A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Truck Accidents Lawyer in Hicksville

Hicksville Truck Injury Help

Your Truck Accident Guide

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck collision in Hicksville, you face a unique set of legal, medical and insurance challenges. This guide explains how truck accident claims typically proceed, what evidence matters most, and how local laws and federal trucking regulations can affect your case. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC handles personal injury matters in Nassau County and across New York, and this page is designed to give clear, practical information so you can make informed decisions, protect important legal rights, and take steps that may help preserve your ability to seek compensation after a serious crash.

Truck collisions often involve larger vehicles, multiple parties, and commercial insurance carriers that use investigators and adjusters to limit payouts. Understanding the early actions to take after a crash — such as reporting the incident, seeking medical care, obtaining witness information, and preserving evidence — can have a meaningful impact on future recovery efforts. This page outlines common causes of tractor-trailer collisions, the claims process in New York, typical damages victims can pursue, and practical tips for working with attorneys and investigators so you can focus on recovery while your legal options are evaluated and pursued.

Why Acting After a Truck Crash Matters

Prompt and informed action after a truck accident helps protect key evidence, supports medical documentation of injuries, and establishes timelines that may be essential under New York law. When vehicles, employers, and insurers are involved, early investigation preserves electronic data such as trucker logs and onboard event recorder information. Timely legal guidance can help identify liable parties, explain deadlines like the statute of limitations, and coordinate with medical providers to document the full scope of injuries. Those steps can strengthen a claim for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with a serious trucking collision.

About Ahearne Law Firm PLLC and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across the Hudson Valley with a focus on personal injury matters, including truck accidents in Nassau County and Hicksville. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm provide hands-on client service, performing thorough investigations, working with accident reconstruction professionals when needed, and communicating regularly with injured people and their families. The firm is based in the region, knows local courts and medical resources, and aims to help clients pursue fair compensation while navigating insurance systems. Call (845) 986-2777 to discuss your situation and learn how the firm approaches truck collision claims in New York.

Understanding Truck Accident Claims in New York

Truck accident claims can differ from typical car crash claims because commercial carriers, leased equipment, and federal safety regulations may be involved. Liability can rest with a driver, a trucking company, a vehicle owner, a freight broker, or a maintenance provider depending on who controlled the vehicle and whether proper safety protocols were followed. Investigations often focus on driver hours-of-service records, drug and alcohol testing results, maintenance logs, vehicle inspection reports, and the truck’s event data recorder. Knowing which documents to gather and which parties to notify early helps form a clear picture of responsibility and the appropriate legal strategy.

Damages in a truck accident claim typically include past and future medical costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. In fatal collisions, family members may pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses and loss of services. Insurance coverage can be substantial for commercial operators but the carriers will often conduct extensive investigations to limit exposure. A coordinated medical and legal response ensures injuries are documented, important tests and treatments are pursued, and bills and records are organized so a claim or lawsuit can be pursued with a clear accounting of economic and non-economic losses.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for the damages caused by a crash. In truck collisions, liability can be shared among multiple parties such as the driver, the trucking company, a vehicle owner, or a maintenance contractor. Establishing liability requires showing that a party had a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent or wrongful conduct, and caused injury or loss as a direct result. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, maintenance records, and electronic logs can help demonstrate these elements and connect the negligent actions to the claimant’s injuries and expenses.

Negligence

Negligence is the legal theory most commonly used to pursue compensation after a crash, and it involves a failure to act with the care a reasonably prudent person or company would use under similar circumstances. Examples include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or failure to follow federal trucking rules. To prove negligence, evidence must show what the responsible party did or failed to do, how that conduct departed from accepted standards, and how those actions directly caused the claimant’s injuries and financial losses after the collision.

Damages

Damages are the monetary losses a claimant seeks to recover for harms caused by a crash. Compensatory damages include medical bills, rehabilitative care, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. In certain cases there may be additional recoveries for property damage, long-term care needs, and loss of consortium. Accurately calculating damages requires medical records, wage documentation, expert opinions about future needs when appropriate, and careful accounting of both economic and non-economic harms resulting from the truck collision.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit and seek court-ordered relief for injuries sustained in a collision. In New York, personal injury claims typically must be filed within a limited time after the injury, and missing that deadline can prevent a court claim even if liability is clear. Because deadlines can vary depending on the type of claim and the parties involved, it is important to understand timing early and preserve rights. Taking timely steps such as notifying insurers, preserving evidence, and consulting with counsel helps avoid procedural obstacles to recovery.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

After a truck collision, preserving evidence is one of the most important steps you can take to support a future claim. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and any signage that may have contributed to the crash, and collect contact information from witnesses when possible. If you are unable to gather materials yourself, ask a trusted family member to help and retain any medical records, repair estimates, or communication with insurers for later review.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Seeking medical treatment promptly after a truck accident both protects your health and creates a documented record linking the collision to your injuries. Even if pain seems mild at first, follow-up evaluations may reveal conditions that worsen over time and require additional care. Keep copies of all medical records, test results, and provider invoices to help establish the nature and extent of injuries and to support claims for compensation.

