Truck Accident Attorney Westchester County, New York

A truck accident is a collision between a large commercial vehicle and another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. These crashes cause severe injuries because commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 times heavier than passenger cars. Victims of these accidents may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Jeffrey Weiskopf at Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. is a premier Westchester County Truck and 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney who has recovered over $20 million for injured clients.

In the midst of physical pain and emotional turmoil after a truck collision, you may ask: why hire our law firm?

The answer is straightforward: Jeffrey is a seasoned trial attorney with nearly 20 years of experience representing accident victims in New York’s state and federal courts. He is admitted to practice in the Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of New York and has secured multi-million dollar settlements in complex injury cases.

Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. has established itself as a trusted advocate for victims of catastrophic injuries involving commercial trucks and heavy vehicles. The firm’s notable case results include a recent $3.25 million and $1.25 million recovery.

Our 18 wheeler accident attorneys are easy to talk to and provide a free consultation and case evaluation to anyone seeking to explore their legal options. We can be reached at 914-315-0111. You can also contact us securely and quickly here.

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What Do Westchester County Truck Accident Attorneys Like Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. Do?

A truck accident attorney works by representing victims of collisions involving commercial vehicles against trucking companies, insurers, and negligent drivers. Their role includes investigating the crash, preserving electronic logging device (ELD) data, and negotiating settlements to secure fair compensation.

At Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., each case receives dedicated attention from an experienced litigator who also teaches at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. This combination of courtroom skill and legal scholarship means your case benefits from both practical trial experience and deep understanding of negligence law.

The firm handles truck accident cases with the same methodical approach that has produced consistent results for dozens of clients in the past few years across very serious traffic collision cases. Jeffrey’s background as a Senior Court Attorney in the New York County courts provides insight into how judges evaluate evidence and damages.

Have you or someone close to you experienced a devastating truck-related collision on I-87, I-95, or I-287? Reach out to Westchester County’s trusted injury law firm today. Your case may qualify for substantial compensation for damages and suffering.

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

New York’s statute of limitations gives you 3 years from the accident date for personal injury claims, but only 90 days to file a notice of claim if a government entity is involved.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

Nope! Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Direct all communications through your attorney.

What evidence disappears quickly after a truck accident?

Electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, and surveillance footage may be overwritten within days. An attorney can send a spoliation letter to preserve this evidence.

Do I Need an Attorney for Suing a Trucking Company?

You need an attorney if you’ve been hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck and want fair compensation. Truck accident cases are more complex than car accidents because multiple parties—the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and vehicle manufacturer—may share liability.

At Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., we understand the unique challenges of truck accident litigation in New York. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern hours of service, maintenance requirements, and drug testing—violations of these rules can establish negligence per se.

We handle cases involving big rigs, tractor-trailers, and delivery vehicles operated by companies like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and regional carriers serving the Hudson Valley. Our team investigates every angle, from driver fatigue violations to improper cargo loading, to identify all responsible parties.

New York’s pure comparative negligence rule means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. This makes it essential to have an attorney who can minimize your assigned fault while maximizing the defendant’s liability.

If you’re seeking a personal injury lawyer who combines trial experience with compassionate client service, please contact us today. We stand up for your rights and work diligently to secure the justice and financial support you deserve.

Common Questions on Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney:

Q: Can I sue a trucking company if I was partially at fault?

A: Yes—New York follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover damages even if 99% at fault, though your award will be reduced proportionally.

Q: What makes truck accident cases different from car accidents?

A: Truck cases involve federal FMCSA regulations, multiple liable parties, higher insurance limits ($750,000-$5 million), and more severe injuries requiring larger damage calculations.

Q: How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

A: Most truck accident attorneys, including Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How Can Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. Help?

Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. has extensive experience handling truck and tractor-trailer collisions and possesses the resources necessary to achieve favorable outcomes. Start with a free consultation to assess your case.

Our Ossining-based team will not settle for an amount that undervalues your claim. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which puts pressure on insurance companies to offer fair settlements.

Large commercial trucks can inflict catastrophic and life-altering damage in a traffic accident, resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death. If you were injured by an 18-wheeler on I-87, I-95, I-287, or I-684, you retain the legal right to pursue financial compensation.

Such claims require establishing negligence on the part of the trucking company or driver under New York law. Trucking companies go to great lengths to minimize or avoid liability when their drivers cause accidents—they employ rapid response teams, surveillance investigators, and defense attorneys within hours of a crash.

While filing a negligence claim may be your best path to compensation, securing the full amount you deserve requires a dedicated plaintiff’s attorney. A skilled lawyer safeguards your rights and advocates against all responsible parties, including trucking companies, drivers, cargo loaders, and their insurers.

