DUI Truck Accident Lawyers in Garden City, NY 

Surviving the Unthinkable: How Garden City Lawyers Fight for DUI Truck Accident Victims 

A truck barreling down the road is intimidating enough. But when the driver’s drunk? It’s a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, the city isn’t immune to these horrific crashes. The busy streets near Meadowbrook State Parkway and Hempstead Turnpike can become scenes of chaos in seconds. 

If you’ve been in a DUI truck accident, you’re probably overwhelmed with questions. A Garden City truck accident attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, can help you navigate this difficult time, fight for the justice you deserve, and make sure no detail of your case is overlooked. You deserve one of the best law firms in America fighting to get you justice. 

What’s Causing All These DUI Truck Accidents? The Answers Are Infuriating 

Drunk driving isn’t just reckless. It’s selfish. And when a drunk driver is behind the wheel of a 40-ton truck, it’s downright terrifying. Truck drivers are held to stricter standards than other motorists, but despite these regulations, DUI truck accidents still happen.  

• Drinking before a shift: Some truckers hit the road with blood alcohol levels well over the legal limit (0.04% for commercial drivers). Unlike the 0.08% limit for regular drivers, this stricter rule recognizes the catastrophic potential of impaired commercial driving. But unfortunately, some drivers ignore it. 
• Exhaustion mixed with alcohol: Trucking companies often set demanding schedules, leaving drivers overworked and fatigued. Alcohol consumption on top of this exhaustion creates slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced focus—all disastrous behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle. 
• Ignored regulations: Trucking companies are required to conduct random drug and alcohol tests on their drivers, as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. But some companies fail to follow these rules, allowing unsafe drivers to stay on the road. 
• Negligent employers: Some companies prioritize profit over safety, hiring drivers with questionable records or failing to enforce substance abuse policies. When employers turn a blind eye to red flags, they’re endangering every motorist on the road. 

When you’re sharing the road with a massive truck, you expect the driver to follow the rules and drive responsibly. But when they don’t, the results can be devastating. 

Just Survived a DUI Truck Accident? Here’s What to Do Next 

The moments after a crash can feel like a blur. Your adrenaline’s rushing, you’re in pain, and you’re unsure what steps to take. That confusion is normal—but the steps you take now can have a big impact on your recovery and your case.  

1. Get medical attention—right away: Even if you feel "fine," get checked out by a doctor. Internal injuries, concussions, and other serious conditions may not be immediately visible but can worsen quickly without treatment. Plus, get an MRI and a medical evaluation documenting your injuries for your claim. 
2. Call the police: Law enforcement officers will file an official report, noting details like signs of impairment by the truck driver. This report can become crucial evidence later. 
3. Gather evidence: Use your phone to take pictures of the crash scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Don’t forget to photograph your injuries as well. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information. 
4. Don’t discuss fault: Avoid making statements about the cause of the accident, even casually. Let the evidence and your attorney speak for you. 
5. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible: These cases can get complicated fast. From dealing with the trucking company’s insurance to ensuring evidence doesn’t disappear, having the right truck accident attorney can make all the difference. 

Following these steps will not only help you safeguard your health but also build a stronger case for your claim. 

DUI Truck Accidents in Garden City: The Devastating Injuries Victims Face 

When a massive truck slams into you, the injuries can be catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean victims often face life-altering consequences. Some of the most common injuries we’ve seen are: 

• Catastrophic brain injuries: A head injury from a truck accident can cause memory loss, cognitive challenges, or permanent disabilities. TBIs are often invisible but profoundly life changing. 
• Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to paralysis, either partial or complete. Whiplash injuries can include disc bulges and herniations. Victims often face years of rehabilitation and a lifetime of specialized care. 
• Broken bones: From fractured ribs to crushed limbs, these injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery. In severe cases, victims may never fully regain mobility. 
• Internal injuries: The force of a truck crash can damage organs like the liver or spleen, leading to internal bleeding and other potentially life-threatening complications. 

Every injury comes with its own set of challenges. Dealing with medical treatment, therapy, and changes to your daily routine can be a lot to manage, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. 

Who’s to Blame? Let’s Unpack the Layers of Negligence 

When it comes to a DUI truck accident, the responsibility rarely rests solely on the driver. A thorough investigation often uncovers multiple layers of negligence. Here’s a closer look at who might share the blame: 

• The driver: Driving under the influence is illegal, reckless, and selfish. A commercial driver with a BAC above 0.04% is clearly violating federal regulations. 
• The employer: Trucking companies have a duty to hire safe drivers and monitor their behavior. If a company ignored red flags in a driver’s history or failed to conduct mandatory drug and alcohol tests, they’re also at fault. 
• Bars or restaurants: Under New York’s dram shop laws, establishments that serve alcohol to someone who’s visibly intoxicated may share liability for any harm caused by that individual. 

Every case is unique, but holding all responsible parties accountable ensures you get the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Don’t Wait—The Clock Is Ticking on Your Claim 

If you’re considering filing a claim, time isn’t on your side. In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under New York CPLR Section 214. But the sooner you start, the better. 

Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and waiting too long could jeopardize your case. If a government vehicle is involved, the timeline is even shorter. You’ve got just 90 days to file a notice of claim under New York General Municipal Law Section 50-e. Missing these deadlines means forfeiting your right to compensation. 

What Can You Recover After a DUI Truck Accident? Let’s Break It Down 

The financial and emotional toll of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Compensation is meant to ease that burden, helping you rebuild your life. It can include: 

• Medical expenses: From emergency surgeries to long-term therapy, your medical bills can add up quickly. Compensation can cover both current and future healthcare needs, in addition to what your No-Fault benefits cover. 
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost wages. For long-term disabilities, diminished earning capacity may also be factored in. 
• Pain and suffering: The emotional and physical toll of the crash matters. Compensation acknowledges the profound impact on your quality of life. 
• Vehicle repairs or replacement: Whether your car is repairable or totaled, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost, or wonder if you can keep your totaled car after a crash. 
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, courts may award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter future misconduct. 

These damages are designed to do more than cover expenses—they’re about giving you the resources to reclaim your life. 

Lost, Overwhelmed, and Hurt? Let Horn Wright, LLP, Fight for You 

You’ve already been through so much. Let us take it from here. We are dedicated to helping victims of DUI truck accidents secure justice and rebuild their lives.  

Whether you’re working with a truck accident attorney or exploring compensation claims for DUI-related truck crashes, you can hire the Garden City personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP. We’ll stand by you every step of the way. 

Reach out today for a FREE consultation. Your recovery starts here.