashcam or outward-facing camera footage
- Event data recorder/telematics downloads
- Bills of lading, dispatch notes, and load securement documents
- Post-crash drug and alcohol testing records
- 911 recordings and police crash reports
Evidence can be lost through routine overwriting or disposal. Once litigation is reasonably anticipated, parties must preserve relevant evidence; courts can impose sanctions for spoliation (Pegasus Aviation I (2015)).
Who can be liable
Potentially responsible parties may include the driver, the motor carrier (e.g., under respondeat superior), the vehicle owner (VTL § 388), shippers/loaders, maintenance contractors, and, where applicable, product manufacturers. Identifying all sources of fault and coverage helps protect your recovery.
How we build your case
- Rapid preservation letters to carriers and third parties
- Site inspections and crash reconstruction with qualified experts
- Targeted requests for ELD, telematics, and maintenance data
- Safety compliance analysis under federal and New York law
- Coordination with your medical providers to document injuries and future care
- Negotiation with insurers and, when necessary, litigation
Serving the Hudson Valley
We represent clients across Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Columbia, Greene, and nearby counties. Whether your crash happened on the Thruway, the Taconic, I-84, Route 17, or a local road, we are familiar with venues, insurers, and defense tactics common to regional truck cases.
Act promptly to protect your rights
Deadlines vary. Many New York personal injury claims have a three-year limitation (CPLR § 214(5)), wrongful death claims are generally two years (EPTL § 5-4.1), and some claims against public entities require a notice of claim within 90 days (GML § 50-e). Specific facts can shorten or extend these periods. Early legal guidance helps ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Claim checklist
- Obtain the police report and incident number.
- Collect names, phone numbers, and insurers for all drivers and carriers.
- Secure photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Request and save all medical visit summaries and bills.
- List missed workdays and gather proof of income.
- Preserve damaged property, including child seats and helmets, for inspection.
- Provide your attorney with your insurance policy and declarations page.
FAQ
What if I am partly at fault?
New York uses comparative negligence, so your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault but is not automatically barred (CPLR § 1411).
Do No-Fault benefits stop me from suing?
No. If you meet the serious injury threshold, you may bring a bodily injury claim against at-fault parties despite receiving No-Fault benefits (§ 5102(d); § 5104).
How soon should I contact a lawyer?
Immediately. Critical evidence like ELD data and camera footage can be overwritten in days or weeks. Early preservation demands can protect your case (49 CFR Part 395).
Who can be held responsible besides the driver?
Depending on the facts: the motor carrier, vehicle owner, shippers or loaders, maintenance contractors, and in some cases product manufacturers, based on negligence or statutory liability (including VTL § 388).
Ready to talk? Get clear guidance today. Schedule your free consultation.