Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi trucks can cause devastating injuries. There are a variety of parties that are responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may be eligible for compensation for your non-economic and financial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. A NYC compensation lawyer can help you get what you're entitled to.
Get help from the police
A truck accident is not something to be laughed at. These massive vehicles are capable of devastating collisions that can cause victims to suffer serious injuries or significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes result in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and drive safely but their duties are usually demanding and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions while driving and it only takes just a few seconds for an inattentive driver to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these mistakes can be devastating and often leave families struggling with the consequences.
It is important that when an accident with a truck occurs the authorities investigate the crash scene and take note of all relevant details. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, as well as the trucking company that owns the truck. It is crucial to get contact details, like names and phone number, from any witnesses. This information will be invaluable when it's time to file a suit.
Additionally, semi trucks come with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information about the speed of the truck and brake usage, among other details that could be helpful in determining fault in an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are familiar with the technology and know how use it and analyze it in order to develop a strong case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the driver's negligence and the city or governing body in which the accident occurred could be held responsible for the accident. If the road was not maintained properly or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be grounds for a claim. Our attorneys will determine who is accountable and hold them liable for injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the essential elements of a successful truck crash claim is establishing that someone else was owed a duty of care and negligently breached that duty, thus causing your crash. A successful negligence case will result in a settlement for all economic and non-economic damages you've endured, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage or injury, and emotional anxiety.
You'll need to prove for each element of negligence in order to establish your case. Take photos and video at the scene of the accident. These could include vehicle's damage tires, the site of the crash and weather conditions. You may also want to record your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of all eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and their statements.
The logbooks of the trucking companies as well as other documents that record the time of work, cargo loads and maintenance tasks are also vital. These records may be useful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use, which is a common reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these records and your lawyer can request them by filing a formal discovery request if the company is unwilling to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
Another type of crucial evidence is the truck inspection report, which can be used to demonstrate that the trucking firm may have taken shortcuts in order to save money. In addition, these sloppy practices could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer may also attempt to obtain black box information, other high-tech devices, and any information you have about the driver's previous 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, test results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial in proving your claim for damages. You cannot receive the amount you are entitled to without it.
Hire an attorney
If you or a loved one was injured severely in an accident with a truck and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can guide you through the legal process to file a lawsuit seeking damages incurred by the negligent actions of the at-fault driver. They can also engage with insurance companies and make the necessary arrangements to get a fair settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also examine other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment of the truck driver and his company, as well any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents involving two cars. There are a variety of people who could be responsible in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. They should also be willing to advocate for their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is essential to select an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions and be available to meet face-to-face if needed. If they are not able to respond promptly to your emails or calls, this is a red flag that should be avoided.
The attorney's experience in handling cases involving trucking is the best way to determine if they are suitable for you. They should be able provide you with details about their success rates and previous case examples. pontiac semi truck accident lawsuit should also disclose their fees in advance and whether they include any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a car crash might be eligible to file a wrongful-death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral costs as well as the loss of companionship. Additionally, they could be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for their medical bills and income loss.
Make a deal with your Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often put under pressure to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will safeguard you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you in negotiating a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He will also be able to take phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline the losses you have suffered and demand an exact amount of compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties may be required to talk between them during this process, as there may be disagreements over particular elements or portions of your claim.
It is crucial to realize that your medical bills and other economic damages could take an extended time to settle, especially the more serious your injuries are. This is why it is essential to cooperate with your doctor and hospital to create payment plans that allow you to receive treatment but still be ready to receive a fair settlement.
An experienced attorney will be able to help you determine the cause of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife, the loss of load or a different issue. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the truck driver was at fault or if other parties were involved in the accident.
There are a variety of different entities that could be accountable for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, and even manufacturers. Engaging an experienced lawyer can help you identify all defendants that could be liable, and seek maximum compensation from them.