18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Ontario County, NY

An 18‑wheeler collision on I‑90 or a rural Ontario County roadway can cause life‑altering injuries and leave you facing a maze of medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters. In New York, the law allows victims to seek compensation for their losses, but the procedural requirements are strict and the trucking industry’s legal resources are formidable. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent people injured in large‑truck accidents throughout Ontario County—including Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, and surrounding communities. The firm’s New York location serves clients at the Ontario County Supreme Court and handles every aspect of a claim, from preserving electronic logging device data to negotiating with commercial carriers. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What 18‑Wheeler Accident Claims Mean in Ontario County, New York

An 18‑wheeler accident claim in Ontario County is governed by New York tort law, which has several features that shape the value and timeline of a case. First, there is a filing deadline. Under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5), a personal‑injury lawsuit must be commenced within three years of the date of the accident. If a municipality—such as a county road department or a city‑owned vehicle—is involved, a notice of claim must be served within ninety days. Missing either deadline can bar your claim entirely, so prompt action is critical.

New York applies pure comparative fault under Article 14‑A of the CPLR. That means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the crash, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. In motor‑vehicle cases, including those involving tractor‑trailers, a plaintiff must also meet the “serious injury” threshold defined in N.Y. Insurance Law § 5102 to recover non‑economic damages such as pain and suffering. Economic damages—medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs—are not subject to that threshold. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal‑injury actions, so the full extent of your harm can be presented.

Ontario County’s court of general jurisdiction is the New York Supreme Court, Ontario County, located at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua. The court hears cases without a monetary ceiling, meaning there is no limit on the damages a jury can award if the evidence supports them. Because truck‑accident litigation often requires expert testimony on accident reconstruction, federal motor‑carrier safety regulations, and medical causation, having counsel who knows the local court procedures and the federal regulatory framework is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the discovery rules and motion practice in the 7th Judicial District and routinely appear in Ontario County Supreme Court.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle 18‑Wheeler Accident Cases

Large‑truck collisions present unique challenges that do not exist in ordinary car‑crash claims. The trucking company, its insurer, and its legal team begin building their defense immediately—often before the injured person has even been released from the hospital. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel move quickly to level the playing field. They send letters of spoliation to the carrier and its insurer, demanding preservation of the truck’s electronic control module data, driver logs, maintenance records, and the driver’s personnel file. Federal regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 382‑399 impose hours‑of‑service limits, vehicle inspection requirements, and qualification standards on commercial drivers; a violation of those rules can be powerful evidence of negligence.

The investigation conducted by the firm includes, where appropriate, retaining accident‑reconstruction attorneys, reviewing roadway design and signage, obtaining the police accident report, and interviewing witnesses. Once liability is established, the team works with medical providers and vocational attorneys to document the full scope of the client’s injuries and financial losses. Settlement negotiations with the trucking company’s insurer address not only past medical bills but future care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to take the case to trial in Ontario County Supreme Court. Throughout the process, the firm communicates directly with the client, explaining each step and the choices available. The firm accepts truck‑accident cases on a contingency‑fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless a recovery is obtained.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team brings substantial experience across multiple practice areas, including personal‑injury litigation arising from commercial‑vehicle accidents. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have the resources to investigate complex 18‑wheeler cases, consult with engineering and medical experts, and advocate for full compensation at the negotiating table and in court. The firm’s New York location serves injured people throughout Ontario County and the Finger Lakes region.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an 18‑wheeler accident claim in Ontario County?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal‑injury lawsuit in New York under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If a government entity is involved, a notice of claim must be served within 90 days. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim, so it is important to speak with an attorney promptly. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific timeline.

What should I do immediately after an 18‑wheeler accident in Ontario County?

Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, and then document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles and the roadway, gather contact information from witnesses, and obtain the truck driver’s license and insurance details. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer until you have consulted a lawyer. Early preservation of evidence is essential; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. as soon as possible so spoliation letters can be sent to the carrier.

Do I need a lawyer for an 18‑wheeler accident claim?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but these cases involve multiple defendants, complex federal trucking regulations, and active insurance adjusters, making experienced legal representation important. An attorney can identify all potentially liable parties—driver, trucking company, freight broker, maintenance provider—and make sure your damages are fully documented. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle every aspect of an 18‑wheeler case, from investigation to settlement or trial.

What damages can I recover for an 18‑wheeler accident in New York?

You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, and, if your injury meets the “serious injury” threshold, non‑economic damages for pain and suffering. New York does not impose a cap on compensatory damages in most personal‑injury cases. In a wrongful‑death claim, damages are governed by N.Y. E.P.T.L. § 5‑4.1. The specific amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the evidence presented. For an evaluation of your potential recovery, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does New York’s comparative fault rule affect my 18‑wheeler accident case?

New York uses pure comparative negligence, so you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if a jury finds you 20% responsible, your award is reduced by 20%. The trucking company’s insurer often tries to shift blame to the injured driver; experienced counsel can gather the evidence needed to minimize your assigned fault. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with how these arguments play out in Ontario County Supreme Court.

What does it cost to hire an 18‑wheeler accident lawyer?

Personal‑injury attorneys typically work on a contingency‑fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless you recover compensation. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, and initial consultations are without charge. You pay nothing out of pocket to have your case evaluated and pursued. To learn more about the fee arrangement, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Primary‑Source Authority: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214 (statute of limitations) | N.Y. Insurance Law § 5102 (serious injury threshold) | New York State Courts – Ontario County Supreme Court

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