Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents pose a severe risk of catastrophic injuries and fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller passenger vehicles devastating. According to the National Safety Council, 5,837 large trucks nationwide were involved in fatal crashes in 2022—a staggering 49% increase over the past decade. These accidents may result in life-altering consequences such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.

When you entrust your case to NYC truck accident attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff “The Bull,” you are in the hands of a fighter. His relentless advocacy for the injured victims has led to some of the highest settlements and verdicts in New York State. With over 150 years of combined litigation experience at his firm and formidable record of over half a billion dollars recovered in damages, “The Bull” is the lawyer you need in your corner.

Mr. Lamonsoff is a distinguished member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an accomplishment insurance companies and trucking corporations recognize. Recognizing this track record, they are generally more willing to settle fairly with our clients rather than risk facing a jury before a well-prepared and determined trial powerhouse.

Injured in a commercial truck accident? Do not wait. Contact us immediately!

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Michael S. Lamonsoff, a truck accident lawyer in NYC, pictured with a gold bull statue and his hands planted on a desk

Why “The Bull” is the only choice for your commercial truck accident lawsuit in New York

Michael Lamonsoff, attorney, owner, and founder of the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff in New York, is known as “the bull” to his clients because of his relentless fight to win them the highest awards possible.

Michael S. Lamonsoff earned his bullish nickname due to his merciless representation of injured victims against large corporations and insurance companies. With decades of handling motor vehicle accidents of all kinds, our office has represented some of the most high-profile commercial truck accident cases in New York.

Our New York City truck accident lawyers are prepared to take whatever aggressive, relentless, and highly focused action is necessary in order to obtain the highest possible compensation for you. If you are the victim of a commercial truck accident, you need an attorney who is prepared to take your case all the way to trial. Call us today to schedule a free case analysis.

Member of:

Board of Directors of NY State Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
NY County Lawyers Association

Educated at:

University of Arizona
Benjamin N. Cordozo School of Law
Double post-masters degrees in psychology at Columbia University

Awards:

6X Super Lawyers Panel
Million Dollar and Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Common Types of Truck Accidents in New York

Truck accidents may occur in various forms, each with the potential for devastating consequences.

Jackknife Accidents – Occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle, often leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
Rollover Accidents – A truck can tip over due to excessive speed, improper cargo loading, or sharp turns, crushing nearby vehicles.
Rear-End Collisions – Due to their weight and stopping distance, trucks can slam into smaller vehicles, causing severe injuries.

Underride Accidents – When a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.
Blind Spot Accidents – Large trucks have significant blind spots, making lane changes and merges extremely dangerous.
Tire Blowouts – Sudden tire failures can cause a truck to veer uncontrollably, leading to serious accidents.
Lost Load Accidents – Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the road, endangering other motorists.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New York

Several factors contribute to truck accidents, many of which involve negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties.

Driver Fatigue – Long hours on the road lead to exhaustion, impairing reaction time and decision-making.
Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or using navigation systems while driving increases the risk of crashes.
Speeding and Reckless Driving – Excessive speed reduces a truck's ability to stop in time to prevent collisions.
Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and drug impairment significantly impair a truck driver’s ability to operate safely.
Poor Truck Maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires, and mechanical failures can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Overloaded or Unbalanced Cargo – Improperly loaded trucks can become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers and lost loads.
Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers – Lack of proper training results in drivers who struggle with handling large vehicles safely.
Adverse Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and fog make it harder for trucks to brake and maneuver safely.

Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries due to the size and force of impact.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spine can result in paralysis or loss of motor function.
Broken Bones and Fractures – The impact of a truck accident can cause multiple fractures, requiring extensive recovery time.
Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma can rupture internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.

Severe Burn Injuries – Fires or explosions in truck crashes can cause disfiguring burns and require extensive medical treatment.
Amputations – Crushing injuries may result in the loss of limbs, permanently altering a victim’s life.
Wrongful Death – Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and seeking justice.

