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 Selden, NY

Local Truck Crash Help

Truck Accident Guide

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Selden, the Ahearne Law Firm PLLC is available to discuss your situation with care and attention. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm focus on representing people injured in collisions involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers throughout Suffolk County and the Hudson Valley. From the moment you contact the office at (845) 986-2777, the team will gather details, explain next steps, and work to protect your rights while coordinating with medical providers and investigators to preserve evidence and document your injuries and losses.

Truck collisions often involve multiple parties, complex regulations and serious injuries, so early action helps preserve evidence and protect recovery options. The Ahearne Law Firm can help you understand potential causes, identify responsible parties including carriers and maintenance providers, and communicate with insurers on your behalf. We handle initial investigations, collect police and medical records, and advise on the timing for claims under New York law. Call the Selden office at (845) 986-2777 to schedule a no-cost initial review so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed after a crash.

Why Prompt Legal Action Helps

Taking prompt legal steps after a truck accident protects important evidence and preserves the strongest path to recovery. Early investigation can secure vehicle data recorders, maintenance logs and witness statements that disappear over time, and timely medical documentation connects treatment to the crash for insurance and claim purposes. Engaging legal representation early also improves the ability to communicate with insurers and adverse parties in a way that safeguards your interests. For people facing mounting medical bills, lost income and long recovery timelines, an organized approach from the outset can make a meaningful difference in resolving claims and obtaining fair compensation.

Our Firm and Attorney Background

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across the Hudson Valley and Long Island, with a focus on personal injury cases including truck accidents. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. leads the office in Selden and works with clients to evaluate liability, damages and recovery strategies. The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough investigation, clear communication and practical guidance tailored to each client’s medical, financial and legal needs. From preserving evidence at the scene to coordinating with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, the team aims to build a complete record to support claims while keeping clients informed at every stage.

Understanding Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident claims differ from typical vehicle collisions because commercial carriers, federal and state regulations, and complex maintenance and hiring records can affect responsibility. Establishing liability typically requires demonstrating that a driver or the trucking company failed to act with reasonable care, which may involve analysis of driver logs, drug and alcohol testing, maintenance histories and employer policies. The nature of cargo, vehicle inspections and industry practices may also be relevant. Investigators often consult accident reconstructionists and examine event data recorders, surveillance footage and cell phone records to trace what happened and who should be held accountable.

Damages in truck accident cases may include medical expenses, future care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity and compensation for pain and suffering. Properly documenting injuries and financial losses is essential to present a persuasive claim to insurers or a court. Because trucks are often owned or operated by companies, liability can extend beyond the driver to employers, maintenance shops and vehicle manufacturers. Understanding the potential defendants, applicable statutes and procedural deadlines in New York helps victims protect their rights and preserve the strongest possible case for recovery.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Negligence

Negligence refers to a failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably careful person would use under similar circumstances, and it is often the foundation for truck accident claims. To establish negligence, a claimant must show that the driver or another party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through action or inaction, and caused injuries and losses as a direct result. In the context of commercial trucking, negligence may involve speeding, fatigue from violating hours rules, improper maintenance, or unsafe loading practices that create hazardous conditions on the road.

Event Data Recorder

An event data recorder is a device in many modern commercial vehicles that stores technical information about a crash, including vehicle speed, brake application and throttle position just before an impact. This data can be crucial in reconstructing the sequence of events and clarifying whether the driver or vehicle behaved in a way that contributed to the collision. Attorneys and investigators may seek to preserve and analyze recorder data early, because carriers or manufacturers can overwrite, lose or refuse to produce these records if they are not secured promptly following an accident.

Liability

Liability is the legal responsibility for harm caused by negligence or other wrongful conduct, and in truck accidents it can extend to drivers, trucking companies, vehicle owners, maintenance providers and manufacturers. Determining liability requires tracing fault through records such as driver logs, hiring files, maintenance histories and dispatch communications to identify who had control or responsibility. Comparative fault rules in New York may also affect recovery, so an accurate assessment of liability and contribution from all parties is essential to determine potential compensation available to an injured person.

Hours-of-Service Rules

Hours-of-service rules limit the driving time for commercial drivers to reduce fatigue-related crashes and impose mandatory rest periods and recordkeeping requirements for carriers and drivers. Violations of these rules, including falsified logs or improper use of exceptions, can be important evidence establishing that fatigue or unsafe scheduling contributed to a crash. Investigators often obtain driver logbooks, electronic logging device records and carrier policies to test compliance with hours-of-service standards and to show how regulatory breaches may have played a role in causing the accident.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

Secure and preserve evidence as soon as possible by saving photos, contact information for witnesses and copies of the police report; vehicle damage, skid marks and scene photos are often lost if not recorded early. Take careful notes about what you remember, your symptoms and conversations with insurers or others at the scene so details remain fresh and can be used later in a claim. Prompt preservation helps investigators reconstruct the collision and supports a clearer record for negotiations or litigation.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Obtain medical attention immediately after a truck collision even if injuries are not obvious, because some conditions present later and early records strengthen the link between the crash and your injuries. Follow your treating provider’s recommendations, keep appointments and document all treatments, medications and diagnostic tests to build a consistent medical history. Medical documentation is central to demonstrating the nature and extent of your injuries to insurers or the court when pursuing compensation.

