Truck accidents are devastating. They can shatter lives in moments, causing severe injuries and unimaginable stress. Here in Rochester, trucks are a vital part of the economy, moving goods along major roadways such as Interstate 490, Route 31, and the New York State Thruway (I-90). These routes, heavily trafficked by commercial trucks, are unfortunately some common areas where truck accidents occur.
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. That's where William Mattar, P.C. can step in. With decades of experience helping accident victims, our team focuses on obtaining maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation if you are looking for a truck accident lawyer after a Rochester crash.
Table of contents
- Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Rochester Truck Accident Claim
- Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?
- Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident
- Our Lawyers Stand Up to Big Companies and Corporations
- Compensation Available in a Rochester, New York Truck Accident Case
- Rochester Truck Accident Claims FAQs
- Contact Our Trusted Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Rochester Truck Accident Claim
When you've been injured in a truck accident, picking the right legal team is a crucial step toward recovery. At William Mattar, P.C. we focus on motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents, which means we have both the experience and resources to handle your case with care.
Our seasoned Truck Accident Lawyers understand how trucking accident cases can differ from typical car accident claims after a Rochester crash. Collisions involving commercial trucks often require detailed investigations, extensive evidence gathering, and negotiation with large trucking companies or their insurance providers. With over 30 years of experience and a reputation built on results, our firm stands ready to take on the complexities of your case.
Once retained, we will be committed to you. We know how challenging the aftermath of a truck accident can be, and can work tirelessly to ease your burden. From the moment you contact our office, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step. Available 24/7, our team can listen to your needs, answer your questions, and focus on pursuing the compensation you need to rebuild your life. With a proven history of results across New York State, including Rochester, you can trust William Mattar, P.C. to fight for you.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may wonder whether you have a case. For most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, negligence forms the basis of legal action. At its core, negligence refers to the failure of a party to act with reasonable care, leading to harm to another.
To prove negligence, you must demonstrate four key elements after a Rochester crash:
- Duty of Care – The defendant owed you a legal duty of care. For example, truck drivers must follow traffic laws and drive responsibly to ensure the safety of others.
- Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to uphold that duty of care. This could mean a truck driver speeding, a trucking company scheduling unsafe driving hours, or a cargo loader improperly securing freight.
- Causation – The breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This requires proving that the defendant’s actions or inactions led to the truck accident and your resulting harm.
- Damages – You suffered measurable damages as a result of the accident. These may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.
If all four of these elements are present, you could have a strong truck accident case. However, every situation is unique, and it can be challenging to analyze the specifics on your own. That’s where we can help. At William Mattar, P.C. our team is experienced in evaluating truck accident cases and guiding victims through the claims process.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident
Truck accident claims are often more complex than other motor vehicle accidents because multiple parties may be involved. Liability can extend beyond the truck driver to other entities, such as trucking companies, cargo loaders, or truck manufacturers. With the help of a skilled Rochester truck accident attorney, you can identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable for your injuries.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following all traffic laws. If a truck driver behaves negligently—for instance, by speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to check blind spots—they may be held liable for an accident. Driver fatigue, a common issue in the trucking industry, can also result in serious crashes. At William Mattar, P.C. we thoroughly investigate each case to determine whether a truck driver’s actions contributed to your accident.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can also bear responsibility for accidents. These companies are required to properly maintain their fleets, enforce safe driving practices, and comply with federal regulations. Unfortunately, some fail to meet these standards. For instance, they may pressure drivers to exceed federally mandated hours of service limits or neglect routine maintenance of their vehicles.
Rochester’s roadways regularly see trucks from prominent companies. If negligence on the part of a trucking company played a role in your accident, our legal team will work to hold them accountable.
Cargo Loaders
Many truck accidents involve improperly loaded or secured cargo. If cargo shifts during transit, it can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to rollover accidents or spilled freight on the roadway. Companies responsible for loading trucks have a duty to ensure proper weight distribution and securement, but sometimes corners are cut in the rush to meet delivery deadlines.
