Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyers

Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Brooklyn: What You Need to Know

Tractor-trailer accidents frequently leave victims with life-threatening injuries, property damage, and lasting emotional trauma. Consider contacting a Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer at Brooklyn Injury Attorneys if you’ve recently been involved in a truck accident somewhere in Brooklyn.

Tractor-trailer accidents are notoriously fatal, with passengers in smaller vehicles often suffering the most severe outcomes. That is why those injured in a commercial truck accident should seek legal representation immediately. The Brooklyn truck accident attorneys understand the complex challenges these accidents bring—and they’re just a call away to help you.

TYPES OF BROOKLYN TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Traffic collisions can cause fatalities and devastating injuries in many ways, but some types are especially common with large trucks and 18-wheelers.
Here are common types of truck accidents that occur in Brooklyn and the surrounding NYC boroughs:

HEAD-ON CRASHES

Drivers impaired by fatigue, alcohol, drugs, or distractions may veer into oncoming traffic, resulting in a catastrophic head-on collision.
Such crashes between passenger vehicles and large trucks often lead to fatalities or permanently life-altering injuries.

ROLLOVERS

Rollovers occur when a truck driver loses control—especially when turning too sharply. Top-heavy trucks like garbage vehicles or cement mixers are prone to tipping over. These incidents can block traffic and strike nearby motorists.

JACK-KNIFES

A jack-knife occurs when the trailer swings out to a 90-degree angle to the cab, often caused by sudden braking or driver error. This dangerous event can block multiple lanes and cause secondary collisions with nearby vehicles.

LOAD SPILLING

If cargo is not properly secured, it can shift or spill during transit. In Brooklyn, this is especially dangerous on tight streets and expressways like the BQE or Flatbush Avenue. Tankers that leak fuel or chemicals pose additional health and environmental hazards.

REAR-END CRASHES

A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can take two football fields to come to a full stop. When distracted or speeding, truckers risk plowing into slower-moving traffic—causing devastating rear-end collisions.
Small cars can get wedged under trailers in “underride” crashes, which are often fatal.

WHAT CAUSES MOST TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN BROOKLYN?

Below are some of the leading causes of truck accidents that may justify a personal injury claim:

FATIGUED DRIVING

Truckers often drive overnight or for long hours to meet deadlines. Despite Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, fatigue still plays a major role in accidents due to sleep disorders, health conditions, or medication side effects.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Federal law prohibits truck drivers from using handheld phones, but distractions like eating, adjusting radios, or reacting to roadside activity still contribute to accidents.
In Brooklyn’s busy traffic, even a momentary distraction can be deadly.

POOR TRUCK MAINTENANCE

Brooklyn trucking companies and independent drivers are legally required to maintain their vehicles. Brake failure, worn tires, or steering problems can all lead to crashes when proper maintenance is ignored.

BLIND SPOTS

Large trucks have wide blind spots and often lack rear-view mirrors. Without proper mirror adjustments or technology, truckers may not see smaller vehicles nearby, especially in dense Brooklyn traffic.

DEFECTIVE TRUCK PARTS

Defects in brakes, tires, or steering components—whether from manufacturing or installation—can result in total vehicle failure. When this happens, truckers may lose control, causing devastating wrecks.

PRESERVING EVIDENCE AFTER A BROOKLYN TRUCK ACCIDENT

Because a single mistake by a truck driver can cost lives and millions in damages, trucking companies carefully monitor their vehicles and employees.

From GPS tracking to in-cabin cameras, much of this data can serve as critical evidence—but it can also disappear quickly if not secured.

A Brooklyn truck accident lawyer can issue a spoliation letter to preserve:

• Driving logs

• Maintenance records

• GPS and black box data

• In-cab footage from devices like Drive-Cam or eye-tracking sensors

This evidence helps establish whether the driver was distracted, fatigued, or violated traffic laws at the time of the crash.

BROOKLYN INJURY ATTORNEYS HELP TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS

A crash involving a semi-truck is rarely a minor event. Trucks can weigh 20–30 times more than the average passenger car, and they often leave victims with catastrophic injuries. However, it’s not just semis—garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, and construction trucks can all cause significant harm.

The experienced lawyers at Brooklyn Injury Attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of truck accident claims, including cases involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Amputations

• Burns and disfigurement

• Internal organ damage

• Broken bones

• Whiplash and soft tissue damage

• Permanent disability

WHAT COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT IN BROOKLYN?

Brooklyn truck accidents often result in serious harm and long-term losses. Each case is unique, but victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering – Emotional and physical trauma from the accident

• Medical expenses – ER visits, surgeries, therapy, prescriptions, and rehab

• Lost wages – Time off work during recovery or due to long-term disability

• Non-medical costs – Modifications to your home, transportation, or caregiving needs

• Punitive damages – In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence

The attorneys at Brooklyn Injury Attorneys can help evaluate the value of your case based on the unique facts and your specific injuries.

CONTACT A BROOKLYN TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Brooklyn—whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian—you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Don’t delay. The sooner you contact legal counsel, the better your chances of preserving evidence and securing your rights.
Reach out to the trusted team at Brooklyn Injury Attorneys today for a free, private, no-obligation case review.