Syracuse Truck Accident
Lawyer

Syracuse Drivers Are at Risk on the Road

The latest statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration highlight the risks associated with driving alongside large commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semis, and construction vehicles. In New York State in 2024, 2,488 crashes resulted in injuries, and 94 were fatal.

In 2025, there have been several incidents of truck crashes in Syracuse, including:

• On March 11, a tractor-trailer struck the Park Street bridge, causing traffic congestion and underscoring the risks associated with clearance violations.
• On April 15, a commercial tractor-trailer was involved in a hit‑and‑run collision on I-81 South near the Adams Street exit.

These numbers highlight the significant danger posed by trucks on Central New York roads, especially busy freight routes like I‑81, I‑690, and the New York State Thruway. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck, it’s vital to seek experienced legal support.

There’s Help if You Were in a Truck Accident

For more than two decades, our team of truck accident lawyers have been standing up for people who have suffered serious injuries in commercial vehicle crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these accidents, we know how difficult life is for you right now.

When we accept a case, we fight hard to get our clients maximum compensation for the many costs they face, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain, and suffering.

If you’re considering taking the next step toward getting the compensation you deserve, we can help. Contact Catalano Law today for a free, no-obligation case assessment.

Need Immediate Assistance?

Call us at 315.500.5000

Truck Accident Cases are Different than Other Vehicle Accident Cases

Although cars and trucks share the same roads, accidents involving large commercial trucks differ from a legal perspective. There are different laws and regulations to consider.

And unlike with cars, when a truck accident occurs, there are many more parties at the table:

• Commercial trucking company
• Professional truck driver
• Trucking company’s insurance company
• Truck driver’s insurance company

Furthermore, accidents involving a large truck tend to cause more severe injuries, more serious damage, and usually involve more than one other vehicle.
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There are other potential issues in these cases as well, such as whether the truck driver violated any regulations involving cargo or the length of time spent behind the wheel before the accident. The company that hired the driver may bear some responsibility if it failed to properly screen the truck driver or provide adequate training. Truck maintenance is also a concern in these cases.

New York-Specific Truck Accident Laws

Truck accidents in Syracuse and throughout New York State often occur on major highways, such as I-81, I-690, and the New York State Thruway, which experience heavy commercial traffic daily. Due to this, truck drivers and trucking companies are required to adhere to strict safety regulations.  Understanding these rules can significantly impact your case.

Truck Accident Regulations in New York State

Commercial vehicles in New York are subject to both state and federal regulations, including weight limits, CDL requirements, regular safety inspections, and Hours of Service (HOS) rules designed to prevent drowsy driving.

These regulations are especially critical in high-traffic areas, such as downtown Syracuse or the I-81/I-690 interchange, where congestion and narrow merges are common. Oversized trucks may also be required to follow special routing restrictions through the city to avoid overpasses, school zones, or weight-limited bridges. When a crash occurs, violations of these rules can point to negligence.

New York’s No-Fault Insurance and Truck Accidents

New York’s no-fault insurance law generally covers immediate medical expenses and lost wages, but it often falls short in serious truck accidents.

Because truck crashes tend to cause more severe injuries, victims in Syracuse are often able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a lawsuit against the truck driver, their employer, or other responsible parties.

Catalano Law has deep roots in the Syracuse community and understands how to navigate both local insurance practices and complex liability issues unique to truck accident cases.

The Role of Trucking Companies in Accidents

In many truck accidents, the driver isn’t the only one responsible. Trucking companies can, and often should, be held accountable when their negligence contributes to a crash. These companies have a legal obligation to comply with both federal and New York State regulations to ensure the safety of their drivers and vehicles on the road.

How Trucking Companies Can Be Held Accountable

Trucking companies may be liable for accidents caused by poor hiring practices, such as failing to conduct thorough background checks or allowing unqualified drivers to operate vehicles. Others cut corners on training, leaving drivers unprepared for emergencies or dangerous weather, which is a common occurrence on Syracuse roads during winter.

Additionally, companies may pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, leading to violations of HOS rules, which are in place to help prevent fatigued driving. Victims have the right to pursue legal action when a company’s decisions put profits ahead of safety.

Liability for Trucking Company Failures

Trucking companies are required to maintain detailed records of their vehicles, driver schedules, and maintenance history. However, in many crash investigations, we often uncover missing logbooks, skipped inspections, or evidence of vehicle neglect, such as worn brakes or underinflated tires. These failures not only violate federal and state regulations but can also directly cause or worsen the outcome of a crash.

At Catalano Law, we work with accident reconstruction experts and subpoena critical records to hold negligent companies accountable and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.

Accidents Involving Large Trucks Require an Attorney

A truck accident can cause severe damage and catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of a tractor-trailer. It is not uncommon for those traveling in a smaller vehicle hit by a big rig to suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, or even permanent disfigurement. 
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If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, semi, 18-wheeler, construction truck, or another large commercial vehicle, contact the Syracuse truck accident lawyers at Catalano Law right away.

You need an experienced truck accident attorney to explain your best legal options and assist you in pursuing financial compensation for your injuries. Without legal guidance, you may not get the financial recovery you need.

You Pay Our Truck Accident Lawyers Nothing Unless We Win

At Catalano Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no out-of-pocket costs to hire our truck accident lawyers. We receive no fee or expenses unless a settlement or financial recovery is obtained for your truck accident injury.

Get a Free Case Evaluation Today

Unfortunately, truck accident victims don’t get the money they’re owed without putting up a fight against the insurance companies. We have experience with these cases, and we know what it takes to win.
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Right now, you need to focus on your health, family, and recovery. When you hire the Syracuse truck accident attorneys at Catalano Law, you can rest assured that we’ll fight for your rights and work hard to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
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If you or a loved one has experienced an injury resulting from a commercial truck accident in Syracuse or throughout New York State, contact Catalano Law now for a free case evaluation.