Our legal team investigates whether any cargo-loading errors contributed to your accident. If we find negligence in this area, we’ll fight to include the responsible parties in your claim.
Commercial Truck Manufacturers
Defective trucks or components can also play a significant role in accidents. Manufacturers that fail to produce safe vehicles or parts may be held liable under product liability law. Components like brake systems, tires, or steering mechanisms must meet strict quality standards to prevent catastrophic failures.
Major manufacturers produce many of the commercial vehicles on the road today. If a mechanical defect led to your accident, our team will examine the vehicle’s history and pursue claims against the manufacturer.
Our Lawyers Stand Up to Big Companies and Corporations
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you might already know how intimidating it can feel to go up against large trucking companies, cargo loaders, or truck manufacturers. These corporations often have substantial resources and teams of lawyers whose main goal is to limit their liability in truck accident cases. Their strategies often revolve around minimizing payouts to accident victims or denying fault altogether, leaving you to face mounting medical bills, lost income, and other hardships on your own.
At William Mattar, P.C. we believe that no accident victim should be taken advantage of by deep-pocketed companies that put profits before people. To level the playing field, you need an attorney who knows how to stand strong against these powerful corporations. With decades of experience, our legal team understands their tactics and is prepared to fight on your behalf. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, ensuring that your voice is heard and your recovery is prioritized.
Federal Regulations Designed to Promote Safety
The trucking industry is subject to strict safety standards outlined in federal regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are in place to help prevent accidents and save lives. Some of the key FMCSA regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate to prevent fatigue, with mandatory rest breaks.
- Weight Limits: Enforce maximum allowable weights for trucks to ensure safe handling and reduce roadway hazards.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Require commercial drivers to pass pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol tests.
- Inspection and Maintenance Requirements: Mandate regular inspections and maintenance to keep trucks in safe working order.
When truck drivers, trucking companies, or cargo loaders violate these regulations, it can lead to tragic accidents. Proving violations in your truck accident case can strengthen your claim and demonstrate negligence. Our experienced lawyers dig deep to uncover any regulatory violations that may have contributed to your accident, giving you the best chance of holding the responsible parties accountable.
Compensation Available in a Rochester, New York Truck Accident Case
A serious truck accident can leave you dealing with overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional consequences. At William Mattar, P.C. we work to recover compensation that can help ease the burdens you face. Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future costs related to treating your injuries, such as surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Income: The income you have lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one due to a truck accident, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. This includes compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional toll of losing a family member.
Our team fights aggressively to maximize the compensation you’re owed, helping you and your family move forward from the trauma of a truck accident.
Rochester Truck Accident Claims FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about truck accident claims in Rochester, New York:
What is the statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Rochester?
In New York State, accident victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the victim’s death. However, certain circumstances might shorten these deadlines - for example, when a public entity is involved. Every case is unique. It’s crucial to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I’m partly to blame for the truck accident?
Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation under New York’s comparative negligence law. Your recovery amount may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Our attorneys will work to minimize your share of fault and maximize your compensation.
How much does an experienced truck accident lawyer cost?
At William Mattar, P.C. we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or legal fees unless we win your case. If we secure compensation for you, we’ll take a percentage of the recovery. With this "No Fee Until We Win" policy, you can afford the help you deserve.
What evidence is important in a truck accident case?
Important evidence may include the police report, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, electronic logging device (ELD) records for the truck, maintenance logs, and truck inspection reports. At William Mattar, P.C. our team investigates thoroughly to uncover the evidence necessary to support your claim.
Contact Our Trusted Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers Today
The experienced legal team at William Mattar, P.C. understands how life-changing a truck accident can be. Our compassionate team is here to provide the support, guidance, and advocacy you need during this difficult time. With decades of experience and a focus on motor vehicle accidents, we can help you build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Conducting thorough investigations to determine liability.
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
- Providing personalized, compassionate legal support every step of the way.
Don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Contact us today at (585) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney after a Rochester crash. We’re here for you 24/7, ready to help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.