Distracted Driving Truck Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, NY 

When Seconds of Inattention Changes Everything 

You’re cruising down I-190 or navigating the streets near downtown area. You’re just trying to get where you’re going. Then, out of nowhere, a truck barrels into you because the driver wasn’t paying attention.  

The sheer size of these vehicles makes crashes devastating. It’s not just the physical impact—it’s the emotional toll, the endless doctor visits, and the worry about paying bills when you can’t work. In times like these, Buffalo truck accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, can provide the support and guidance you need to get back on your feet. 

What Makes Driver Inattention So Dangerous? 

Distractions while driving are bad enough in a car, but in a semi-truck? It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Trucks are massive—up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. They need more time to stop and more room to maneuver. When a driver’s not paying attention, the consequences are often catastrophic. 

Here’s the thing: inattentive driving takes many forms, and none of them are harmless. 

• Texting or using a phone: This one’s a no-brainer. If a truck driver spends five seconds looking at their phone while going 55 mph, they’ve already covered the length of a football field—blind. Under New York law, using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. 
• Grabbing a snack: You’d think eating behind the wheel is harmless, but it’s not. It takes a driver’s hands, eyes, and focus off the road, even for just a second. That’s all it takes for disaster. In 2022, distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives. 
• Messing with in-cab tech: Truckers rely on GPS and dispatch systems, but fiddling with these tools can be as dangerous as texting. An inattentive trucker doesn’t have the time to react when something goes wrong.  
• Drowsiness: Long hours on the road can take a toll. A driver zoning out because of fatigue is just as dangerous as driving after heavy drinking.  

When truckers lose focus, it’s innocent drivers like you who pay the price. Having a dedicated Buffalo personal injury lawyer by your side ensures that the reckless motorist is held legally responsible.  

Why Local Roads Make Distracted Driving Worse 

The city isn’t an easy place to drive, especially when trucks are involved.  

From icy roads in the winter to heavy congestion near industrial hubs like the Buffalo Harbor, the risks are real. Busy routes like the Niagara Thruway (I-190) and the Kensington Expressway (Route 33) are major trucking arteries.  

The unpredictable weather doesn’t help either. Rain, snow, or ice can make it impossible to recover from even a small mistake. 

These roads demand focus, but when a preoccupied motorist is behind the wheel, the danger skyrockets. 

Injuries That Leave You Reeling 

When you’re hit by a unfocused truck driver, the injuries can be life-altering. We’re not talking about a few scrapes and bruises—truck accidents leave a lasting mark. 

Here are some of the injuries we see: 

• Permanent brain injuries: These range from concussions to severe brain damage. They can steal your memory, change your personality, or make it impossible to work. 
• Spinal cord injuries: A single crash can lead to paralysis or chronic pain that lasts a lifetime. 
• Broken bones: In a truck accident, fractures are often complex, requiring surgeries and months of recovery. 
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs like your spleen or liver can lead to life-threatening complications. 
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD aren’t uncommon after such a traumatic event. It’s not just about healing your body—it’s about finding a way to heal your mind, too. 

Each injury brings its own set of challenges. The medical bills pile up, and the uncertainty about your future can feel overwhelming. 

Who’s Responsible for Your Pain? 

After a truck accident, figuring out who’s to blame isn’t always straightforward. It’s easy to point fingers at the driver, but sometimes, other parties share the responsibility. 

Here’s where liability might fall: 

• The truck driver: If they were texting, eating, or unfocused in any other way, they’re likely at fault. The FMCSA’s studies have shown that distracted truck drivers are a leading cause of crashes. 
• The trucking company: Did they hire an underqualified driver? Were they pushing unrealistic deadlines? Companies often create conditions that lead to accidents. Under the New York law, employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment, which could include hiring safe drivers. 
• Maintenance crews: A truck that isn’t properly maintained—like brakes that don’t work or tires that are dangerously worn—can turn a small distraction into a deadly crash. In an FMCSA study, brake problems were cited as the most common vehicle related factor in large truck crashes.  
• Manufacturers: Sometimes, defective parts play a role. If a critical system like the brakes fails due to a design flaw, the manufacturer could be at fault. 

Determining responsibility isn’t just about blame. It’s about making sure the right people are held accountable for what happened to you. 

How Do You Prove Driving Inattention? 

You might think proving distracted driving is impossible, but it’s not. With the right evidence, you can show exactly what happened. Here’s how it’s done: 

• Phone records: These can confirm if the driver was texting or on a call at the time of the crash. 
• Surveillance footage: Cameras near intersections or businesses often capture what happened in the moments before a crash. 
• Eyewitness accounts: People who saw the driver’s behavior can provide powerful testimony. 
• Black box data: Trucks often have event recorders that track speed, braking, and more. This data can reveal whether the driver reacted—or didn’t—before the crash. 

With these tools, you can prove what the truck driver was doing and how their distraction caused the accident. 

What You Deserve After a Crash 

You’re dealing with enough right now—financial stress shouldn’t be part of it. That’s where compensation comes in. Here’s what you could recover: 

• Medical expenses: From ER visits to physical therapy, every dollar spent on your recovery should be covered. 
• Lost income: If you can’t work because of your injuries, you deserve compensation for what you’re missing out on. 
• Pain and suffering: It’s hard to put a number on emotional distress, but it’s part of the equation. 
• Property damage: Your car took a hit too, and repairs—or a replacement—aren’t cheap. 
• Future costs: Some injuries require lifelong care. If that’s your reality, your settlement should reflect it. 

In cases of extreme negligence, you might even be entitled to punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and send a message that reckless behavior won’t be tolerated. 

Let’s Make Things Right 

If you’ve been searching for truck accident lawyers who understand the pain and frustration you’re going through, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to stand up for you.  

You deserve to receive support from a client-first law firm recognized as one of the best in America. Let us handle the stress of insurance claims and negotiations while you focus on healing.  

Call our Buffalo law office today for your no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Let’s help you move forward with your life.