More Than Half A Billion In Verdicts & Settlements in NY

At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, our victories represent our uncompromising approach to getting the justice our clients deserve. Whether it be through vigorous negotiating towards a successful settlement, or even taking our cases all the way to trial, we have achieved exceptional results for our clients who were the victims of a commercial truck accident:

$6,500,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case

$5,500,000 Verdict Awarded in a Construction Accident Case

$4,750,000 Awarded to an Injured Construction Worker

$4,100,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case

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Why You Need Our New York Truck Accident Attorneys on Your Side

The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC is one of the leading truck accident law firms in New York City. Trucking insurance companies know that we fight aggressively for our clients and have a track record of winning at trial when they refuse to offer fair settlements.

In truck accident cases, whether for personal injury or wrongful death, high-powered legal representation makes all the difference. The trucking company and its driver already have insurance lawyers working against you. Our firm ensures that critical evidence is preserved, and we begin building your case from day one.

Here are the reasons why you need our NYC truck accident lawyers on your side:

Proving Liability in Truck Accident Cases is Complicated

Proving liability in a truck accident case is challenging. The injured victim must demonstrate that multiple parties—including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, brokers, or maintenance providers—were negligent. Establishing vicarious liability and proving violations of federal and state trucking regulations require deep legal knowledge and a network of experts.

Our NYC truck accident lawyer, Michael S. Lamonsoff—“The Bull”—has extensive experience handling these cases. He works alongside specialists in accident reconstruction, forensic analysis, trucking safety regulations, and medical evaluations to establish negligence and maximize compensation for victims.

Critical Evidence Can Disappear or Get Distorted

Key evidence in truck accidents—such as skid marks, debris, surveillance footage, and vehicle damage—can quickly fade or be destroyed. Hiring our firm immediately allows our team of investigators and accident reconstruction experts to collect and preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

Many commercial trucks contain electronic control modules (ECMs) that record crucial data, including speed, braking, and steering before a crash. Some also have GPS logs that can reveal whether the driver was overworked or violating federal driving limits. Onboard cameras may capture the moments leading up to the accident, but this footage can be deleted if not secured promptly. Our legal team takes swift action to obtain and protect this vital information.

Trucking Companies and Insurers Regularly Deny Liability

For trucking companies and their insurers, handling accident claims is just another part of doing business. The moment a crash occurs, their legal teams work to minimize or deny claims. They have extensive resources and experience defending against lawsuits, making it difficult for victims to secure fair compensation on their own.

Our law firm has the resources, experience, and legal strategy to take on these powerful entities. We understand their tactics and aggressively counter their efforts to devalue or dismiss your claim. By preparing every case as if it’s going to trial, we pressure insurers into offering maximum settlements. If they refuse, we are ready to fight for you in court.

Winning Requires Strong Trial Capabilities and Resources

Truck accident litigation is resource-intensive. Many law firms lack the financial strength and expertise to go up against large trucking corporations and their insurers, leading to lower settlements. Our firm, led by “The Bull,” has the manpower, technology, and financial backing to take on even the most complex truck accident cases.

We invest in top-tier expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and cutting-edge legal strategies to build the strongest possible case. No matter the size or strength of the opposition, we are fully prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve—whether through settlement negotiations or at trial.

Steps Our Legal Team Will Take to Prove Liability and Recover Maximum Compensation in Your NYC Truck Accident Case

When you choose the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC to represent you in your truck accident claim, our aggressive and highly skilled attorneys will take immediate action to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Our legal team will:

Conduct an On-Site Investigation – We will visit the crash scene with our photography and video team to document key evidence such as vehicle positions, skid marks, road damage, debris placement, road conditions, traffic patterns, and surrounding property damage.
Send Legal Notices to Preserve Evidence – We will issue formal notifications to the trucking company, requiring them to preserve all potential evidence in their possession, including black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, and internal communications.
Recover Surveillance Footage – Our team will scan the area for surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic lights, and dashcams to retrieve video evidence that could contradict the truck driver’s version of events.
Investigate the Trucking Company’s Policies – We will obtain communication records, GPS tracking data, driver logs, dispatch records, HR files, drug and alcohol testing history, safety policies, and employee testimony to determine if the trucking company:
1. Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines
2. Ignored previous safety violations or red flags
3. Hired inexperienced or unqualified drivers to cut costs

