Semi Truck Accident Law
If you get into an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms and third-party brokers, manufacturers or, as well as trucking companies themselves, could all be held accountable for your injuries.
You can claim compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
A truck crash isn't something to take lightly. These huge vehicles are capable of causing devastating collisions that can result in serious injuries or damage that is significant. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must be safe and adhere to traffic regulations, but their work can be demanding and cause them to get tired and distracted. This can lead to impulsive choices while driving, and it only takes a split second for an unfocused driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These errors can have catastrophic consequences, and families are often left to deal with the aftermath.
It is important that when an accident involving a truck happens authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant details. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, as well as the trucking company which owns the truck. It is important to obtain contact information, including names and telephone numbers from any witnesses. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" which can provide important evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information about the speed of the truck, brake usage, and other information that can be useful in determining the cause of an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how to access and analyze the data to present a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the negligence of the truck driver, the city or governing body that caused the accident took place could be held responsible for the accident. For instance, if the road was not maintained properly or obstructed by signs that could be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine the responsible party and ensure that they are accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful truck accident claim will establish that someone else was in breach of their duty to care, resulting in the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages property damage, emotional distress and pain and suffering.
To prove your case you'll need evidence that can demonstrate each factor of negligence. Take photos and video at the scene of the accident. These could include vehicle damage as well as tire tracks, the crash site and weather conditions. You may also want to document your injuries. Also get the contact information of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can reach them later to record their statements and witness testimony.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks for trucking companies and other documents that provide details of the driver's hours, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use which is a typical cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations oblige trucking companies to keep these records. Your lawyer can get the documents via a formal request if they don't want to do so by choice.
The truck inspection report is a further type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company might have made a few sloppy decisions to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in an unsafely unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer can also help to obtain black box data and other high-tech tools that will help you construct your case, as well as any information that you have on the background of the truck driver, including prior traffic convictions. Your attorney can also get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents relevant to your case. roanoke semi truck accident lawyer of this evidence is crucial to establishing your claim for damages. You will not be able to receive the amount of compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you or a family member has sustained serious injuries in a truck crash. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to get compensation for the damages caused by the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and follow the necessary steps to negotiate an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that could have contributed to the accident such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of the truck driver's job and company, as well as any training certifications.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. In addition, there are a variety of different parties who could be accountable for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
To increase the odds of receiving the maximum amount of compensation, it's important to find an attorney who is familiar with the trucking industry and the regulations. They should also be willing to advocate on behalf of their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is important to choose an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They should be able and willing to answer all of your questions, and even meet with you face-to-face whenever needed. If they do not respond quickly to your emails or calls, this is a red flag that should be avoided.
Asking about an attorney's experience in handling cases involving trucking is the best way to determine if they are suitable for you. They will be able to provide examples of cases they have handled in the past and specifics about their success rate. They should also be able of explaining their costs and if they include additional expenses like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful-death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation to pay for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Negotiate with the 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. A smart insurance company will be aware of this and will use your desperate situation to its advantage, providing low-cost options that will not cover all the costs of your injuries.
A lawyer for truck accidents can protect you from this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He can also take over all phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure you aren't misled or cheated by.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a demand letter that will outline your losses and request a specific amount of money for each. The process could involve back-and-forth between the two parties, because it is common for there to be some disagreements on certain parts or elements of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, particularly if your injuries are severe. It is crucial to work with your doctor and hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney can assist you in determining the root of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife or an inability to load, or another issue. Additionally, he will be able to determine if the truck driver was at fault or if other participants were involved in your accident.
You could hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. This includes the trucking company, their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer will enable you to determine the potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from them.