Keep Detailed Records of Losses

Maintain organized records of medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, lost wage statements and correspondence with insurers to accurately calculate your losses. Track appointments, travel related to treatment and any changes in daily activities that reflect the impact of injuries on your life. These records provide tangible support for financial and non-economic damages when building a claim for fair compensation.

Comparing Legal Approaches for Truck Accidents

When Full Representation Is Advisable:

Serious Injuries or Fatalities

Full representation is often needed when accident victims face serious injuries or a fatality because the medical, rehabilitation and long-term care needs can be substantial and ongoing, requiring careful planning for present and future damages. A comprehensive approach allows for detailed investigation into liability, preservation of perishable evidence like black box data and coordination with medical professionals to quantify long-term needs. When families or injured people need a thorough, sustained response to complex damages, the scope of work often extends beyond a brief settlement discussion to include careful evaluation and negotiation.

Complex Liability Chains

When multiple parties may share responsibility, such as the driver, carrier, maintenance provider or cargo loader, comprehensive representation helps identify and pursue all potentially liable entities to maximize recovery. Such cases often require review of hiring practices, maintenance records and carrier policies, as well as coordination with investigators and experts who can speak to industry standards. A coordinated approach ensures that claims are prepared with depth and that all available avenues for compensation are explored thoroughly.

When a Narrow Approach May Work:

Minor Injuries and Clear Fault

A more limited approach may be appropriate when injuries are minor, fault is clearly established and liability rests with a single at-fault driver whose insurer accepts responsibility quickly. In such cases, a focused negotiation to recover medical bills and modest lost wages can resolve matters without extended investigation. Even with minor claims, it is important to document injuries and expenses carefully so that any settlement reflects the total impact and does not overlook follow-up care or delayed symptoms.

Prompt Settlement Offers

When an insurer promptly accepts responsibility and offers a settlement that fully and fairly compensates for documented losses, a targeted resolution can be efficient and effective. However, evaluating whether an early offer truly covers future medical needs and related losses requires careful review of medical records and economic impacts. Accepting a quick payment without a full assessment can leave injured people responsible for later expenses that were not accounted for in the initial settlement.

Common Situations That Lead to Truck Claims

Runaway or Jackknife Collisions

Large commercial trucks can lose control due to improper loading, brake failure or sudden maneuvers, producing jackknife or runaway incidents with catastrophic damage and injuries. These collisions often involve multiple vehicles and require immediate investigation into maintenance records, cargo securing procedures and driver actions to determine responsibility.

Wide Turns and Blind Spot Crashes

Trucks making wide turns or changing lanes without adequate clearance can strike smaller vehicles in blind spots, producing severe side-impact injuries and complex liability questions. Investigating vehicle position, witness observations and any available video helps reconstruct the incident and identify whether the truck driver or carrier acted negligently.

Fatigue and Hours Violations

Driver fatigue resulting from hours-of-service violations is a common factor in serious truck crashes and may show up through falsified logs or inconsistent work records, which require thorough review. When fatigue is suspected, collecting electronic logs, dispatch records and employer policies can reveal systemic problems that contributed to the collision.

Selden Truck Accident Attorney

Why Hire Ahearne Law Firm for Truck Accidents

Ahearne Law Firm brings local knowledge of Suffolk County practice, familiarity with regional courts and practical experience handling serious motor vehicle and commercial vehicle claims. The firm prioritizes clear communication and practical planning so clients understand options, timelines and the types of evidence that matter most in truck accident matters. By coordinating medical documentation, accident investigation and insurer communications, the office aims to reduce the burden on injured people and their families while pursuing a fair resolution for medical expenses, lost income and other damages.

From the initial review through negotiation or litigation, clients can expect focused attention on case details like vehicle maintenance records, driver logs and event data recorder information that often determine outcomes in truck cases. The Selden office works to secure records promptly, interview witnesses and consult with technical professionals when needed to build a complete factual picture. Clear, timely updates and practical guidance about next steps help clients make informed decisions and preserve their options for recovery under New York law.

Call for a Consultation

People Also Search For

Selden truck accident lawyer

Suffolk County truck accident attorney

Hudson Valley truck accidents

truck collision claim Selden

commercial truck crash lawsuit

truck driver negligence New York

tractor-trailer accident attorney

truck accident injuries compensation

FAQS

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

Immediately after a truck collision, make safety your priority by moving to a safe location if possible, calling 911 for medical assistance, and reporting the crash to law enforcement so that an official report is generated. Gather and preserve evidence at the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road markings and visible injuries, and collect contact information for witnesses and the other driver, while being careful not to admit fault or provide statements that could be misinterpreted. Seek prompt medical evaluation even if symptoms seem minor, and follow all treatment recommendations to document your injuries. Notify your insurance company about the incident but consider consulting with the Selden office at (845) 986-2777 before providing recorded statements; early legal review helps protect your recovery options and ensures important evidence is preserved.

