Cheektowaga Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than other types of vehicle collisions due to the massive size and weight of tractor-trailers. The force involved can cause devastating, life-changing injuries. While there’s no easy road to recovery after such an accident, one thing you can count on is your right to pursue full and fair compensation. Your first step is contacting a skilled Cheektowaga truck accident lawyer who can advocate for your best interests from day one.

The Dangers of Large Trucks in Cheektowaga

As a suburb of Buffalo and a key route for commercial transport, Cheektowaga sees a high volume of truck traffic, especially along I-90 and Route 33. Many trucks travel through the area on their way to and from the Canadian border, putting local drivers at risk of serious collisions.

Truck drivers often operate under tight delivery schedules and demanding working conditions. Some may be undertrained or fatigued, while others feel pressure from trucking companies to cut corners. When that happens, safety can take a backseat to profits.

Common causes of truck accidents in Cheektowaga include:

• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Inexperience behind the wheel
• Distracted driving
• Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
• Poor vehicle maintenance

Trucking companies may also be at fault for failing to screen drivers, enforce safety protocols, or properly maintain their fleets.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

To recover compensation, you must prove that another party—often the truck driver or trucking company—was legally negligent. In many cases, the trucking company may be held responsible both for its own actions and those of its driver under the principle of vicarious liability.

Other liable parties may include:

• Freight brokers
• Vehicle maintenance providers
• Truck manufacturers
• Cargo loading contractors

To succeed in a truck accident claim, you must prove four key elements of negligence:

• The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty through careless or reckless behavior.
• You suffered an injury.
• Your injury was caused by their breach of duty.

You can pursue your claim through an insurance settlement or file a lawsuit in court. An experienced truck accident attorney will help you evaluate the best course of action based on your situation.

Why Your Truck Accident Case May Be Worth More

Truck accident claims often involve higher insurance policy limits than regular car crashes. Federal law requires most commercial trucking companies to carry at least $750,000 to $1,000,000 in liability coverage, and many carry more. If insurance isn’t enough, a lawsuit may allow you to pursue the company’s assets directly.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If a loved one tragically died in the crash, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Unique?

Truck accident litigation is more complex than typical personal injury cases for two reasons.

Potential for Higher Damages

Because these accidents often involve serious or fatal injuries, courts may award substantial damages. In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the trucking company’s conduct was especially reckless or grossly negligent.

Availability of Critical Evidence

Truck accident cases involve unique sources of evidence, including:

• Black box (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and driver actions
• Driver logs and rest records
• Maintenance records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage

This evidence can be time-sensitive. Your lawyer must act quickly to issue preservation letters and prevent the destruction of valuable information.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in New York?

New York’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your case involves a government-owned vehicle, you may have just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.

Don’t wait. These cases often require extensive investigation and preparation. A delay can put your claim and access to evidence at risk.

Why You Need a Cheektowaga Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucking companies and their insurers come to the table prepared, with teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Without legal representation, you could accept a settlement far below what your case is truly worth.

An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the accident.
• Preserve and gather key evidence.
• Calculate the full extent of your damages.
• Negotiate with insurance companies.
• Take your case to trial if needed.

At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, our legal team has over a century of combined experience handling complex injury cases. We understand how to hold trucking companies accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Cheektowaga Truck Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact the Cheektowaga truck accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys today. We are ready to fight for your right to compensation. Call us at 716-648-3030 or submit our online contact form to schedule a free case review. Located in Hamburg, New York, we proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.