Underride Truck Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, NY 

When a Crash Turns Your Life Upside Down, We’re Here to Help 

Trailer accidents are terrifying. It’s the kind of crash no one expects but changes everything in an instant. If you’ve been through this in Buffalo, NY, you’re probably feeling lost.  

The Buffalo truck accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, can guide you through this overwhelming process and fight to protect your rights. As a legal team that has handled countless cases like yours, we’re well-versed in the legal landscape.  

We can secure the compensation you need to move forward. If you’re ready to take action, reach out today to schedule your no-cost consultation. 

What Is an Underride Truck Accident and Why Is It So Dangerous? 

These crashes happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a large truck, usually from the rear or the side. If there aren’t proper guards to block your car from sliding under, the impact can be catastrophic. 

These crashes are often deadly, and even when survivors make it out, the injuries are severe. Trucks are massive—20 to 30 times the weight of a passenger car. When a car gets trapped underneath, the roof can shear off, and the force of the collision is devastating. 

Underride guards are supposed to help prevent these accidents, but when they’re missing or poorly maintained, tragedy follows. It’s a problem on busy roads where truck traffic is nonstop. In cases like these, a skilled attorney can help you determine what went wrong and who’s at fault. 

The Injuries Nobody Sees Coming 

When it comes to crashes with massive trailers, the injuries aren’t just serious—they’re life-changing. You don’t just walk away from something like this. These crashes leave scars, both physical and emotional, that take years to heal. 

• Traumatic brain injuries: A blow to the head can mean memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty focusing on even simple tasks. These aren’t the kind of injuries that go away—they stick with you. 
• Spinal cord damage: Partial or complete paralysis is a harsh reality for many crash victims. The road to recovery? It’s long, expensive, and filled with uncertainty. 
• Broken bones and fractures: When vehicles crumple, your body takes the hit. Broken arms, legs, and ribs are common, often requiring multiple surgeries. 

These injuries don’t just cost money—they cost time, energy, and peace of mind. If you’re pursuing a claim for damages, a semi-truck accident legal claims expert can guide you. 

6 Steps to Take After a Road Accident 

The moments after a collision with a massive truck are chaos. But the steps you take right after can make all the difference later. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s where to start: 

1. Get medical help right away: Your health is the priority. Even if you feel okay, injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma might not show up immediately. 
2. Call the police: Filing a police report is required under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 605 if there are injuries or significant property damage. It creates a clear record of what happened. 
3. Take pictures of everything: Take the best possible photos of the damage to your car, the truck, the road, and even your injuries. These details can help piece together what went wrong. 
4. Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact info. Their account could be crucial down the road. 
5. Avoid blaming yourself: Don’t say anything that could be twisted into an admission of fault. Keep communication simple and stick to the facts. 
6. Call an attorney: This might feel overwhelming, but a good Buffalo lawyer can handle the hard stuff—like dealing with insurance companies and trucking companies—while you focus on healing. 

Every decision you make after the accident matters. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Connecting with truck accident lawyers can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your rights and your future. 

Who’s Responsible for What Happened? 

Crashes with massive commercial motor vehicles don’t just “happen.” They’re almost always the result of someone’s negligence. But figuring out who’s responsible? That’s where things get tricky. Here’s where the blame often lies: 

• The truck driver: Were they distracted? Driving too fast for conditions? Cutting corners on safety? Truck drivers are held to high standards because of the risks involved. When they don’t meet those standards, people get hurt. 
• The trucking company: Companies are supposed to maintain their trucks, train drivers, and follow safety protocols. When they skip inspections or push drivers to ignore hours-of-service rules, they put everyone at risk. 
• Manufacturers: Brakes that fail or tires that blow out can lead to disaster. If a defective part caused the accident, the manufacturer might be responsible. 
• Third parties: Sometimes it’s the road itself—like poor signage or dangerous intersections. Or maybe cargo wasn’t loaded correctly, causing the truck to lose control. 

Determining fault often requires an experienced truck collision personal injury lawyer to conduct a detailed investigation and uncover the truth. 

How Federal and New York Laws Could Protect You  

Federal trucking regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and New York State Commercial Vehicle Laws set strict rules that truck operators must follow. These rules aim to reduce accidents and hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners. 

Here’s how these laws can work in your favor after a crash: 

• Driver fatigue limits: Federal laws strictly regulate the number of hours a truck driver can spend on the road. Drivers are required to follow Hours of Service rules, limiting driving time to 11 hours within a 14-hour work period. If a truck driver exceeded these limits and caused an accident, their employer could be held liable for forcing unsafe practices. 
• Truck inspection and maintenance requirements: Both federal and state laws require trucks to undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections. This includes checking brakes, tires, and lights. Failing to maintain these critical systems not only violates the law but puts everyone on the road at risk. 
• Underride guard standards: Federal regulations mandate that all trucks meet specific underride guard standards. In New York, trucks must comply with these standards as part of routine inspections. If the truck involved in your accident lacked proper safety guards, that could be a clear violation of these laws. 
• Driver qualification standards: To drive a commercial truck in New York, drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet strict medical and training requirements. If the driver involved in your accident didn’t meet these qualifications, their employer may be responsible for their negligence. 

By proving violations of these laws, your attorney can establish that negligence played a direct role in your accident. This is critical in securing compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Can I Sue the Trucking Company After a Crash? 

Yes, you can sue the trucking company if their negligence contributed to your accident. Trucking companies are legally responsible for maintaining their fleets, following federal and state regulations, and ensuring their drivers are properly trained and supervised. When they fail, they can and should be held accountable. 

In these lawsuits, you can pursue compensation for: 

• Medical bills: Covering everything from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation. 
• Lost wages: Replacing the income you’ve lost due to your injuries. 
• Pain and suffering: Reflecting the physical and emotional impact of your accident. 

Suing a trucking company might seem intimidating, but with the right legal team, you can demand justice and secure the resources you need to recover. 

Legal Rights of Truck Accident Victims 

As a collision victim, you have legal rights that protect you and ensure you can pursue justice. These rights include: 

• Seeking compensation for damages: You have the right to file a claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your accident. 
• Holding negligent parties accountable: Whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or another responsible party, you can pursue justice through legal action. 
• Accessing legal representation: You have the right to hire a Buffalo personal injury attorney who will advocate for your interests, investigate your case, and fight for maximum compensation. 

Understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery. Don’t let the negligence of others dictate your future. 

Why Choose Horn Wright, LLP? 

We understand the immense challenges you’re facing after an underride truck collision. Our attorneys are recognized for their compassionate, client-focused approach and relentless pursuit of justice. 

When you hire one of the best law firms in America, you’re choosing a team with the experience, resources, and dedication to stand up against large trucking companies and their insurers.  

The clock’s ticking on your chance to take action. If you’re ready to take the first step, contact Horn Wright, LLP to get a FREE, no-obligation consultation with our truck accident lawyers. Let us get you the justice and peace of mind you need to fully recover.