Approximately 500,000 trucking accidents occur in the U.S. every year, and the vast majority of victims are occupants of passenger cars. Given commercial trucks’ massive weight, height, and greater ground clearance, the potential for devastating injuries and death is immense. If you or a loved one is struggling with the aftermath of a truck accident, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is one of the first steps toward recovery.
At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, our seasoned attorneys uncover the dangerous conduct of negligent truck drivers and trucking companies to obtain justice for innocent crash victims. Contact us today to discuss your case.
A History of Winning Cases for Our Clients
Our firm’s partners, Shana De Caro and Michael Kaplen, have been advocating for the rights of truck accident victims for over three decades. Our history of winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts means that – when you hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP to represent you – you get an experienced and skilled attorney who is truly committed to getting you the most favorable outcome for your case. Our partners are both active members of the Interstate Trucking Accident Section of the American Association for Justice and certified as Advocates by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Learn more about us.
- $2,000,000 settlement for the death of a driver who ran into the rear of a tractor-trailer illegally parked on the shoulder of an interstate highway. Investigation established the tractor trailer was parked on the shoulder for several hours without flairs, cones, or flashing lights to alert motorists to his presence.
- $8,500,000 award against a truck driver during trial for brain injuries sustained by our client, who was driving a car struck by the negligent driver.
- $3,500,000 for traumatic brain injury sustained by a college student against university which directed students to drive themselves to an athletic practice in hazardous weather conditions, in violation of safety standards and university rules, resulting in motor vehicle skidding on an icy roadway and colliding with a truck.
- $2,100,000 settlement for a skull fracture to an infant automobile passenger, which occurred when the vehicle was rear-ended by a truck.
- $2,000,000 settlement for the death of a driver who ran into the rear of a tractor-trailer illegally parked on the shoulder of an interstate highway. Investigation established the tractor trailer was parked on the shoulder for several hours without flairs, cones, or flashing lights to alert motorists to his presence.
- $2,000,000 pre-trial settlement for a vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver who struck our client’s vehicle, resulting in a concussion and post-concussion syndrome.
- $2,000,000 jury verdict for a taxi passenger’s Parkinson’s disease, caused by the collision between a bus and the taxi.
- $1,900,000 settlement for a motor vehicle accident caused by improper maintenance of brakes in a truck, resulting in a head-on collision and closed-head brain damage for our client.
- $1,390,000 settlement during trial for spinal injuries caused when an inattentive bus driver rear-ended our client’s car.
- $1,000,000 for abdominal injuries sustained by vehicle operator involved in head-on collision with a pickup truck which crossed over the center median line.
In one case, a tractor-trailer rear-ended a vehicle on an interstate highway, causing brain damage to our client. De Caro & Kaplen, LLP discovered through our investigation that the truck driver’s logs showed he was driving in excess of the permissible time periods pursuant to federal regulations. We were able to establish that the truck driver’s inattentiveness to the road and driving conditions was the cause of this truck crash. Our efforts resulted in a settlement providing multi-million-dollar, lifelong financial assistance to our client.
Common Truck Crash Scenarios We See
When collisions happen, it’s typically the result of one or more of the following scenarios:
- Overloaded tractor-trailer
- A truck operator who is texting or dozing at the wheel
- A truck driver who defies government safety rules and safe driving laws
- Mechanical failure due to improper maintenance of a big-rig or tractor-trailer
- Lack of proper supervision of truck drivers
In one case, a tractor-trailer rear-ended a vehicle on an interstate highway, causing brain damage to our client. De Caro & Kaplen, LLP discovered through our investigation that the truck driver’s logs showed he was driving in excess of the permissible time periods pursuant to federal regulations. We were able to establish that the truck driver’s inattentiveness to the road and driving conditions was the cause of this truck crash. Our efforts resulted in a settlement providing multi-million-dollar, lifelong financial assistance to our client.
Building Your Case: What’s Involved
Your case begins with a thorough examination into why the truck accident occurred. In addition to reviewing police reports, we take the time to analyze the driving records of the truck operator and examine maintenance records maintained by the trucking company.
Just as important, your attorney strives to understand the full extent of your personal injuries. Not only must the physical injury to your brain or other part of your body be considered; your lawyer must also demonstrate how your personal injury has affected your spouse, family, and your ability to earn a living now and in the future. Our goal is to maximize the value of your claim and obtain the largest recovery possible for you.
Statistics Show That Truck Accident Fatalities Are On The Rise
According to the Institute for Safer Trucking, truck crash deaths increased by 31% between 2011 and 2020. There were 4,965 truck crash fatalities in 2020, compared with 3,781 in 2011.
In 2020 the highest number of fatalities occurred in occupants of other vehicles (3,512), while truck occupant deaths accounted for 831 fatalities, pedestrians 514, and cyclists 84.
In the same year 146,930 individuals suffered injuries from large truck crashes, while 23% of fatal truck crashes involved speeding.
Get Personal Guidance From a Law Firm Partner
At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, you can rest easy knowing that we’re not only highly qualified, but compassionate and caring as well. One of our partners will personally handle your case and guide you through the litigation process, step by step. You’ll never deal with a middleman—only an experienced professional who takes pride in being your lawyer.
No Fee Unless We’re Successful
Your access to justice is not dependent upon your financial situation. We don’t charge a fee unless we’re successful. Under this system, you and your family can afford to retain the most qualified truck crash attorney in New York.
Areas We Serve
Our truck accident lawyers serve the entire State of New York including New York City, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. We also serve Nassau and Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester Counties, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse and surrounding areas.
Call Us Today at 1 (866) 272-4652
Were you or a loved one hurt in a tractor-trailer or big-rig collision? Don’t wait to pursue justice. Contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today to learn about your legal rights.