Who are the best truck accident lawyers in Rochester, NY?

Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, with attorneys Robert Friedman and Michael Ranzenhofer, are highly experienced truck accident lawyers serving Rochester and throughout New York. With over 71 years of firm experience and Michael Ranzenhofer's 37 years of trial experience in complex vehicle accident cases, they have successfully represented clients injured in 18-wheeler collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, and catastrophic truck crashes throughout Monroe County, Orleans County, and New York State.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

The first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical and police assistance. Even if you feel okay, seek medical evaluation as some injuries manifest later. If you are able, take extensive photos of the scene, all vehicles involved especially the truck and its identifying information, license plates, DOT numbers, company names, trailer numbers, cargo, road conditions, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and other drivers. Do not admit fault or make any statements to the trucking company's representatives or their insurance adjusters without consulting with an attorney. Preserve all evidence including the clothes you were wearing. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately, as critical evidence such as black box data, logbooks, and driver records can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly.

How is a truck accident different from a car accident case?

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than car accident cases for several reasons. First, the severity of injuries is typically much greater due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Second, multiple parties may be held liable including the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner if different from the carrier, cargo loading company, truck or parts manufacturer, maintenance company, and leasing company. Third, these cases involve specific federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that do not apply to standard car accidents, covering driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. Fourth, trucking companies have much higher insurance coverage often in the millions of dollars and employ aggressive defense teams and investigators who arrive at accident scenes quickly. Fifth, critical evidence such as electronic logging device data, black box information, driver logs, maintenance records, and company safety records must be preserved immediately through legal action. These complexities require an attorney with specific experience in trucking regulations and commercial vehicle litigation.

What kind of compensation can I receive for a truck accident injury?

Compensation can cover a wide range of damages including all medical expenses both past and future such as emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and home modifications, lost wages from time missed from work, loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job or must work in a reduced capacity, pain and suffering including physical pain and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, permanent disability or disfigurement, scarring, and loss of consortium for your spouse meaning loss of companionship and intimacy. Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings is also recoverable. In cases of wrongful death, families can recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of services the deceased would have provided, and loss of companionship and guidance. In cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct by the trucking company, punitive damages may be awarded. Because truck accident injuries are often catastrophic, settlement values are typically much higher than standard car accidents, often reaching into the millions of dollars.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New York?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the truck accident. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is typically two years from the date of death. However, if a government entity is involved such as a municipal truck or if the accident occurred due to dangerous road conditions maintained by a government agency, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. These deadlines are strict and missing them can permanently bar your right to compensation. Additionally, it is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible even though you have years to file, because critical evidence can be lost, destroyed, or overwritten. Electronic logging device data may only be kept for six months, driver logs may be discarded, surveillance footage can be erased, and witnesses' memories fade. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of preserving vital evidence and building a strong case.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?

Multiple parties can potentially be held liable in truck accident cases. The truck driver is liable for negligent driving such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or DWI. The trucking company or motor carrier can be held liable for negligent hiring of unqualified drivers, inadequate training, forcing drivers to violate hours of service rules, failing to maintain vehicles properly, negligent supervision, or allowing unsafe practices. The truck owner if different from the carrier can be liable for maintenance failures or leasing an unsafe vehicle. Cargo loading companies can be liable for improper loading, overloading, or inadequate cargo securement that contributed to the accident. Truck and parts manufacturers can be liable for defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other equipment failures. Maintenance companies can be liable for negligent repairs or inspections. Third-party drivers may share liability if their negligence contributed to the crash. In some cases, government entities can be liable for dangerous road conditions. An experienced attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery, as trucking companies often try to shift blame to other parties or the victim.

What are the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and how do they affect my case?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are comprehensive rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that govern commercial trucking operations. These regulations cover driver qualifications including licensing, medical certification, and background checks, hours of service limits restricting how long drivers can operate without rest to prevent fatigue, vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements, drug and alcohol testing programs, cargo securement standards, weight and size limits, and driver training requirements. Violations of these federal regulations can establish negligence in a truck accident case. For example, if a driver was operating beyond their allowed hours of service, if the trucking company failed to conduct required drug testing, if maintenance records show the truck had known brake problems, or if the driver lacked proper licensing or medical clearance, these violations strengthen your case. An experienced truck accident attorney will obtain and analyze the trucking company's compliance records, driver qualification files, maintenance logs, electronic logging device data, inspection reports, and other documents to identify regulatory violations. These violations not only prove negligence but can also support claims for punitive damages if the violations were willful or showed reckless disregard for safety.

What is black box data and how does it help my truck accident case?

Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic data recorders commonly called black boxes or event data recorders that continuously record critical information about the truck's operation. This data typically includes vehicle speed, engine RPM, brake application, throttle position, cruise control status, seatbelt usage, airbag deployment, and the sequence of events leading up to a crash. Many trucks also have electronic logging devices that track hours of service, GPS location data showing the truck's route and stops, and some have forward-facing cameras or driver-facing cameras that capture video of the accident. This electronic evidence is crucial in truck accident cases because it provides objective proof of what happened, can contradict false statements by the driver or trucking company, proves whether the driver was speeding or failed to brake, shows hours of service violations if the driver was fatigued, and establishes the severity of impact which correlates to injury severity. However, this data can be overwritten, erased, or lost if not preserved immediately. Your attorney must send a spoliation letter and possibly seek a court order to preserve this evidence before it disappears. This is one of the most important reasons to hire an attorney immediately after a truck accident.

Do I need a lawyer for my truck accident case in Rochester, NY?

Yes, hiring an experienced truck accident attorney is absolutely critical and strongly recommended. Truck accident cases are among the most complex personal injury cases involving federal regulations that require specialized knowledge, multiple potentially liable parties each with their own legal teams and insurers, catastrophic injuries requiring substantial compensation often in the millions of dollars, trucking companies with sophisticated legal defenses and investigators, insurance companies that will minimize or deny your claim, critical electronic evidence that must be preserved immediately before it is lost or destroyed, expert witnesses needed including accident reconstructionists, trucking industry experts, medical specialists, and economists, and aggressive litigation often required as trucking companies rarely offer fair settlements without a fight. Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC has the experience, resources, and determination to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of the accident, identify all liable parties and insurance coverage, hire the best expert witnesses, properly calculate all damages including future medical needs and lost earning capacity, and fight aggressively to secure maximum compensation whether through settlement or trial. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to hold negligent trucking companies accountable and obtain justice for injured victims and their families.

Rochester Lawyers / Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Robert Friedman

Michael Ranzenhofer

Justin Friedman

Let Our 71 years of Experience Work For You

Were you or a loved one hurt due to the negligence of someone else? Our experienced Rochester lawyers have been dedicated to serving the Western New York community we know and love. Allow us to help you the same way we’ve been helping our community for decades. We’re here for you.

Why You Should Hire an Accident Lawyer Who is an Experienced Prosecutor

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Why Choose Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC Injury Lawyers?

Millions recovered for people like you.

No fee guarantee. We never charge a fee unless there is a recovery for you.

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Thousands of satisfied clients from across New York State.

Service is our business. You can talk to an attorney anytime on the phone or at a NY location that is convenient for you.

Fully committed to your personal injury case.

Recognized in the legal community by judges and peers as tenacious and ethical litigators.

Free consultation

Why Choose Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC Injury Lawyers?

Millions recovered for people like you.

No fee guarantee. We never charge a fee unless there is a recovery for you.

24/7 Availability

Thousands of satisfied clients from across New York State.

Service is our business. You can talk to an attorney anytime on the phone or at a NY location that is convenient for you.

Fully committed to your personal injury case.

Recognized in the legal community by judges and peers as tenacious and ethical litigators.

Free consultation

Testimonials See why our clients love us. Read more →

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Mr. Ranzenhofer and his attorneys were great! My case was handled quickly and I got a great result – $300,000. I fell at my doctor’s office, so I knew it was a hard case. Mr. Ranzenhofer developed a strategy that got me a great result. I highly recommend Mr. Ranzenhofer and his team of attorneys.

– Christine Rush

Reasonable / Professional / Personable … Very nice man to speak to … He helped me feel safe and took away my fear in my legal situation. If or when needed he is ready to jump in and take over. Thank you, Carol

– Carol Czosnyka

We were treated in a respectful, professional and helpful manner while preparing our wills, healthcare proxies and power of attorney. Mr. Friedman took as much time as we needed to answer all of our questions and concerns. His staff was friendly and efficient. We highly recommend him.

– John

Highly recommended…Sam handled a case for me with a buffalo tow truck Company, we won our case and a judgment. Sam was highly professional knowledgeable and effective. He knows the local laws and how to get successful outcomes!

– Mark

I consulted with Justin Friedman in an effort to obtain reimbursement following damage to my personal property. Justin was diligent, tenacious, professional, and clearly dedicated to assisting me, all of which led to a very positive outcome. I was very impressed with his work and I highly recommend his office.

– Lisa Kilanowski

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Personal Injury Guide

Download our FREE guide to learn what steps you should be taking after a personal injury.

Completing this form opts you in to receive select communications from Friedman & Ranzenhofer.

Personal Injury Guide eBook

Personal Injury Guide

Download our FREE guide to learn what steps you should be taking after a personal injury.

Completing this form opts you in to receive select communications from Friedman & Ranzenhofer.

Our Experience

Michael Razenhofer has over 41 years trial experience representing the victims of automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products and dog bites. Robert Friedman is a vehicle and traffic prosecutor who successfully prosecuted 1000s of dangerous drivers for 33 years; stopped a legal challenge to the constitutionality of the New York seatbelt law; wrote the “Injury Victims’ Legal Survival Guide” and was the 2003 WNY Prosecutor of the Year. Read Our Free Injury Guide

Our Availability

We are available seven days a week by telephone, text or email. We will meet personally with you at your home, the hospital or at one of our seven local offices.

