Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can cause devastating injuries. Truck drivers, trucking companies, third-party brokers or manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could be held responsible for your injuries.
You may be eligible for compensation for your non-economic as well as economic injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to joke about. These huge vehicles can weigh as much as 30 times the weight of a passenger vehicle and are able to cause catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Unfortunately, every 16 seconds, a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must follow traffic laws, but their jobs can be extremely demanding, causing them to get tired and distracted. This can result in negligent driving decisions. It takes just one second for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. The consequences of such mistakes can be devastating and often leave families struggling with the consequences.
It is crucial that when there is a crash involving a truck, authorities investigate the accident scene and record all relevant information. The name of the driver, the business where he or she works, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle are all vital. It is crucial to get contact information, including names and phone numbers from any witnesses. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the case of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of data about the speed of the truck and brake usage, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining who is at fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and are able to access and analyze the information to create a compelling case for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence it is possible that the governing body or the city where the accident occurred could be responsible for the crash. For instance, if a roadway was not maintained properly or had obstructed signs, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the municipality. Our attorneys will determine who is at fault and hold them accountable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that someone else was owed a duty of care and negligently breached the duty, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim results in a payout for all economic and noneconomic losses that you've suffered, including your medical expenses, lost income, property damage or injury, and emotional suffering.
You'll have to prove for each of the elements of negligence in order to establish your case. Take photos and video at the scene of the accident. They could include car damage, tire tracks, the crash site and the weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also, obtain the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can contact them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
Another important source of evidence is the logbooks for trucking companies and other documents that record the driver's hours of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These records may be useful in establishing a driver's use of drugs or fatigue which is a frequent reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these records and your lawyer can request them by filing the formal discovery process if the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The report of inspections on trucks is a third kind of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have made shortcuts to save money and these shortcuts could have led to the truck being dangerously in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer may also attempt to obtain black box information and other high-tech equipment, as well as any information you have on the driver's history, including previous traffic violations. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of your medical documents, receipts from medicines or treatments you've received, scans, results of tests and other records that pertain to your case. All of these documents are essential to prove damages. You cannot receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to without it.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious injuries in the course of a truck crash you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer with experience can assist you through the legal procedure for filing a lawsuit seeking damages incurred due to the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and follow the steps to obtain a settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They may also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, including weather conditions or road conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver's job and the company's, as well as any training certifications.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two vehicles. There are port st lucie semi truck accident law firm who could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms, and even truck manufactures.
To maximize the chance of receiving compensation, it is important to partner with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and its regulations. In addition, they should be willing to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also important to hire a lawyer who is a good communicator and will keep you updated on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions, and meet with you face-to-face whenever necessary. If they don't respond to your calls or emails quickly, this is a red flag and you should stay clear of them.
The best way to determine if or the attorney you choose is suitable for you is to inquire about their experience with handling trucking cases. They are likely to be able you with previous case examples as well as details on their success rate. They should also provide their fees in advance and if they include any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a family member in a crash involving a truck. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. They also can receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash, the bills pile up quickly and the injured victim feels pressured to get the money they need. Insurance companies can profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to only cover a portion of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will safeguard you from this kind of manipulative. An attorney can assist you in negotiating an agreement with the responsible party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He can also handle phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you're not misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to your insurance company. The letter will describe all of your losses and request a specific amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that the two parties will have to go back and forth during this process, as there could be disagreements about particular elements or portions of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages may take a very long time, especially in the case of serious injuries. This is why it is crucial to consult with your physician and hospital to set up payment plans that will allow you to receive treatment while still being able to wait for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able assist you in determining if your accident was caused by jackknife or a loss in load. He will be able to determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or if there were any other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of parties accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company, their drivers, the truck maker, third-party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. Engaging an experienced lawyer can help you find all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from them.