Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York
Our Fishkill personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating impact that truck accidents can have on individuals and families. These crashes are not like typical car accidents. When a tractor-trailer or other large commercial vehicle is involved, the injuries are often life-threatening, the property damage is significant, and the legal process can be more complex. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident anywhere in the Hudson Valley, understanding what causes these crashes is the first step toward holding the right parties accountable.
Truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal obligation to keep our roads safe. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Whether it’s due to driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or a violation of New York’s safety regulations, many truck crashes are entirely preventable. And when someone gets hurt because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, New York personal injury law allows for compensation. I want to walk you through the most common causes of these serious collisions and what you need to know if you’ve been affected.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common contributors to truck crashes. Truck drivers often operate under tight delivery schedules, and some feel pressured to drive longer than allowed by law. While federal Hours of Service rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require drivers to take mandatory rest breaks, these rules aren’t always followed.
In New York, if a truck driver causes a crash because they were too tired to drive safely, we may be able to prove negligence under basic principles of tort law and pursue a claim under New York’s personal injury statutes, including New York Consolidated Laws, Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 214, which sets the three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Distracted Driving
Distractions behind the wheel are dangerous in any vehicle, but they can be catastrophic when a fully loaded truck is involved. Texting, using GPS while driving, eating, or simply daydreaming can pull a driver’s attention away from the road. In some cases, the distraction comes from the trucking company itself, like when dispatchers demand constant updates from the driver.
Under New York law, distracted driving that results in injury or death can serve as strong evidence of negligence. In these cases, we work to collect phone records, data from the truck’s onboard systems, and eyewitness accounts to prove that the driver wasn’t paying attention when the crash occurred.
Improperly Loaded Or Overloaded Cargo
Improperly loaded cargo is another frequent cause of truck crashes. When a truck’s load is unbalanced or exceeds weight limits, it becomes harder to control and increases the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. In some cases, cargo can even fall off the truck, striking other vehicles and causing multiple-vehicle collisions.
Trucking companies are responsible for following both federal and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) regulations on cargo securement. When they cut corners, they put everyone on the road at risk. If the accident was caused by unsecured or overloaded cargo, we can often hold the trucking company—and possibly even third-party loaders—liable.
Truck Maintenance Failures
Trucks are complex machines that need routine maintenance. When brakes wear down, tires become bald, or steering components fail, even a skilled driver can’t prevent a crash. In many truck accident cases, we discover that the vehicle hadn’t been properly inspected or maintained as required by New York Transportation Law § 140, which includes inspection and maintenance rules for commercial vehicles.
When we investigate a case, we often obtain the truck’s maintenance logs and inspection records. If a trucking company allowed a vehicle with known mechanical issues on the road, that can form the basis for a strong claim of negligence.
Speeding And Aggressive Driving
Speeding is especially dangerous when the vehicle involved weighs up to 80,000 pounds. When a truck driver is in a rush or under pressure to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, they may take unnecessary risks—speeding, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. In some tragic cases, this behavior causes serious injuries or fatalities.
In New York, we can use police crash reports, traffic camera footage, and black box data from the truck to prove that excessive speed contributed to the accident. These aggressive driving behaviors violate basic road safety and can justify punitive damages in some extreme cases.
Inadequate Driver Training Or Licensing
Commercial drivers are required to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and receive appropriate training. Yet, we sometimes discover that drivers involved in accidents were underqualified or failed to complete proper training. The FMCSA and New York DMV both have strict rules regarding driver qualifications, and when companies fail to comply, they may be directly liable.
When investigating these cases, we look at driver qualification files, training records, and employment histories. If the company hires an unqualified driver or fails to train them adequately, they may be legally responsible for your injuries.
Dangerous Weather And Road Conditions
While drivers cannot control the weather, they are expected to adjust to it. Snow, ice, fog, or rain increase the chances of a crash, but professional drivers are trained to slow down or stop when conditions become dangerous. If a driver proceeds at full speed in bad weather, that may be considered reckless under New York law.
Road design or lack of maintenance can also play a role. In some cases, we investigate whether a municipality or contractor may share some responsibility if the road is unreasonably dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents In New York
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit In New York?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under CPLR § 214. However, if a government entity is involved—such as when the truck is owned by a state agency—you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e. The timing can be critical, so it’s important to act quickly.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411. That means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your damages will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
What Compensation Can I Recover In A Truck Accident Case?
If you were injured in a truck crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care. In cases involving serious or permanent injuries, those numbers can be substantial.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Truck Accident?
Depending on the facts, several parties may be liable. This could include the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, a maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of a faulty truck part. Our job is to identify every responsible party to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Accident?
Get medical attention right away—even if you feel okay. Then, if possible, take photos at the scene, get the names of any witnesses, and report the accident to law enforcement. Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters without legal representation. These cases move fast, and protecting your rights starts early.
Call Jonna Spilbor Law For Help With Your Truck Accident Case
At Jonna Spilbor Law, we know how traumatic a truck accident can be—and how quickly the trucking companies and their insurers try to protect themselves. We fight for the rights of injured clients across Dutchess County, Putnam County, and the entire Hudson Valley. When you call us, we’ll take the time to understand what happened, explain your rights, and guide you toward the best legal path forward.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, call the Jonna Spilbor Law office location that’s most convenient for you. To receive a free consultation, contact our Fishkill truck accident lawyers today by calling (845) 485-2529. Your consultation is completely free, and there’s no obligation. Let’s fight to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
