Syracuse Truck Accident Lawyer

FREE Case Evaluation

Truck accidents can shatter your life in an instant. Roads in Syracuse see heavy truck traffic every day, and unfortunately, they are also common locations for serious trucking accidents. These highways are vital for transportation but can be dangerous, especially for smaller passenger vehicles sharing the road with massive commercial trucks.

If you've been injured in a truck accident, we understand the shock, pain, and uncertainty you may be feeling. The legal team at William Mattar, P.C. focuses on helping people like you recover physically, emotionally, and financially after devastating accidents. A Syracuse truck accident lawyer from our law firm can work to ensure your rights are protected and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to discuss your case and legal options.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Table of contents

Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Syracuse Truck Accident Claim?

At William Mattar, P.C. motor vehicle accident cases are not just one of our practice areas—they're our primary focus. We have dedicated our legal practice to helping injury victims after motor vehicle accidents, including incidents involving large commercial trucks. Truck accident cases can often be more complex than other motor vehicle collisions, requiring specific legal knowledge and experience. Our attorneys have successfully handled these cases, helping clients secure maximum compensation.

We know how overwhelming and stressful this time can be, and we aim to alleviate that burden. From initial consultations to final resolutions, our team is here for you, guiding you along the way. You can rely on us to pursue maximum results in your case.

When you choose William Mattar, P.C. you’re not just another case. You’re a person with a story, a family, and hopes for the future. We will take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and build a clear path forward. Contact us today, and together we’ll fight for the compensation you need to move on with your life.

Why Are Commercial Trucks Dangerous?

Each year in the United States, commercial truck accidents result in needless fatalities. 

Commercial trucks, also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, are vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—about 20 to 30 times the weight of other vehicles on the road. This substantial size difference alone poses a significant risk to motorists in smaller vehicles as well as:

  • Blind spots make it difficult for commercial truck drivers to see smaller vehicles.
  • Trucks require a longer distance to come to a safe stop when the truck driver perceives a hazard. This stopping distance can dramatically increase on wet or icy roads or when the truck driver has the vehicle traveling at higher speeds.
  • Trucks’ high ground clearance can lead to underride accidents, in which smaller vehicles become trapped underneath them.
  • Commercial trucks have a high center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers when drivers attempt emergency maneuvers or take sharp turns at excessive speeds. Improper trailer loading can exacerbate this risk.
  • Due to their length, trucks must make wide turns, requiring drivers to swing into other travel lanes. Inattentive truck drivers or other road users who are unaware of the truck's need for extra space during turns can increase the risk of commercial truck accidents.

Given these inherent dangers, truck drivers and other motorists must exercise extreme caution when sharing the road with commercial vehicles. If not, the chances of truck accidents automatically increase.

Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?

One of the most common questions we hear from truck accident victims is, “Do I have a case?” The answer lies in the concept of negligence, which serves as the foundation for most personal injury claims, including those involving truck accidents. Negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm or injury. To successfully prove negligence in a truck accident case, at least four critical elements must be established:

  1. Duty of Care – Truck drivers, trucking companies, and other related parties have a duty to act reasonably on the roadway. For example, drivers must obey traffic laws and trucking companies must abide by federal safety regulations.
  2. Breach of Duty – A breach happens when the responsible party fails to meet the duty of care. This could include reckless or distracted driving, overloading a truck, or ignoring regular maintenance among other acts or omissions.
  3. Causation – It must be shown that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. For example, if an overloaded truck caused a tire blowout that led to a collision, negligence may be established.
  4. Damages – Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered measurable harm from the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress.

If all elements of negligence can be proven in your case, you may have grounds to pursue financial compensation. A skilled Syracuse truck accident lawyer can analyze your accident, determine whether negligence was involved, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Syracuse Truck Accident?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, and liability may not be limited to the truck driver alone. Here’s a closer look at the various entities that could be held accountable in your truck accident case:

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers bear significant responsibility for operating their vehicles safely. If they act negligently—such as by driving while fatigued, speeding, or texting behind the wheel—they may be held responsible for accidents that occur. Their actions on the road directly impact the safety of everyone around them.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies play a critical role in ensuring safety. Several major companies like FedEx Freight, UPS, and Old Dominion frequently operate in and around Syracuse, moving goods along major thoroughfares. These companies may be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers or other factors, such as poor vehicle maintenance, improper hiring practices, or failure to comply with federal regulations.

Cargo Loaders

Truck accidents are sometimes caused by improper or unbalanced cargo loads. Cargo loaders, or the companies responsible for loading freight onto trucks, must follow strict guidelines when securing items. A poorly distributed or unsecured load can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control or the cargo to spill onto the roadway, leading to serious accidents. When this happens, the cargo-loading company may be held accountable for their negligence.

