Rear-End Truck Collisions

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and tower up to 13.5 feet high, making crashes with these vehicles far more dangerous than typical car-to-car accidents. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we understand the complex factors involved in these cases and are committed to helping victims across Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties pursue the compensation they deserve.

With almost 40 years experience representing clients in motor vehicle accidents, brain injuries, truck and bus collisions, premises liability, and other personal injury cases, we have the experience and resources to make a difference. When you contact us, you speak directly with Mark A. Siesel, and we provide a free consultation to review your potential case in greater detail. If you have been injured, reach out today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Rear-End Truck Collisions

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. While this can happen with any type of vehicle, rear-end accidents involving trucks are particularly dangerous due to the significant size and weight difference. In many cases, the impact can crush passenger compartments or cause an override or underride accident, where the car becomes trapped under the truck.

Several factors make rear-end truck collisions distinct from other motor vehicle accidents:

1. Truck weight and momentum. Even at moderate speeds, a fully loaded truck can exert tens of thousands of pounds of force on the vehicle it strikes. This often leads to catastrophic injuries that are much more severe than typical car crashes.
2. Driver visibility and blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots, and rear-end collisions often occur when drivers fail to see smaller vehicles slowing down or stopped ahead.
3. Stopping distance. Trucks require significantly more distance to stop safely. Road conditions, weather, and load weight all affect braking capabilities.
4. Commercial driver regulations. Truck drivers are subject to hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspections, and other federal regulations. Violations of these rules can be critical evidence in establishing liability.

Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents

Common causes of truck rear-end accidents include:

• Distracted driving. Texting, phone use, or in-cab distractions can lead a truck driver to misjudge speed and distance.
• Fatigue. Long shifts and inadequate rest can cause delayed reactions. Fatigue is a frequent factor in serious truck accidents.
• Speeding. Driving faster than road or traffic conditions allow makes it harder to stop in time.
• Improper vehicle maintenance. Worn brakes, tire blowouts, or faulty lighting can contribute to collisions.
• Following too closely. Tailgating is dangerous for all drivers but is particularly hazardous when a heavy truck is involved.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we investigate your rear-end truck accident to identify all parties responsible and to gather evidence, so we can pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Injuries in Rear-End Truck Collisions

Victims of rear-end truck collisions often face life-altering injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Sudden deceleration can cause the brain to crash around inside the skull, resulting in concussions, hemorrhages, or permanent cognitive impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or total paralysis.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries. Even minor collisions can result in chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Broken bones and fractures. The force of a truck striking a smaller vehicle can crush the car and cause complex fractures.
• Internal injuries. Organs may be damaged in severe collisions. Internal injuries are especially common in override and underride accidents, where a car becomes lodged under a truck and occupants are crushed under metal and glass.

In addition to the physical injuries, victims often experience emotional trauma, which can be just as debilitating and can affect everything from income potential to everyday personal care.

Liability in Rear-End Truck Accidents

Establishing liability in a rear-end truck collision can be more complex than in a typical car accident. While driver negligence is often the primary factor, there may also be contributing issues related to the trucking company, vehicle maintenance, or federal regulations. There may be multiple liable parties, including the owner of the cargo, the driver, the manufacturer of the vehicle, the trucking company, maintenance companies, and other parties.

Proving liability usually requires a detailed investigation, sometimes with assistance from investigators and accident reconstruction experts. The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel has the experience and resources to handle these complex investigations and ensure all responsible parties are identified.

Insurance Considerations

Many clients ask about the potential value of their case. Compensation depends on multiple factors, including:

• Insurance coverage. We consider how much coverage the at-fault party carries, including any umbrella, excess, or supplemental policies.
• Underinsured motorist coverage. Supplemental underinsured motorist (SUM) policies often provide the best protection, but many insurance companies do not emphasize this. If you have a SUM policy, you may have a better chance of securing fair compensation in traffic collisions.
• Asset availability. While primary residences are generally protected, investment properties or other assets may be relevant in high-value claims.
• Injury severity and long-term impact. The more serious your injuries and their impact, the more you can generally seek in compensation.

There is never a guarantee of a court win or settlement and no guarantee as to the amount you will secure in damages. However, a truck accident attorney can review your options and explain the strength of your case. An attorney can also review any insurance offers or settlement offers you receive, explaining your likely long-term costs.

The Importance of Immediate Legal Guidance

Acting quickly can preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and protect your rights. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we respond to all calls and emails within 24 business hours, often the same day. We provide a free consultation to review your potential matter in greater detail.

What sets The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel apart is our dedication to personal attention and nearly 40 years experience. Unlike large firms where clients rarely speak to the attorney handling their case, we ensure Mark A. Siesel is the one to oversee your case from start to finish. This approach builds trust and ensures your case is overseen by someone with decades of experience.

We have successfully represented clients across Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties, handling not only rear-end truck collisions but also bus, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accidents, as well as DWI, premises liability, dog bite cases, and brain injuries.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll rear-end truck collisions can take on victims and their families. Our goal is to help you navigate this difficult time.

Next Steps After a Rear-End Truck Collision

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end truck collision, we recommend you take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, you have no way of knowing whether you have been seriously injured without a medical professionals’ evaluation. Early medical attention can get you started on a treatment plan and starts to link your injuries to your accident.
2. Document the scene. Take photos, collect witness information, write down anything you remember, and preserve any evidence. If you are rushed away from the scene in an ambulance, you can ask a friend to go back to the scene to take photos or you can write down what you remember.
3. Report the accident. New York law requires reporting personal injury or property damage accidents. Failing to report can result in criminal penalties under Section 600 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Your insurance company also requires you to report any car accident quickly.
4. Contact an experienced attorney. Reach out to The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel as soon as possible. We provide a free consultation, so there is no risk and no cost in speaking to our team.

Prompt action strengthens your case. Once you speak with at-fault parties, insurers, and others, you may already have made statements that can affect your case. Always call an experienced truck collision attorney early in the process to protect your best interests.

Schedule Your Consultation

Victims need an experienced, compassionate attorney who understands the complexities of truck accident law, insurance coverage, and liability issues. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we combine almost 40 years experience with personal attention to guide clients through every step of the legal process. From Westchester to Sullivan counties, we are dedicated to helping victims secure fair compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and lost earnings.

Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel today. We’re here to help.