At Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., our Jericho 18-wheeler accident lawyers understand that collisions involving these massive commercial vehicles are among the most serious and legally complex cases on the road. Jericho sits along some of Long Island's busiest corridors, including the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway, where commercial 18-wheelers travel daily — putting local drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at constant risk. When an 18-wheeler strikes a passenger vehicle, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic — and the path to fair compensation is rarely straightforward. Our experienced legal team is here to handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. Call now for a free consultation.
18-wheeler accidents fall under the broader category of Jericho Truck Accident cases our firm handles throughout Long Island and the New York metro area. While all commercial truck claims share common legal principles, 18-wheeler collisions present unique challenges — including federal regulatory violations, multiple layers of liability, and aggressive commercial insurance carriers — that require an attorney with specific experience in these cases. Our office is conveniently located to serve accident victims throughout Jericho, Nassau County, and the surrounding communities.- What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents So Dangerous
- Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Jericho
- Who Can Be Held Liable?
- Injuries Commonly Caused by 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover
- Why Choose Friedman & Simon, L.L.P.?
- Call Our Jericho 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Today
What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents So Dangerous
An 18-wheeler — also referred to as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig — can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. That is roughly 20 to 30 times the weight of a standard passenger car. The physics of these collisions mean that occupants of smaller vehicles absorb an enormous amount of force, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Beyond the physical danger, 18-wheeler accident cases are governed by a complex web of federal and state regulations that do not apply to ordinary car accident claims. Successfully pursuing compensation requires a thorough understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, commercial insurance policies, and the multiple parties who may share responsibility for the crash.For a free legal consultation with a 18-Wheeler lawyer serving Jericho, call (516) 932-0400
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Jericho
Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation into every case we take on. Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:- Driver Fatigue The FMCSA imposes strict hours-of-service limits on commercial truck drivers to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes. When drivers or their employers violate these rules, the results can be deadly. We will review driver logs, GPS tracking data, fuel and toll receipts, and any history of violations to determine whether fatigue was a factor in your accident.
- Distracted Driving Federal law prohibits commercial truck drivers from using handheld devices while operating their vehicles. A momentary distraction behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler traveling at highway speed can cause a catastrophic collision with little to no warning.
- Improper Maintenance Commercial carriers are required by federal law to conduct regular inspections and maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering defects caused by neglected maintenance are entirely preventable — and when they cause accidents, the carrier can be held liable. Our team will obtain maintenance records, inspection reports, and repair logs to build your case.
- Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo 18-wheelers carrying cargo that exceeds legal weight limits or is not properly secured can tip, jackknife, or shed debris onto the roadway. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to the freight shipper or cargo loader in addition to the driver and carrier.
- Speeding and Unsafe Driving Due to their size and weight, 18-wheelers require significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Drivers who speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes eliminate the margin for error needed to avoid a serious accident.
- Inexperienced or Unqualified Drivers Trucking companies have a legal obligation to properly vet, train, and supervise their drivers. When a carrier puts an unqualified or inadequately trained driver behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, they can be held directly responsible for any resulting harm.
Jericho 18-Wheeler Lawyer Near Me (516) 932-0400
Who Can Be Held Liable?
One of the most important steps in an 18-wheeler accident case is identifying every party who may bear responsibility for the crash. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:- The 18-wheeler driver
- The trucking or carrier company
- The owner of the tractor or trailer
- The freight broker or shipper
- A cargo loading company
- The manufacturer of a defective truck component
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Injuries Commonly Caused by 18-Wheeler Accidents
The size and weight of 18-wheelers means victims frequently suffer severe, life-changing injuries, including:- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis — which may result in partial or complete loss of mobility
- Broken bones and fractures — often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation
- Internal organ damage — including injuries to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen
- Severe burns — particularly in accidents involving fuel spills and fires
- Wrongful death — when injuries prove fatal, surviving family members may have a legal claim
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Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover
A successful 18-wheeler accident claim can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and surgery
- Ongoing and future medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Why Choose Friedman & Simon, L.L.P.?
Our firm has been representing accident victims on Long Island and throughout the New York metro area for over 30 years. When you work with us, you can expect:- A dedicated attorney who keeps you informed at every stage of your case
- Thorough investigation and evidence gathering, including black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records
- Aggressive negotiation with commercial insurance companies
- Trial-ready representation if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- A no-win, no-fee policy — you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you
- Consultations available in English, Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Creole, and other languages
- Home and hospital visits available anywhere on Long Island or in the New York metro area
Call Our Jericho 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Jericho, do not wait to seek legal help. Evidence in commercial truck accident cases — including black box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage — can be lost or destroyed quickly, and the trucking company's legal team may already be building their defense. The sooner you contact us, the better positioned we will be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. today at (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation, or complete a Free Case Evaluation form online. We are ready to fight for you.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form