18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer New York County, NY

An 18 wheeler accident on New York County’s highways and streets can leave victims with severe injuries and complex legal questions. In Manhattan, where dense traffic, commercial vehicle routes, and multiple liable parties converge, navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of both federal trucking regulations and New York’s civil litigation procedures. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., along with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, represent individuals injured in 18 wheeler accidents, working to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether your accident occurred on FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, or at a Midtown intersection, our firm is available to review your case. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What 18 Wheeler Accident Cases Mean in New York County

In New York County, personal injury claims arising from 18 wheeler accidents fall under the jurisdiction of the New York Supreme Court, New York County, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. This court handles civil matters of unlimited monetary value, making it the venue for serious injury claims. Because 18 wheeler accidents often involve commercial carriers, multiple defendants—including the driver, the trucking company, the shipper, and sometimes the vehicle manufacturer—can be parties to a single action. The procedural path in New York County begins with the filing of a summons and complaint, and once the case is at issue, a Note of Issue is filed to place the matter on the trial calendar. The court typically schedules a preliminary conference, followed by compliance conferences, before the case proceeds to trial.

New York’s no‑fault insurance system requires injured parties to first seek compensation for basic economic loss through their own automobile insurance policy. However, when an injury meets the “serious injury” threshold defined in Insurance Law § 5102, a plaintiff may step outside the no‑fault framework and bring a claim against the at‑fault party for pain and suffering and other non‑economic damages. Our firm’s New York location in Buffalo serves clients throughout the state, including those whose cases are venued in New York County.

New York County Supreme Court Court hours: Mon‑Fri 9:00AM‑5:00PM. Counsel appearing on personal injury matters should plan filings accordingly.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle 18 Wheeler Accident Cases

Handling an 18 wheeler accident claim in New York County demands a thorough investigation and a readiness to litigate if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by preserving critical evidence: driver logs, electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and any available surveillance footage. They evaluate compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations and assess whether driver fatigue, improper loading, or equipment failure contributed to the collision. Because multiple insurers and layers of coverage may be involved, our attorneys work to identify all available policies—including umbrella and excess coverage—to maximize recovery for medical bills, lost income, and long‑term care needs.

In many cases, negotiations with insurers produce a resolution, but when they do not, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are prepared to take the case to trial in New York County Supreme Court. New York applies a pure comparative fault standard, which means an injured person’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault; it does not bar recovery entirely. Our attorneys present the evidence, question witnesses, and argue the application of the law to the specific facts of each collision. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and pursue a strategy designed to achieve a favorable outcome. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., brings decades of courtroom experience and a former prosecutor’s perspective to personal injury litigation. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—independent, non‑employee practitioners—complement this experience with their own extensive backgrounds in civil litigation and trial work. Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to 18 wheeler accident cases in New York County.

Our firm has served clients since 1997, maintaining a multi‑state practice that enables us to handle matters across jurisdictional lines. The New York location, in Buffalo, provides a base for serving Manhattan and the surrounding metropolitan area. All consultations are by appointment; reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18 wheeler accident in New York County?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim arising from a motor vehicle accident in New York is three years from the date of the accident. This period is set by N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If the injury results in a wrongful death, the deadline is two years from the date of death (N.Y. E.P.T.L. § 5‑4.1). Claims against a municipality or a public entity may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Failing to file within the applicable period can bar your claim entirely, so it is important to consult an attorney promptly. For guidance on your specific timeline, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is the “serious injury” threshold and how does it affect an 18 wheeler accident claim?

Under New York’s Insurance Law § 5102, a “serious injury” includes a fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of a body organ or function, a significant limitation of a body function or system, or a medically determined injury that prevents the person from performing substantially all of their usual daily activities for at least 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the accident. If your injuries satisfy this threshold, you may step outside the no‑fault system and seek non‑economic damages from the at‑fault party. In 18 wheeler accidents, the severity of injuries often meets the threshold, but medical documentation is key. An experienced attorney can evaluate your medical records to determine whether your case qualifies.

Who can be held liable for an 18 wheeler accident in New York?

Liability in an 18 wheeler accident may extend to multiple parties—the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, a shipper, or a maintenance provider—depending on the facts of the collision. The driver may be at fault for fatigue or traffic violations; the carrier may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressure to violate hours‑of‑service rules; a shipper may be responsible for improper loading. An investigation will examine driver logs, electronic data, inspection reports, and company policies to identify all responsible parties. Because New York follows pure comparative fault, each defendant’s share of liability can be apportioned by the court.

How much does it cost to hire an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in New York County?

Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, handle 18 wheeler accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless a recovery is obtained. The fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, typically discussed during the initial consultation. Costs such as filing fees, expert witness expenses, and investigation costs may be advanced and reimbursed from the recovery. Fee arrangements are outlined in a written agreement, and there are no upfront out‑of‑pocket costs for the client. To learn more about the fee structure for your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for an 18 wheeler accident claim, or can I handle it myself?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, pursuing an 18 wheeler accident claim without experienced representation can put your compensation at risk. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts immediately after a crash. An attorney can preserve evidence, handle communications with insurers, calculate the full scope of your damages, and, if needed, litigate in New York County Supreme Court. Without that support, you may accept a settlement that does not cover future medical needs or lost earning capacity. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

How long does a typical 18 wheeler accident case take to resolve?

The timeline for an 18 wheeler accident case in New York County varies widely based on the complexity of the injuries, the number of parties, and the court’s calendar. Some cases settle within months after the completion of medical treatment; others proceed through discovery, motions, and trial, taking a year or more. The New York County Supreme Court’s differentiated case management system assigns a procedural track, but the actual pace can be influenced by settlement negotiations and the availability of expert witnesses. Our firm works to move each case forward efficiently while ensuring all necessary evidence is gathered. To discuss the likely timeline for your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

For representation in other parts of the New York metropolitan area, you may also find our firm’s pages for nearby counties helpful:

Primary legal resources relevant to 18 wheeler accident claims in New York:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.