Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck the consequences can be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms, third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for the injuries you sustain.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in getting what you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
A truck accident isn't something to laugh at. These massive trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than a car for passengers and can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there's an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must operate safely and abide by traffic laws, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions at the wheel and it takes only a fraction of a second for an unfocused driver to become sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these errors could be disastrous, and they often leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
It is essential that, when there is a crash involving a truck authorities investigate the accident scene and document all pertinent details. The name of the driver, the name of the company where they work and the trucking company which owns the vehicle are all vital. It is also important to get contact information from any witnesses such as their names and telephone numbers. The information you have will be valuable when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the event of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of data about the truck's speed and brake usage, among other data that could prove helpful in determining who is at fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and are able to analyze and access the information to make a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the negligence of the truck driver as well as the city or governing body that caused the accident occurred could be held responsible for the accident. For example, if the road was not properly maintained or had obstructed signs or signs, it could be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our lawyers can identify the person responsible and ensure that they are accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that you owed someone else a duty of care and negligently breached the duty, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and suffering and pain.
You'll need to prove for each element of negligence to prove your case. While at the scene of the accident, capture photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle including tire marks, the accident site as well as road and weather conditions and your injuries, as well as any other information you can think of that could be useful in making your case. Also, get the contact details of any witnesses so that your lawyer can later contact them to record their testimony and their statements.
The logbooks of trucking companies as well as other documents detailing the driver's work hours and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also essential. These documents can be useful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents, and your lawyer may request them by filing a formal discovery request if the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The report of inspections on trucks is a different type of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking company might have taken shortcuts to save money and that the mistakes could have resulted in a truck that was hazardous or defective. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black-box information and other high-tech tools that can help you build your case, and any information you may have regarding the background of the truck driver, including prior traffic violations. Your lawyer will also be able to get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents will be crucial to establish damages. Without it, you'll have no chance of receiving the compensation you're entitled to.
Hire an attorney
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries as a result of the course of a truck crash you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and follow the necessary steps to secure an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer can collect and analyze vital evidence from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They can also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, including road conditions or weather conditions. They can also look into the status of the driver of the truck and his company, and any certificates of training.
Truck accidents are often more complex than crashes involving two passenger cars because of the size and weight of these vehicles. There are also provo semi truck accident claim who could be at fault for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
To maximize the chance of receiving compensation, it is essential to find an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be willing to fight on behalf of their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer your questions and be willing for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, it's a warning sign and you should steer clear of them.
The best way to determine whether or an attorney is the right one for you is to inquire about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with examples of previous cases and details about their success rate. They should also explain their fees in advance and whether they cover any additional costs, like expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a car crash might be eligible to file a wrongful-death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. They may also receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Talk to the Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the injured victim is often under pressure to get the funds needed. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a small portion of your medical expenses.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer at your side will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you in negotiating an agreement with the responsible party or insurance companies involved in your case. He will also be able to take phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will describe the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount of compensation for each. This may require a exchange of information between the two parties because it is typical for there to be disagreements on certain parts or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, particularly if your injuries are severe. It is important to work with your physician and hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reliable lawyer can to determine if your accident was caused by jackknife or a loss in the load. He will be able determine whether your accident was caused by the truck driver's negligence or if there were other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. A skilled lawyer will allow you to identify all potential defendants, and get the most compensation from them.