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

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, and failing to file within that period can bar recovery. There are exceptions and specific rules that may affect time limits when government entities or particular statutes are involved, so understanding the applicable deadline early is important for preserving legal rights. Because procedural requirements and exceptions can be complex, it is sensible to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible after a crash to confirm applicable deadlines and take timely action to preserve evidence, notify potential defendants and prepare any necessary claims within the required timeframe.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?

Liability in truck accidents can extend to the truck driver, the trucking company that employed the driver, the vehicle owner, maintenance or repair shops, cargo loaders and, in some cases, vehicle or part manufacturers. Identifying the proper defendants often requires reviewing contracts, insurance policies, maintenance records and hiring practices to determine who had control or responsibility for the truck’s operation and upkeep. Because multiple parties may share responsibility, a thorough investigation helps ensure that all potentially liable entities are identified and pursued. Establishing fault often involves gathering logs, employment and maintenance files, witness statements and technical data to build a complete picture of how the crash occurred.

How are damages calculated in a truck accident claim?

Damages in a truck accident claim typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage and compensation for pain and suffering. Calculating future needs often involves medical opinions, rehabilitation projections and assessments of how injuries affect a person’s ability to work and enjoy life, which requires careful documentation and sometimes input from vocational or medical professionals. Economic damages are supported by bills, pay records and receipts, while non-economic losses are evaluated based on the severity and impact of injuries. A detailed approach to documenting losses helps ensure any settlement or award reflects both present and anticipated future needs resulting from the collision.

Should I speak with the insurance adjuster?

Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after a crash seeking a recorded statement or written account of the accident, and while you should cooperate with your own insurer as required, it is wise to avoid giving detailed recorded statements to the at-fault carrier before consulting about how those statements may be used. Early communications can be used to minimize liability or to undermine injury claims if not handled carefully. If you are unsure how to respond, obtain legal advice so that communications with insurers protect your rights and accurately reflect the nature and extent of your injuries and losses. Legal guidance can help ensure that any settlement offers are evaluated against a clear view of present and future damages.

What if the truck driver was working for an interstate carrier?

When a truck driver works for an interstate carrier, federal regulations and commercial insurance structures often come into play, and additional parties such as the carrier or motor carrier’s insurance may bear responsibility. Interstate operations can introduce federal compliance records and electronic logging device data that are important to investigate when determining fault and regulatory violations. Timely collection of driver logs, maintenance records and company policies is essential in these situations because carriers may control key evidence. Early legal action helps secure relevant materials and identify all potential defendants involved in interstate operations that contributed to the accident.

Can I handle a truck accident claim on my own?

Handling a truck accident claim on your own is possible in limited circumstances, especially when injuries are minor, liability is clear and the at-fault insurer offers a prompt, fair settlement; however, truck cases often involve multiple parties and complex records that are difficult for a layperson to obtain and evaluate. Commercial carriers and their insurers have significant resources and experience managing claims, which can place an unrepresented person at a disadvantage when pursuing full compensation. Consulting with the Selden office early can help you understand the potential value of your claim, the evidence needed to support it and whether a more involved approach is warranted. Even an initial legal review can identify key documents and steps to strengthen a self-managed claim if you choose that route.

How long will it take to resolve my truck accident case?

The timeline to resolve a truck accident case varies widely depending on the complexity of injuries, the number of parties involved and whether liability is disputed. Simple claims with clear fault and minor injuries may resolve in a few months, while complex cases that require extensive medical treatment, multiple defendant discovery or expert analysis can take much longer, sometimes a year or more to reach resolution. Factors such as the need for future medical evaluations, the willingness of insurers to negotiate and court schedules influence timing. Maintaining communication with your legal team and following recommended documentation and treatment plans helps move the process forward efficiently while preserving your recovery options.

Will my truck accident case go to trial?

Many truck accident claims settle before trial through negotiation or alternative dispute methods, but some cases proceed to litigation when fair settlements cannot be reached or when liability and damages remain in dispute. Deciding whether to take a case to court depends on the strength of the evidence, the willingness of parties to negotiate and the goals of the injured person in pursuing full compensation for all losses. Preparing a case for trial often improves negotiating leverage, so even if a lawsuit is filed the parties can still reach a settlement. Your legal team can advise on when litigation is appropriate and prepare the case to seek the best possible outcome whether through settlement or trial.

How much will it cost to have Ahearne Law Firm handle my truck accident claim?

Ahearne Law Firm discusses fees and payment arrangements during the initial case review so clients understand potential costs before proceeding, and many personal injury matters are handled on a contingency basis where fees are collected only if recovery is obtained. This approach aligns the firm’s work with the client’s goals and helps make representation accessible to people facing medical bills and lost income after a crash. There may be out-of-pocket costs for investigations, expert consultations and filing fees, which are typically addressed between the client and the firm at the outset. Clear communication about expected costs and the fee structure is provided so clients can make informed choices about representation.

Personal Injury Services in Selden

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services