Intersection Truck Accident Lawyers in Albany, NY

Dangerous Intersections: Albany’s Streets Are Riskier Than You Think

Albany's busy intersections, like those near Central Avenue or Washington Park, are hot spots for crashes involving massive commercial trucks. These giant trucks bring more than cargo; they bring danger when drivers make bad decisions or don't follow the rules. If you need help after a wreck, our Albany intersection truck accident attorneys can help you determine what to do next.

These intersections see a mix of speeding vehicles, distracted drivers, and tight turns that can quickly turn hazardous. Add an 18-wheeler to the equation, and the risks multiply. A moment’s mistake at a red light or a careless left turn can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Life-Altering Injuries: The Brutal Aftermath of a Truck Crash

The sheer size of a semi or commercial truck means any collision packs an incredible amount of force. That force leads to injuries that change lives forever. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These could be as light as concussions that fog one's memory all the way through permanent brain damage that changes absolutely everything about the way you live. Survivors often require expensive, ongoing rehabilitation, lasting years or even lifetimes.
• Spinal cord injuries: Losing mobility or dealing with constant pain because of a damaged spine isn't just physical—it's emotionally devastating, too. Paraplegia or quadriplegia caused by these injuries can significantly alter how you live, work, and interact with loved ones.
• Broken bones and fractures: If your body bears the brunt of a crash, surgeries, casts, and painful recovery become part of your new reality. Compound fractures and shattered joints may require multiple procedures to fully heal.
• Internal injuries: You may not feel it immediately, but internal bleeding or organ damage can be as deadly as anything visible. These injuries are often only detected through imaging scans after the crash, making immediate medical attention critical.
• Psychological trauma: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD after a truck crash may haunt your life daily, finding it difficult to heal. Survivors cannot drive again, nor walk close to intersections for long periods without seeking psychological care.

These injuries don't hurt just physically. They affect all aspects of your life. Your medical bills and lost wages increase, and emotional efforts to get better make things worse than they could have been.

What You Must Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

When you are in the middle of chaos after a truck accident, you are likely scared, confused, and unsure of your next steps. It is overwhelming—but the decisions you make right after a crash can protect you in the long run.

Call 911. This brings first responders to the scene to assist any injured parties and ensures there is an official police report of what happened. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, drivers are legally required to report accidents that result in injury or significant property damage.

See a doctor even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or a concussion, may not manifest themselves immediately. Going to see a doctor creates a medical record that ties your injuries to the accident, which is critical if you pursue a claim later.

Take pictures and videos. Capture skid marks, vehicle damage, and the setup of traffic signals using your phone. Each detail counts, and the photographs or videos may work as strong evidence in negotiations or even in court.

Get witness contact info. A witness could be the only eyewitness to your case who may later strengthen your case. Get their names and numbers and ask them to write down what they could remember seeing. Their accounts are more credible than the driver's accounts.

No talking to insurance adjusters yet. They are never on your side. Anything you would tell them could lessen your payouts. Let an intersection truck accident lawyer handle those conversations for you.

Pinning the Blame: The Truth Isn’t Always Clear

Intersection truck accidents are rarely cut-and-dry. Sure, the truck driver might've run the light or failed to yield, but they're not always the only one responsible. It is possible that multiple parties are involved, including:

• The trucking company: They may have forced their drivers to meet impossible deadlines, not trained them properly, or neglected proper vehicle maintenance, which resulted in unsafe conditions on the road.
• The local government: Faulty traffic lights, poorly designed intersections, or lack of visibility can contribute to dangerous conditions. Municipal liability may apply under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e if roadway defects are involved.
• Other drivers: A reckless car driver cutting off a truck can result in chain reactions that spiral out of control. Sometimes, the reaction by the trucker to avoid hitting one car may be to hit another.

Outsmarting Insurance Adjusters: Don’t Fall Into Their Trap

When the phone rings and it's the insurance adjuster, you might feel like they are on your side. But here's the truth—they're not. Their job is to save the company money, not to make your life easier.

If you are contacted, follow these rules, stick to the facts, never admit fault, and avoid recorded statements. Don't guess or make assumptions about what happened. Keep your responses short and factual. Remember, even saying, "I'm sorry," could be twisted into you taking the blame. Also, adjusters can use your own words against you. They may phrase questions in ways that seem harmless but are designed to minimize your claim. For more insight, read about insurance company tricks.

Trust Horn Wright, LLP, as Your Ally in Tough Times

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know just how life-shattering an intersection truck accident can be. We're dedicated intersection truck accident attorneys who will relentlessly fight for every last dollar you are owed while assembling a strong case against powerful trucking companies and their insurance companies. If you're ready for action, hire one of the best firms in America to stand with you.

Reach out today, and let’s start turning things around.