Document Financial Losses

Carefully track all out-of-pocket costs related to the crash, including medical bills, prescription expenses, transportation to appointments, and lost wages. Maintain a journal describing symptoms, treatments, and how injuries affect daily life to illustrate non-economic impacts. A clear record of financial and personal losses strengthens a claim and helps make sure all recoverable damages are considered during settlement or litigation.

Comparison of Legal Options After a Truck Crash

When a Full Case Review Is Recommended:

Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who might share responsibility, such as the driver, employer, vehicle owner, manufacturer, or a maintenance provider. When several entities could be liable, comprehensive investigation helps sort through contracts, leases, insurance policies, and operational control to identify the appropriate defendants. A thorough review is also important to preserve evidence from different sources and coordinate medical documentation and witness statements that demonstrate how each party’s conduct contributed to the collision and the resulting damages.

Serious or Complex Injuries

Complex or long-term injuries increase the importance of a comprehensive legal approach because future care and lost earning potential must be assessed and documented. Detailed medical records, opinions from treating clinicians, and sometimes testimony from rehabilitation or vocational professionals can be necessary to establish future needs and costs. Carefully compiling these materials helps ensure that settlement negotiations or court presentations account for the full scope of current and prospective losses associated with the accident.

When a Limited Approach May Be Appropriate:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

If injuries are minor, treatment is short, and liability is obvious, a more limited legal approach focused on negotiating with the insurer may be appropriate. In those circumstances, gathering a concise medical record, documenting lost time from work, and presenting a clear demand may produce a prompt resolution without an extended investigation. Even with minor claims, keeping careful records and understanding insurance limits remains important to avoid unresolved issues later.

Low Medical Costs Relative to Time and Expense

When medical expenses and lost income are low relative to the anticipated costs of a prolonged dispute, claimants sometimes pursue a quicker settlement path focused on immediate reimbursement. In those cases, prompt documentation, clear billing statements, and a direct demand to the insurer can lead to a fair payment without extensive litigation. However, claimants should remain mindful of potential future medical developments and discuss risks and benefits before accepting a final settlement.

Common Circumstances That Lead to Truck Accidents

Driver Fatigue or Hours Violations

Long shifts and violations of federal hours-of-service rules can lead to driver fatigue and impaired judgment behind the wheel. Records that show hours worked and rest periods are often central to establishing whether fatigue contributed to a collision.

Improper Loading or Equipment Failure

Improperly secured cargo, overloaded trailers, or poor maintenance increase the risk of rollovers, jackknifes, and brake failures that cause serious crashes. Maintenance logs and inspection reports help determine whether vehicle condition or loading played a role in an accident.

Distracted or Reckless Driving

Distracted driving, including phone use, and reckless maneuvers by truck drivers can result in high-impact collisions given the size of commercial vehicles. Witness accounts, dashcam footage, and cell phone records may provide evidence of dangerous driving behaviors.

Truck Accident Legal Help in Hicksville

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Truck Collision Claims

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC handles personal injury matters for people injured in truck collisions throughout Nassau County and the Hudson Valley, focusing on careful investigation, clear communication, and practical advocacy. The firm assists clients with gathering evidence, working with medical providers, and navigating claims against commercial insurance carriers while explaining options at each stage. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team emphasize responsive client service, local court knowledge, and a results-oriented approach tailored to each person’s injuries and recovery needs. Call (845) 986-2777 to learn how the firm can help evaluate your case.

From the initial case assessment through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, the firm seeks to advance clients’ interests efficiently while preserving all available legal remedies. This includes coordinating with accident reconstruction specialists and medical providers when additional analysis is needed, keeping injured people informed, and pursuing fair compensation for medical care, lost wages, and related losses. The goal is to reduce the burdens on injured individuals and their families by handling complex procedural and evidentiary tasks so clients can focus on recovery.

Get a Free Case Review — Call Today

People Also Search For

Hicksville truck accident lawyer

truck collision attorney Nassau County

Hudson Valley truck accident claim

commercial truck crash Hicksville

tractor trailer accident attorney

truck wreck injury Hicksville NY

truck accident compensation New York

Ahearne Law Firm truck accidents

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Hicksville?

Immediately after a truck accident, prioritize safety and medical care: move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and obtain medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos of vehicles, injuries, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic controls. Collect contact information for other drivers, passengers, and witnesses, and request a police report. Preserve receipts, records, and any communications with insurers. After those immediate steps, contact a local personal injury attorney to discuss your options and preserve important evidence such as truck maintenance logs and driver records. Early legal review helps ensure that vital documents are preserved, that communications with insurance companies are handled appropriately, and that potential deadlines are identified so your ability to pursue compensation is protected.

Who can be held responsible for a truck collision?

