Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are many parties that could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable NYC compensation attorney will assist you to receive the settlement you deserve.
Get Help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times more than a car for passengers, and they can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and significant damage. Unfortunately, every 16 seconds, a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for a multitude of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to be safe and adhere to traffic laws, however their duties can be stressful and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can result in negligent decisions made while driving. It takes just a split-second for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes can be catastrophic and often leave families struggling to cope with the consequences.
It is important that when there is a crash involving a truck, authorities investigate the accident scene and record all pertinent information. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, as well as the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also important to obtain contact details from any witnesses such as their names and phone numbers. Having this information will be important when it comes the time to bring a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident. These devices record a vast amount of information regarding the speed of the truck, brake usage, and other information that could be helpful in determining fault in the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and know how to access and analyze it to build a strong claim for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the truck driver's negligence and the city or governing body where the accident occurred could be held accountable for the accident. For instance, if the road was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck crash claim is establishing that someone else was owed a duty of care and negligently breached the obligation, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage, and suffering and pain.
You'll need to provide evidence for each element of negligence in order to prove your case. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. This could include vehicle damage as well as tire tracks, the crash site and the weather conditions. It is also possible to record your injuries. Also, get the contact details of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can reach them later to take their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of trucking companies and other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also important. These records can be helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are both common causes of car accidents with trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents and your lawyer is able to obtain them through the formal discovery process if the company refuses to turn them over in a voluntary manner.
The report of inspections on trucks is a third kind of evidence that can be used to show that the trucking company could have taken shortcuts to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in an unsafely in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer can also try to get black box information as well as other high-tech devices as well as any information you have regarding the driver's history, including prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able 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 this evidence is crucial in proving your claim for damages. Without it, there is no chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck accident you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you with the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to get compensation for the damages caused by the negligent actions of the at-fault party. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to settle.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze crucial evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They may also investigate other factors that could have contributed to the accident such as road conditions or weather conditions. new york semi truck accident lawsuit can also look into the status of employment of the truck driver and his company, and any training certificates.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than accidents involving two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. Furthermore, there are many different people who could be responsible for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the trucking industry. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be prepared to advocate on behalf of their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also important to hire a lawyer who is open to communication and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all your questions and even meet with you face-to-face when necessary. If they don't reply promptly to your calls or emails it is a red flag that should be avoided.
The best way to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to ask about their experience with handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with information on their success rates and prior cases. They should also be able of explaining their charges and whether they have additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a car accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can claim compensation to pay for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Talk to your Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to raise the money needed. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and will use your desperate situation to your advantage, offering low-ball offers that do not cover the total cost of your injuries.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will protect you against this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist in negotiating a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. Attorneys can also take phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you're not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a demand letter that will describe your losses and request a specific amount of compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties will be required to talk back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements on specific elements or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to realize that your medical bills as well as other economic damages will probably take a long time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. This is why it is essential to cooperate with your doctor and hospital to set up payment plans that will allow you to get treatment while still being in a position to receive an equitable settlement.
A experienced lawyer can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by a jackknife or a loss in the load. He can determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able to determine the potential defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each.