T-Bone Truck Accidents

T-bone truck occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections, creating severe risks for serious injuries and fatalities. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we understand the devastating impact of these accidents on victims and their families. We provide personalized, responsive legal representation across Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties.

If you have been injured, reach out to schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel to review your options.

Why T-Bone Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Truck collisions often involve massive vehicles with substantial weight and momentum. When a passenger car is struck on the side, the impact can cause:

• Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Broken bones and internal injuries.
• Whiplash and soft tissue trauma.
• Fatalities.

One of the risks with a side-impact crash is that cars have far fewer protections on the sides compared to the front and back. There are no crumple zones and not all passenger cars have side impact air bags. When a large commercial truck crashes into a car, its bumper effectively causes direct impact with the side of the car and anyone inside. It is not common for someone to walk away from this kind of collision without injuries.

Common Causes of T-Bone Truck Accidents

Several factors contribute to side-impact collisions with trucks, including:

• Failure to yield. Drivers running red lights or stop signs at intersections are likely to crash into cars traveling through the intersection. This is one of the most common causes of side-impact crashes.
• Distracted driving. Cell phone use, navigation errors, or inattention by truck drivers or other motorists can mean that drivers fail to notice a car, especially during a turn or in an intersection.
• DWI. Driving while intoxicated or impaired remains a leading cause of serious collisions in New York.
• Mechanical failure. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues can cause a truck driver to lose control and end up crashing into a car.

Even when another driver clearly causes the accident, recovering compensation can be complex. Trucking companies are well-insured and may have their own legal teams protecting them, which is why you may want to work with a personal injury attorney.

The Intersection of DWI and Truck Accidents

In New York, alcohol and drug impairment significantly contribute to truck and car collisions. Charges such as DWI, DWAI (driving while ability impaired), or DWAID (driving while ability impaired by drugs) can complicate an accident claim. While these charges are criminal in nature, they can also support civil claims for damages.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we carefully assess the role of impairment in accidents and coordinate with law enforcement records, toxicology reports, and expert witnesses to strengthen claims for both injury compensation and liability.

Why Choose The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel?

Mark A. Siesel brings almost 40 years experience to every case, handling motor vehicle accidents, DWI matters, traumatic brain injuries, bus, truck, and motorcycle accidents, premises liability, and other personal injury cases. Clients appreciate that:

• They speak directly with their attorney. When you work with The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, it is Mark A. Siesel who will personally oversee your claim from start to finish.
• Communication is fast and responsive. Calls and emails are returned within 24 business hours. In many cases, we reply on the same time.
• Clients are treated as people, not case numbers. Many clients stay in touch long after a case concludes.

Our reputation is built on trust and results. We know the New York roads, laws, and insurance landscape, allowing us to develop realistic strategies that maximize recovery.

FAQs

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after a T-bone truck accident?

It’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, even if you’re not sure you have a claim. Evidence at the scene can disappear within days, and witnesses’ memories can fade quickly. Early legal representation ensures that a thorough investigation begins immediately. Additionally, insurance companies often start collecting statements and documents right after an accident, and having an attorney early protects you from making unintentional admissions that could hurt your case.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we provide a free consultation, so there is no risk. You don’t have to wait and wonder whether you have a claim or worry about what to do. We are here to provide answers.

How do trucking company policies affect my claim?

Trucking companies carry commercial insurance policies with higher coverage limits than standard personal auto insurance. These policies can include forms of additional protection that may be vital if your injuries are severe. In addition, trucking companies have substantial assets. An experienced attorney will find all possible avenues for seeking fair compensation, so you can secure the resources you need.

How is pain and suffering calculated in a T-bone truck accident case?

Pain and suffering includes emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and the long-term impact of your accident. Courts and insurance companies assess pain and suffering by examining the severity of your injuries, the duration and intensity of your recovery, and how the accident affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or participate in daily activities. The impact of your injury on your quality of life and your relationships are also considered.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we guide clients through documenting their physical and emotional suffering thoroughly. Securing fair compensation for all your injuries, including pain and suffering is important. It can help you pay for therapy, help at home, and other assistance you may need after your accident.

Can I handle this claim without a lawyer?

While it is legally possible to handle a T-bone truck accident claim on your own, doing so often results in lower compensation. These cases are complicated: multiple parties may be involved, commercial insurance policies can be confusing, and serious injuries often have long-term effects that are hard to quantify without expert input. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters whose goal is to limit payouts, and they may pressure you to settle quickly, even if the full extent of your injuries hasn’t emerged yet.

Working with an attorney like Mark A. Siesel, who has almost 40 years of experience handling complex motor vehicle accidents in Westchester, Bronx, Kings, and surrounding counties, helps protect your rights, ensures proper documentation of your injuries, and maximizes the compensation you deserve. Our team has seen the tactics that companies use to try to minimize your compensation and we’re prepared to fight back. We have seen how much compensation injuries similar to yours can secure and what the costs are like for injuries like yours. We can use this information when evaluating your claim and when reviewing settlement offers.

Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel Today

T-bone truck accidents can be life-changing, but The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel provides a free consultation so you can review your legal options and start planning a path toward recovery with no risk and no obligation.

Whether your accident occurred in Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, or Sullivan counties, we are ready to help. Our compassionate, bilingual team has already worked with many survivors of truck accidents and we will reply quickly. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.