Commercial Truck Manufacturers

Truck and truck part manufacturers are also essential to consider in the chain of responsibility. Major manufacturers, including companies like Freightliner, Volvo, and Peterbilt, supply the industry with vehicles and equipment. Their products are expected to meet high safety standards. However, if a defect in a truck or one of its components—such as brakes, tires, or steering systems—contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability law.

Defective truck parts can turn a routine drive into a life-threatening event, making it crucial to investigate whether faulty equipment played a role in your accident.

Federal Regulations Designed to Promote Safety

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict regulations to ensure the safety of trucks and all who share the road. These regulations aim to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by commercial vehicles. Below are some examples of FMCSA rules that truck drivers, trucking companies, and cargo loaders must follow:

  • Hours-of-Service Rules – Drivers are limited in how many hours they can operate a truck without rest to reduce fatigue-related crashes.
  • Weight Limits – Trucks must comply with maximum weight restrictions to avoid accidents caused by overloaded or unstable vehicles.
  • Vehicle Maintenance Requirements – Trucks must be inspected regularly to ensure they are safe to operate, including brakes, tires, and lights.
  • Cargo Securement Standards – Cargo must be loaded and secured properly to prevent it from shifting or falling during transport.
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing – Drivers must pass regular drug and alcohol tests to remain qualified to operate large commercial vehicles.

When truck drivers, trucking companies, or cargo loaders violate these federal regulations, the risk of accidents increases dramatically. Crucially, evidence of such violations can strengthen your truck accident claim and may demonstrate negligence, helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can investigate your case thoroughly to uncover any regulatory breaches that contributed to your crash.

Our Lawyers Stand Up to Big Companies and Corporations

The days and weeks after a truck accident can feel overwhelming, especially when the responsible parties include trucking companies, cargo loaders, or manufacturers. These large corporations have deep pockets and extensive legal teams whose primary job is to limit liability, minimize settlements, and protect their reputations. They will use every resource at their disposal to deny or reduce compensation for accident victims like you, leaving you to cover the costs of injuries and repair.

To level the playing field, you need a dedicated advocate who knows how to take on these corporations and fight for your rights. At William Mattar Law Offices, our experienced lawyers understand the strategies used by these companies and their insurers after a Syracuse crash. We’re prepared to stand up for you, providing the strong, determined representation needed to hold them accountable for their negligence. You shouldn’t have to face this battle alone—our team will be with you every step of the way.

Compensation Available to Syracuse Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents can result in life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to seek compensation for a variety of damages, including but not limited to:

  • Medical Expenses – Covers emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future medical needs.
  • Lost Wages – If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
  • Property Damage – Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle.
  • Wrongful Death Claims – If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, your family may be eligible for compensation, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

Some of these damages may be recovered through no-fault insurance instead of the insurance company for the at-fault motorist. Calculating fair and adequate compensation can be complex, especially when large insurance companies are involved. Our compassionate lawyers will work to help ensure that the insurance company for the at-fault motorist pays damages so you can focus on healing while we focus on your case.

Syracuse Truck Accident Claim FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about truck accident claims in Syracuse:

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

New York law generally gives victims three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the case involves wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years from the date of your loved one’s passing. Every case is unique. Some cases have even shorter deadlines or notice of claim deadlines that can be as short as a few months. Filing promptly is crucial, as waiting too long could result in losing your right to compensation. It is critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

What happens if I’m partly to blame for a truck accident?

New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you are partly at fault. However, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. An experienced lawyer can explain how this comparative fault rule can impact your case. 

How much does it cost to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer?

At William Mattar Law Offices, like most personal injury lawyers, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. We only get paid attorney’s fees if we win your case, recovering compensation on your behalf, in which case the law firm takes a percentage of the settlement or trial award. Our goal is to make high-quality legal representation accessible to all truck accident victims.

What types of evidence are important in a truck accident case?

Evidence in a truck accident claim can include police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, photographs of the crash scene, and any available surveillance footage. An attorney can work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to gather and analyze this evidence.

Contact Our Trusted Accident Lawyers Today after a Syracuse Crash

The personal injury lawyers at William Mattar, P.C. have a proven record of helping truck accident victims rebuild their lives after devastating crashes. With our focused experience and compassionate approach, we offer the following to support you:

  • Conducting thorough investigations to determine liability and uncover evidence.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies to fight for fair settlements.
  • Representing you in court if a trial becomes necessary.
  • Advocating for full compensation, including pain and suffering.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek the help you deserve. Contact William Mattar Law Offices today at (716) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free consultation after a Syracuse truck accident. 

FREE CASE EVALUATION