If you are a victim of a serious truck accident and want to learn how much your case may be worth, contact us securely and quickly here, or call us at 914-315-0111.

Common Questions About Our Work

Q: How long does a truck accident case take to settle in New York?

A: Most cases settle within 12-24 months, though complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer. Cases that go to trial can extend to 2-3 years.

Q: Will my case go to court?

A: Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case for litigation. This trial-ready approach often produces better settlement offers.

Q: What documents should I bring to my free consultation?

A: Bring the police report, photos of the accident, medical records, insurance information, and any correspondence from the trucking company or their insurer.

We serve all of Westchester County including:

• White Plains
• Yonkers
• New Rochelle
• Mount Vernon
• Scarsdale
• Rye
• Tarrytown
• Ossining
• Peekskill
• Mamaroneck
• Port Chester
• Harrison
• Eastchester
• Greenburgh
• Mount Kisco
• Bedford
• Yorktown
• Cortlandt
• Somers
• North Castle
• Pelham
• Bronxville
• Larchmont
• Ardsley
• Dobbs Ferry
• Hastings-on-Hudson
• Irvington
• Sleepy Hollow
• Croton-on-Hudson
• Briarcliff Manor
• Pleasantville
• Chappaqua
• Armonk
• Katonah
• Lewisboro
• North Salem
• Pound Ridge

How Much Compensation Is Typically Available after a Truck vs Car or other 18 Wheeler Accident in NY?

There is no fixed or “average” settlement figure for trucking and 18-wheeler accident claims in Westchester County or New York State. Awards can range from $50,000 for minor injuries to $10+ million for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

Severe trucking accidents that cause permanent disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage typically secure the largest settlements. If the collision results in a fatality, the case becomes a wrongful death lawsuit, which may yield even greater damages under New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 5-4.1.

To determine how much your truck accident claim might be worth, seeking guidance from an experienced law firm is your best step. We evaluate both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life) to calculate full compensation.

Factors That Can Affect Your Compensation

The lack of a single “typical” settlement exists because every accident’s circumstances differ, making each outcome highly individualized. However, certain common factors help forecast the likely value of a trucking accident lawsuit.

These factors include the severity of injuries and their lasting impact, the extent of the truck driver’s negligence, the trucking company’s insurance coverage limits, wages lost due to the crash, and the quality of your legal representation. New York’s pure comparative negligence rule also affects your recovery if you share any fault for the accident.

Types of compensation you may recover:

• Medical Bills – for past, current, and future medical care related to your injuries
• Property Damage – for repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property
• Pain and Suffering – for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Lost Wages – for income lost while recovering or attending medical appointments
• Loss of Earning Capacity – for reduced ability to work and earn income in the future
• Loss of Consortium – for impact on family relationships and companionship
• Life-Care Costs – for long-term care needs including home modifications and assistance
• Punitive Damages – for reckless or intentional misconduct by the trucking company

Before accepting any offer from an insurance company, consult a plaintiff’s lawyer with documented success in truck accident cases. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts—having an experienced attorney ensures you receive fair compensation.

Common Truck Accident Settlement and Verdict Questions

Q: What is the average truck accident settlement in New York?

A: Settlements vary widely based on injury severity, but serious truck accidents typically settle between $100,000 and several million dollars. Cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death often exceed $1 million.

Q: Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

A: Yes, but New York’s seatbelt defense may reduce your damages by a percentage reflecting how the seatbelt would have reduced your injuries.

Q: How long after a truck accident can medical bills keep coming?

A: We calculate future medical expenses by working with medical experts who project your lifetime care needs. This ensures your settlement covers bills that arise years after the accident.

What Are Common Causes of Crashes Involving Tractor-Trailer Vehicles In Westchester County and throughout New York?

Driver fatigue is the leading cause, often resulting from hours-of-service violations. FMCSA data shows fatigued driving is a factor in approximately 13% of truck crashes. The other most common causes we see are:

• Distracted Driving
• Poor Maintenance
• Improper Cargo Loading
• Speeding & Aggressive Driving
• Impaired Driving
• Blind Spots & Wide Turns
• Weather Conditions
• GPS Navigation Failures

Are trucking companies responsible for their drivers’ actions?

Yes—under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

What are hours-of-service violations?

These occur when truck drivers exceed the federally mandated driving limits (11 hours driving, 14-hour duty window) or falsify their electronic logging device (ELD) records.

