Every year, thousands of people are seriously hurt or killed in tractor-trailer crashes. As of March 28, 2025, preliminary data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that 685 people were killed and nearly 15,000 were injured in crashes involving large trucks. While these early numbers appear lower than 2024 totals, when 4,795 fatalities and over 87,000 injuries were reported, it’s too soon to tell whether 2025 will continue this downward trend.
Even so, New York remains a hotspot for truck-related injury claims. The legal process to recover compensation is very different from a regular car accident case.
If you or someone you love was hit by a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or 18-wheeler in New York City, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, or anywhere in New York State, read this blog to get answers.
What’s in This Guide
- Why tractor-trailer crashes are still a serious threat in New York
- The most common types of truck accidents and why they happen
- The life-changing injuries victims face
- What to do immediately after a truck accident
- Legal answers: lawsuits, liability, settlement value & more
- How Chaikin Trial Group can help you recover
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Why Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents So Common?
Large trucks account for only 11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths, but they represent a disproportionate share of severe injuries and deaths. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding or taking curves too fast
- Overloaded or poorly balanced cargo
- Brake failures or tire blowouts
- Driver inattention or distracted driving
- Failure to follow federal trucking regulations
Some areas see more crashes than others. So, what state has the most tractor-trailer accidents? That answer changes year to year, but states with major trucking routes and rural highways often top the list.
The stakes are higher, too. In a typical car accident, the minimum insurance required in New York is just $25,000. But for commercial trucks and tractor-trailers, federal law requires at least $1 million in liability coverage, often more. That means the injuries are more severe, but the available compensation is also much greater. Insurance companies know this, and they fight harder to protect their bottom line.
Common Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
- Jackknife accidents – Trailer swings out and forms an angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or poor road conditions
- Rollover accidents – Caused by speeding, sharp turns, or an unbalanced load
- Underride accidents – A car slides under the trailer, often resulting in severe injuries or death
- Rear-end collisions – Frequently caused by truck drivers following too closely or failing to stop in time
- Head-on collisions – Less common but often deadly, especially on rural roads
- T-bone (side-impact) crashes – Happen at intersections, leading to serious trauma for occupants
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Serious Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Because a commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, even a low-speed collision can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations
In 2022, 70% of fatalities in large truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles. It’s a harsh reminder of how devastating these accidents can be. And they are even more devastating in multi-car pileups.
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What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident in New York
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt right away.
- Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance rep without a lawyer.
- Save all evidence: police reports, photos, witness contact info.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer who handles commercial vehicle cases in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I sue a trucking company for a semi-truck crash?
Yes. If the company failed to maintain the vehicle or forced drivers to break safety laws, they may be liable.
- How much is a truck accident settlement worth?
It depends on your injuries, lost wages, and future care needs. Settlements for serious cases can reach into the millions.
- Do I need a lawyer after a truck accident?
Absolutely. Trucking companies and their insurers have entire legal teams working to minimize payouts. You need someone on your side.
- What is the most common mistake drivers make around tractor-trailers?
Cutting them off or lingering in blind spots. Trucks have massive stopping distances and poor visibility.
- Are semi-truck accidents increasing?
As of 2025, FMCSA data show that semi-truck accidents (both fatal and injury-related) actually declined in 2023 and continued to drop in early 2025. - Fatal crashes involving large trucks dropped from 5,525 in 2022 to 4,285 in 2024.
- Injuries also dropped from 90,140 in 2022 to 87,091 in 2024.
- Preliminary 2025 numbers (through Q1) show continued decline.
Get Help From a New York Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing a claim after a tractor-trailer crash is not the same as a regular car accident. At Chaikin Trial Group, our truck accident lawyers understand federal safety regulations, insurance strategies, and how to prove liability against powerful companies.
We serve clients across the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island, and throughout New York State. Whether you were rear-ended on the BQE or hit by an 18-wheeler on the LIE, we’re ready to help.
Call Chaikin Trial Group at 646-551-4940 or request a free consultation today.
Your first call is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York. The blog herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. The blog is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the topic.
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