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The New York State Thruway is one of the busiest roadways in the Northeast, stretching more than 500 miles across the state. It’s also a central commercial corridor for trucks, which means serious accidents are common. When a truck accident occurs on the Thruway, figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may be involved, and holding them accountable requires legal experience, evidence, and fast action.
Why the NY Thruway Sees So Many Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen everywhere, but the Thruway poses unique risks due to its traffic volume and design. Commercial vehicles use this route every day to move goods across the state and beyond, which increases the chances of something going wrong.
Here are a few of the most common contributing factors:
- Driver fatigue on long hauls, especially overnight
- Distracted driving, including phone use or GPS navigation
- Bad weather, particularly in upstate regions during winter
- Congestion and lane shifts near exits and interchanges
- Mechanical issues from poor truck maintenance
Whether the crash happened near Albany, Buffalo, or just outside New York City, investigating the cause is key to building a strong legal case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike most car accidents, liability in a truck crash often extends beyond the driver. In fact, several different people or companies could share responsibility, depending on the details of the incident.
Here are the parties that may be liable:
- The truck driver, if they were speeding, driving drowsy, under the influence, or failed to follow traffic laws
- The trucking company, for improper hiring, inadequate training, or pushing drivers beyond legal limits
- A cargo loader, if improperly secured freight caused the truck to shift, jackknife, or roll over
- A parts manufacturer, if faulty brakes, tires, or steering components contributed to the crash
- A government entity, if the accident was caused by poor road design, signage, or maintenance
How New York’s Comparative Fault Law Affects Your Case
New York follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you’re found to be 20 percent responsible, you can still recover 80 percent of your total damages.
This also means that the trucking company — and its insurer — may try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. Working with an experienced New York truck accident lawyer can make a real difference in how much you ultimately recover.
Steps to Take After a Truck Crash on the Thruway
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident on the New York State Thruway, taking the right steps early on can help protect your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel badly injured right away
- Report the crash to local or state police and get a copy of the accident report
- Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries if possible
- Get contact information from the truck driver, their employer, and any witnesses
- Avoid giving statements to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal counsel
Trucking companies often send investigators to crash scenes within hours. Don’t let them get ahead of your case.
Talk to a New York Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident on the New York Thruway, we’re here to help. At Michael LoGiudice, LLP, we fight for injury victims across New York and work tirelessly to get the compensation they deserve. Call today to schedule your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.