Common Injuries

Common truck vs. passenger car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Ranging from concussions to severe brain trauma requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Damage – Herniated discs, whiplash, vertebral fractures, or spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis.
• Bone Fractures – Multiple broken bones, including compound fractures requiring surgery and extended physical therapy.
• Internal Trauma – Organ damage and internal bleeding that may develop hours after the crash, requiring emergency surgery.
• Severe Lacerations and Burns – Deep cuts and chemical or thermal burns from debris, glass, and hazardous cargo, often resulting in permanent scarring.
• Psychological Impact – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other lasting emotional effects, which are compensable under New York law.
• Wrongful Death – In fatal cases, families may pursue justice through wrongful death claims under New York EPTL § 5-4.1.

In Westchester County, heavy truck traffic along I-87, I-95, I-287, and the Mario Cuomo Bridge increases these risks daily. If you’re involved in a crash, seek immediate medical care and consider professional legal guidance.

What is the serious injury threshold in New York?

To sue for pain and suffering outside no-fault insurance, you must prove a “serious injury” under Insurance Law § 5102(d)—including death, dismemberment, fracture, permanent limitation of use, or significant limitation preventing daily activities for 90 of 180 days.

Can I recover for PTSD after a truck accident?

Yes—psychological injuries like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are compensable as non-economic damages under New York personal injury law.

What if my injuries don’t show up until days after the accident?

Delayed-onset injuries are common. Medical records documenting your initial examination and subsequent symptom development help establish causation for your claim.

Types of Trucking-Related Cases We Handle:

Some of the most common commercial vehicles involved in accidents that lead to personal injury cases in Westchester County that our attorneys have taken notice of:

Tractor-Trailers (Big Rigs) – Long-haul carriers traveling I-87, I-95, and I-287 transporting freight from the Port of New York and regional distribution centers.

Box Trucks and Delivery Vehicles – Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and DHL vehicles making frequent deliveries throughout residential and commercial areas.

Dump Trucks – Construction vehicles hauling aggregate for development projects throughout the Hudson Valley. K&D Industries and similar contractors operate throughout the region.

Garbage and Recycling Trucks – Major fleets including C.R.P. Sanitation (60+ trucks) and Suburban Carting (55+ vehicles) operate daily routes throughout Westchester.

Heating Oil Tankers – Especially prevalent during winter months, these trucks serve the region’s many oil-heated homes. Companies like Skaggs-Walsh and Westmore Fuel operate large fleets.

Flatbed Trucks – Transport construction materials, steel, lumber, and oversized loads for commercial and residential development.

Cement Mixers – Extremely heavy vehicles with high centers of gravity serving construction sites throughout the county.

Tow Trucks – Roadside assistance vehicles frequently operating in hazardous traffic conditions along I-95 and I-287.

Moving Trucks – Various sizes from vans to full tractor-trailers, with peak activity June through August. Companies like Al’s Moving & Storage operate 30+ trucks locally.

Buses and Coaches – Metro-North feeder buses, Bee-Line transit, school buses, and charter coaches—though commercial buses cannot legally use the parkways.

Are Amazon delivery vans considered commercial vehicles?

Yes—Amazon delivery vehicles are commercial vehicles, and Amazon or its delivery service partners may be liable for accidents caused by their drivers.

Who is liable when a garbage truck causes an accident?

Liability may fall on the waste management company, the truck driver, or the municipality—depending on whether the truck was operated by a private company or government entity.

Can I sue a moving company if their truck hit me?

A: Yes—moving companies are liable for their drivers’ negligence under respondeat superior. Many moving companies also carry substantial insurance coverage.

Why Hire Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C.?

Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. stands out as an excellent choice for truck accident representation because of the firm’s proven track record against major insurance companies. The firm has recovered over $20 million for clients in personal injury cases including serious car and truck collisions, as well as vehicle-vs pedestrian accidents.

What is Jeffrey Weiskopf’s experience with truck accident cases?

Jeffrey has nearly 20 years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including multi-vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and cases involving commercial defendants with substantial insurance coverage.

Does Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. handle cases throughout Westchester County?

Yes—we represent clients throughout Westchester County, including White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and all towns and villages. We also handle cases in the Bronx, Manhattan, and surrounding counties.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront and owe no fees unless we recover compensation. We advance all investigation and litigation costs.

Contact Our Westchester Truck Accident Lawyers for Your Accident Claim

Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. has extensive experience and expertise in all types of trucking and serious roadway accidents. We have obtained substantial compensation for individuals injured on I-87, I-95, I-287, I-684, and throughout Westchester County.

If you are a victim of a serious truck accident and want to learn how much your case may be worth, contact us or call 914-315-0111 to speak with us today.