Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences could be devastating. There are many parties that could be liable for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can claim compensation for your non-economic as well as economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A NYC lawyer for compensation will help you claim the compensation you're entitled to.
Get Help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. These huge vehicles can weigh up to 30 times as much as a car for passengers, and they can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that usually result in victims suffering serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to obey traffic laws and be safe however, their work is often stressful and can cause them to become fatigued and distracted. This can result in negligent decisions made while driving. It takes only an instant for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. These errors can have catastrophic consequences and families are often left with the consequences.
It is vital that if an accident with a truck occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and take note of all relevant information. The name of the driver, the company that employs him or her, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle are crucial. It is also essential to collect contact information from any witnesses with their names as well as phone numbers. Having this information will be important when it comes the time to start a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the event of an accident. st louis semi truck accident claim can capture many details about the truck, including speed, brakes used and other information that could be useful in determining who's at fault for the incident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and know how to use it and analyze it to develop a strong case for our clients.
It could be that, in addition to the truck driver's negligence and the city or governing body where the accident occurred could also be held responsible for the accident. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be a cause for an action. Our lawyers can determine who is accountable and hold them liable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck crash claim is proving that you owed someone else a duty of care and negligently breached that duty, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a settlement for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and suffering and pain.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence in order to prove your case. Take photos and video at the scene of the accident. This could include car damage as well as tire tracks, the accident site, and even the weather conditions. You may also want to document your injuries. Also, gather the contact details of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and their statements.
Another type of important evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that record the hours of the driver as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in establishing a driver's use of drugs or fatigue, which is a common cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these documents. Lawyers can request the documents by submitting an official request if they refuse to do so voluntarily.
Another crucial evidence is the truck inspection report, which can be used to prove that the trucking company may have slashed corners to save money, and that these sloppy practices could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box information along with other high-tech devices and any other information you have on the driver's previous history, including prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able get copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is crucial to establishing your claim for damages. You cannot receive the compensation that you deserve without it.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation for you or a family member has sustained serious injuries as a result of a truck crash. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit in order to claim damages for the negligent actions of the at-fault party. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take necessary steps to get a settlement.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also examine other factors that contributed to the accident, like road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment for the driver of the truck and his company, as well any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two cars. Furthermore, there are many different parties that could be responsible for the incident including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is familiarized with the trucking regulations and the business. This will improve your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing to advocate for their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is also important to choose a lawyer who is willing to communicate and will keep you updated on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions, and even meet face-to-face with you whenever needed. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, it's a red flag and you should stay clear of them.
The best method to determine whether or whether an attorney is the right choice for you is to inquire about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with details regarding their success rates as well as previous cases. They should also be able explain their costs and if they are able to include additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a family member in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are eligible for reimbursement for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. They may also receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the injured victim is often under pressure to raise the money needed. Insurance companies will profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your expenses.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer on your side can protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties in your case. He will also be able to take over any phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you don't get swindled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will start negotiations by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will describe your losses and request a specific amount compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties could have to move back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements over certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, particularly in the case of serious injuries. It is important to work with your hospital and doctor to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by accident with a jackknife or loss of the load. He will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck 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 and their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. By working with an experienced lawyer, you will be able recognize the potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.