Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi truck, the results can be devastating. There are many parties that could be responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation will help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to be laughed at. These massive trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than an automobile for a single person and can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that can result in victims suffering severe injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is a truck accident in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws and drive safely but their duties are usually demanding, and they can lead them to become tired and distracted. This can result in negligent driving decisions. It takes only the span of a second for drivers to fall asleep behind the steering wheel or lose control. These mistakes can have devastating consequences, and families are often left with the consequences.
When a truck accident occurs it is crucial that the authorities investigate the scene of the crash and note down all the relevant details. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, as well as the trucking company that operates the truck. It is crucial to get contact details, like names and numbers, from any witnesses. Having this information will be invaluable when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information about the truck's speed and brake usage, among other data that could prove helpful in determining fault in an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how use it and analyze it in order to make a convincing case for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence and the possibility that the governing body of the city where the accident occurred may be responsible for an accident. For instance, if a roadway was poorly maintained or obstructed by signs or signs, it could be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that a third party was in breach of their duty to care negligently, causing the accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages emotional distress, property damage as well as pain and suffering.
You'll need evidence for each element of negligence in order to establish your case. When you are at the scene of your accident, take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle as well as tire marks, the scene of the crash, weather and road conditions including your injuries, and everything else you could think of that may be useful in making your case. Also, get the contact details for any eyewitnesses. chino hills semi truck accident lawyer , your attorney can reach them later to keep their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking firms and other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also crucial. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents and your lawyer may request them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The report of inspections on trucks is a further type of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking business may have made shortcuts to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in the truck being dangerously defective or unsafe. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain information from black boxes, other high-tech devices, and any information that you have about the driver's previous history, including previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents will be vital to establishing damages. Without it, there is no way to receive the compensation you're entitled to.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation when someone in your family has suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck crash. A lawyer with experience can guide you in the legal procedure to file a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligence of the driver at fault. They can also discuss with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to secure an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze the most important 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 weather or road conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver's employment and the company's, as well in any training certificates.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complicated than crashes involving two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. There are many people who could be accountable for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
It is essential to find an attorney who is knowledgeable with the regulations for trucking and the business. This will improve your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be prepared to advocate for their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is also important to find a lawyer who is willing to communicate and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able and willing to answer all your questions and even meet with you face-to-face whenever necessary. If they don't reply to your calls or emails promptly, it's a red flag and you should stay clear of them.
Asking about an attorney's experience in handling trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're the right fit for you. They should be able provide you with information about their success rates and prior case examples. They should also disclose their fees upfront and whether they are inclusive of additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a family member in a crash involving a truck. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation to cover funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they may receive monetary compensation to pay for medical expenses and income loss.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often put under pressure to raise the money needed. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A lawyer for a truck accident will guard you against this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not lulled or misled.
Your attorney will start negotiations by sending an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount of compensation for each. This may require a back and forth between the two parties, because it is typical for there to be disagreements regarding certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and financial damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are serious. This is why it is crucial to consult with your physician and hospital to set up payment arrangements that will allow you to get treatment but still be ready to receive an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney can help you determine the cause of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or some other issue. He will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent or if any other parties were involved in the incident.
You could hold a variety of parties accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company, their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you'll be able to determine all of the potential defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each.