Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of Americans hitting the road to visit loved ones. In Queens and across New York, this holiday surge leads to congested highways, aggressive driving, and, unfortunately, an uptick in serious truck accidents. Large commercial trucks already pose unique risks—when combined with holiday traffic, the results can be devastating.
Understanding liability is crucial if you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident over Thanksgiving weekend. At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we help you understand your rights and take the next step toward recovery.
Why Truck Accidents Increase During Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving weekend brings together several factors that make roads more dangerous than usual:
- Heavy traffic volumes: With millions on the road, the risk of accidents naturally rises.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers may be pushing deadlines before the holiday or after a short break.
- Poor weather conditions: Late November in New York often means rain, sleet, or early snow.
- Speeding and distracted driving: Drivers rushing to their destinations can make reckless choices.
Due to their size and weight, trucks are harder to stop and less maneuverable. When they collide with passenger vehicles, the injuries are often severe, and determining who is legally responsible can get complicated.
Who May Be Liable in a Thanksgiving Truck Accident?
In any truck accident case, liability depends on a thorough investigation. Multiple parties may be at fault, including:
1. The Truck Driver
If the truck driver was speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or fatigued, they may be directly liable. Federal regulations limit how many hours truckers can drive—but violations still happen, especially around holidays.
2. The Trucking Company
The company that employs the driver may be responsible if it fails to train the driver properly, encourages unsafe driving practices, or fails to maintain the truck in a safe working condition.
3. Third-Party Contractors
Sometimes, the driver works for a subcontractor or the truck is leased from another company. In these cases, identifying the correct defendant requires legal experience.
4. Parts Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers
If a brake failure or mechanical defect caused the crash, the fault might lie with a parts manufacturer or the maintenance team responsible for repairs.
5. Other Drivers on the Road
Sometimes, a third driver—such as someone who cut off a truck or braked suddenly—can cause a chain-reaction crash. These cases require careful analysis of traffic footage, witness statements, and police reports.
What to Do After a Truck Accident During the Holidays
If you’re involved in a truck accident around Thanksgiving, taking the right steps early on can protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical help, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of all vehicles, the roadway, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with all drivers and witnesses.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before talking to a lawyer—they may pressure you to settle for less than you deserve.
- Speak with a Queens truck accident attorney who understands New York law and the complexities of multi-party liability.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Queens
At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we know how difficult life can be after a serious accident—especially during the holidays. If you were injured in a truck crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our team has experience holding truck drivers, companies, and insurers accountable. We take the time to understand your case, investigate thoroughly, and fight for your desired outcome.
Call us today at (718) 340-3385 for a free consultation. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