Responsibility for a truck collision can rest with several parties depending on the facts of the case, including the truck driver, the trucking company that hired the driver, a vehicle owner, a maintenance contractor, or a manufacturer if a defect contributed. Leases and contractual arrangements sometimes complicate identification of the proper defendant, so careful review of vehicle ownership, employment relationships, and maintenance records is often necessary. Insurance carriers for commercial operators typically investigate liability and may assert defenses that shift blame. Gathering evidence such as driver logs, surveillance footage, inspection and repair records, and witness statements is important to demonstrate who was at fault and to support claims for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages sustained in the collision.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is generally limited, and failing to file within that period can forfeit your right to pursue a court claim. Different claims and circumstances may affect timing, and certain actions should be taken promptly to preserve evidence and legal options. It is important to consult with a local attorney quickly so applicable deadlines are identified and complied with. Discovery, negotiations, and possible litigation timelines vary with the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether expert analysis is needed. Early consultation helps ensure deadlines are met and that you understand the procedural steps required to pursue recovery for injuries and losses resulting from the truck accident.

Will I need an investigation after a truck crash?

Yes, investigations are often necessary after a truck crash because commercial operations produce records and evidence that are not present in typical car accidents. Important items to investigate include the truck’s event data recorder, driver logbooks, dispatch records, maintenance and inspection records, and any onboard camera footage. These sources can reveal critical details about speed, braking, hours of service, and maintenance history. An investigation may also involve interviewing witnesses, consulting accident reconstruction professionals, and coordinating with medical providers to document injuries. Securing and preserving evidence quickly is important because records can be altered, lost, or destroyed over time, and prompt action helps ensure a more complete factual record for negotiating with insurers or litigating in court.

What types of damages can I recover in a truck accident claim?

Victims of truck accidents may pursue compensation for a range of economic and non-economic harms. Economic damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and therapy costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress tied to the injury and recovery process. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct or where legal standards allow, additional remedies may be available depending on the circumstances. Detailed medical documentation and careful accounting of financial losses are key to accurately estimating damages and supporting a fair claim or settlement demand with insurers or in court.

How do commercial insurance policies differ from regular auto policies?

Commercial insurance policies differ from personal auto policies in coverage limits, policy terms, and the types of risks covered. Commercial carriers typically provide higher liability limits to reflect the potential for catastrophic losses in truck collisions, but they also have claims teams that frequently investigate and defend suits aggressively. Policy terms, exclusions, and who is covered under a commercial policy can be more complex and may require careful review to identify applicable coverages. Understanding commercial policy language, identifying all potentially liable insurers, and locating copies of relevant insurance agreements are important early steps in pursuing a claim. An organized approach to insurance issues helps ensure that responsible carriers are identified and that settlement discussions proceed with full knowledge of available coverage and limits.

What is the role of an event data recorder or black box?

Event data recorders, sometimes called black boxes, can store information about a truck’s speed, braking, steering, and engine performance in the moments before a crash. That data can be pivotal in reconstructing events, determining whether safety protocols were followed, and showing how the truck behaved prior to impact. Recovering and preserving recorder data promptly is important because devices may be overwritten or the equipment altered after a collision. When available, information from an event data recorder is combined with witness accounts, physical evidence, and other records to produce a clearer picture of causation. Early legal and technical review helps ensure that data is preserved and interpreted correctly, so it can be used effectively in settlement negotiations or court proceedings when appropriate.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New York follows a comparative fault system, which means that an injured person can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault, but any award may be reduced by the claimant’s percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury finds you 20 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced by that share. It remains important to document the full extent of your injuries and losses so the available compensation can be properly calculated. Even when partial fault is argued by insurers or other parties, evidence that clarifies the sequence of events, road conditions, and the truck driver’s conduct can reduce the percentage attributed to you. Working with an attorney early helps gather the documentation and testimony needed to contest unfair fault allocations and seek a fair adjustment of any allocation of blame.

How long does a typical truck accident claim take to resolve?

The time it takes to resolve a truck accident claim varies widely based on factors such as the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability issues, the number of parties involved, and whether expert opinions are necessary. Some claims with clear liability and limited injuries can be resolved in months, while more complex matters involving serious injuries, multiple defendants, or disputed liability can take a year or longer and sometimes require litigation. Settlement negotiations aim to reach fair compensation without the delays of a trial when possible, but the process involves medical treatment timelines, discovery, and sometimes court scheduling. Regular communication about case status and realistic timelines helps clients understand progress and make informed choices about settlement offers or pursuing a trial.

How much will it cost to have the firm review my case?

Initial case reviews are often provided without a fee so injured people can learn about their legal options and whether a viable claim exists. An early review focuses on the facts of the collision, injury documentation, and potential defendants, and explains applicable deadlines and next steps. If retained, fee arrangements for pursuing a personal injury claim are frequently structured so that legal fees are collected as a percentage of any recovery rather than as an upfront charge. Discussing fee arrangements and any potential costs for investigations or experts upfront helps ensure transparency. When counsel is engaged on a contingency basis, the firm typically advances case expenses and is reimbursed from any recovery, making legal representation accessible while aligning compensation with the outcome of the claim.

Personal Injury Services in Hicksville

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services