Free Consultation

We will advise you of your rights at a legal consultation. Our initial conversation costs you nothing even if you choose not to have us represent you.

No Fee Guarantee

You pay no fee unless you win your case.

See what the clients of personal injury attorney Mike Ranzenhofer have to say about him.

Christine Rush via

Mr. Ranzenhofer and his attorneys were great! My case was handled quickly and I got a great result – $300,000. I fell at my doctor’s office, so I knew it was a hard case. Mr. Ranzenhofer developed a strategy that got me a great result. I highly recommend Mr. Ranzenhofer and his team of attorneys.

James Houseman via

I feel I was treated great. Mr. Ranzenhofer responded quickly with call backs and any questions, there were never any doubts of where my case was and he was always reassuring that being patient was the answer. And it was. I want to thank him and his legal team especially with the office personnel always friendly and also quick responses when messages were left. Highly recommended. Thanks for everything

anonymous via

Michael Ranzenhofer was very professional in dealing with my case. He always responded to calls in a timely manner. He was very thorough in handling my case. I would definitely use him again if I needed legal representation, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.

anonymous via

I was hit head on in a car accident and had got injured. I contacted Mike Ranzenhofer and he got started the process of getting money for me for my pain and suffering and future medical bills. Every time I called or came to his office he always took his time to help me. And we eventually won the case. He is an amazing lawyer and person himself and I would fully recommend him to anyone. Click here to read more reviews

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers Trucking Accident Injury Attorneys

For close to 30 years the experienced Rochester truck accident attorneys at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC. have worked on truck accident cases, including:

Dump Truck and Garbage Truck Accidents
Big Rig, 18 Wheeler, Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Commercial Semi Truck Accidents
School Bus Accidents
Cargo Trucks Accidents
Tow Trucks Accidents
Fuel Trucks Accidents
Concrete Trucks Accidents
Box Truck Accidents
Sweeper Truck Accident

This dedication makes us some of the most experienced truck accident attorneys in the Western New York area. As you could probably guess, these truck accidents are usually the most deadly types of automobile accidents we encounter. Those injured in trucking accidents also typically have much more severe injuries. Read Our Free Injury Guide

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Our dedicated Rochester truck accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered

When someone comes into our office to talk about a tractor trailer accident, we address three major topics:

Liability – who is responsible.
The injuries.
And Insurance.

The first issue that we address in truck accident cases is liability. The second issue addressed is the severity of the injury and whether the person seeking compensation is injured in any way. And lastly, does the individual or individuals that caused the accident have insurance? Does the party that was innocent have uninsured motorist insurance coverage to pay for the damages that were caused by the accident? It’s important to note that in every successful case there are three important factors that make it so – solid liability or proof, injuries that were caused by the negligent party, and insurance to compensate for damages done. In accident law, two out of three usually isn’t enough.

At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC our dedicated Rochester truck accident lawyers have experience handling even the toughest truck accidents cases. If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or other large truck, schedule a legal consultation with our experienced injury attorneys to discuss your legal options. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the nuances involved in these very serious and complicated accidents. Read Our Free Injury Guide

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a truck, or were a passenger in a truck involved in an accident, contact the dedicated Rochester truck accident lawyers at Friedman & Ranzenhofer to schedule a free no-obligation consultation. Don’t settle for less, let our experience work for you.

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Client Reviews

“Friedman & Ranzenhofer provided prompt, courteous and professional assistance regarding a current legal issue. We have used the services of this firm repeatedly because of their consistent high quality service levels.” – Ed Berowski

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Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Free Case Evaluation

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Free Case Evaluation

Robert Friedman

Michael Ranzenhofer

Justin Friedman

Let Our 71 years of Experience Work For You

Why Choose Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC Injury Lawyers?

Why Choose Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC Injury Lawyers?

Personal Injury Guide

Personal Injury Guide

Personal Injury Guide

Our Experience

Our Availability

Free Consultation

No Fee Guarantee

Christine Rush via

James Houseman via

anonymous via

anonymous via

Related Videos

Recent Blog Posts

Hurt in a Thanksgiving Travel Accident? What to Do in New York

Why Are Senior Care Nurses Being Sued For Malpractice?

Amazon Sued for $8 Million for Injuries Due to Delivery Quotas

Our dedicated Rochester truck accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered

Client Reviews

Free Case Evaluation

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Free Case Evaluation

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Rochester Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced personal injury attorneys serving victims of trucking accidents in Rochester, NY

Free Case Evaluation

Let Our 71 years of Experience Work For You

Why Choose Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC Injury Lawyers?

Why Choose Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC Injury Lawyers?

Personal Injury Guide

Personal Injury Guide

Personal Injury Guide

Our Experience

Our Availability

Free Consultation

No Fee Guarantee

Christine Rush via

James Houseman via

anonymous via

anonymous via

Related Videos

Recent Blog Posts

Our dedicated Rochester truck accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered

Client Reviews

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