Analyze Black Box Data – We will have an expert download and preserve the truck’s event data recorder (EDR) to examine vital crash data such as speed changes, braking patterns, and mechanical failures in the moments leading up to the collision.
Examine Truck Maintenance and Inspection Records – Our legal team will scrutinize maintenance logs and, if necessary, hire independent engineers to assess whether mechanical failures, such as brake defects or tire blowouts, contributed to the crash.
Investigate Cargo Loading Procedures – If overloaded or improperly secured cargo played a role in the crash, we will determine whether the trucking company, cargo loaders, or third-party shipping companies failed to comply with FMCSA weight and cargo regulations.
Identify and Interview Eyewitnesses – We will move fast to track down witnesses and obtain their written, audio, or video statements while their memories are still fresh.
Retain Expert Witnesses – If necessary, we will work with accident reconstruction specialists, forensic experts, medical professionals, and economic experts to prove the extent of your injuries, future medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering damages.

Our battle-tested NYC truck accident lawyers will leave no stone unturned in proving the negligence of all liable parties and recovering the maximum financial compensation you need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation.

Your Next Chance At Life - Testimonials

“This is my second time using the Law Offices of Michael Lamonsoff. The first time was when I was involved in an auto accident in 2000. This time, I was injured at work and because of how well things turned out previously, I couldn't have thought of a better lawyer to retain. I would definitely recommend Michael to anyone who is fighting for their rights and justice.”

Los Aviles

“Michael Lamonsoff has done very well for me. They fight until they get what they want. I had 2 cases with Michael. I got awarded very very nicely. I have known Michael for a very long time. Going to miss working with him. I would recommend him to anybody. They don’t call him the Bull for nothing.”

Deborah Prieto

“I was working at a parking institution in a condominium and an elevator collapsed on me. I had a spinal fusion done and through the whole ordeal Michael was there with me. Michael did exactly what he said he was going to do and I’m satisfied.”

Anthony Barksdale

“I spoke to my friend who recommended Michael. She loves Michael very much because of his passion for what he does. He truly is the BULL of the law. When I first came here, I was treated so special. I never have been treated this well before.”

Shelly D.

Get rightful compensation for your injuries

FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident resulted in wrongful death, the deadline is two years from the date of death. If a government entity is involved, a notice of claim must be filed within 90 days of the date of accident.

What is No-Fault Insurance?

New York follows a No-Fault insurance system, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit—regardless of who caused the accident. However, serious injuries that exceed No-Fault coverage thresholds allow victims to pursue claims against the at-fault party for full compensation.

Can multiple parties be held liable for a truck accident?

Yes. In many truck accident cases, multiple parties may be responsible, including:

Truck drivers (for negligence such as speeding or distracted driving)
Trucking companies (for unsafe hiring practices, poor maintenance, or unrealistic schedules)
Cargo loaders (for improperly secured or overloaded cargo)
Truck manufacturers (for defective parts or mechanical failures)
Third-party maintenance providers (if improper repairs contributed to the accident)

How long does it typically take to resolve a truck accident case?

The timeline for resolving a truck accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries and medical treatment required as well as the potential for disputed liability. While some cases settle within a few months, more complex claims involving severe injuries or disputes over liability can take a year or more to resolve.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

How is compensation calculated in truck accident cases?

Truck accident victims in New York may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

Medical expenses (past, current, and future treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering (physical pain and emotional trauma)
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving or reckless company policies)

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need a top-tier legal team to fight for your rights. The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC has the experience, resources, and an aggressive legal approach to take on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-962-1020 or fill out this online contact form.