Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi trucks can result in devastating consequences. There are many parties who could be liable for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can claim compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, like medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. A NYC compensation lawyer can help you get what you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to take lightly. These huge trucks are capable of causing catastrophic collisions, and can cause serious injuries to victims or damage that is significant. Sadly, every 16 seconds, a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for a multitude of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must operate safely and abide by traffic laws, but their work can be stressful and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can result in negligent decisions made while driving. It takes only a split-second for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. These errors can have catastrophic consequences, and families are often left with the consequences.
When a truck accident occurs it is essential that the authorities investigate the crash site and take down all of the relevant details. The name of the driver, the business where they work and the trucking company which owns the vehicle are all important. It is essential to collect contact details, like names and telephone numbers from any witnesses. This information is crucial when it comes time to file a suit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the case of an accident. These devices record a vast amount of data about the speed of the truck, brake usage, and other data that could prove helpful in determining who is at fault for the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and are able to access and analyze the data to make a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver the municipality or governing body in which the accident took place could be held accountable for the crash. For instance, if the road was not maintained properly or obstructed by signs, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our lawyers can determine who is accountable and hold them accountable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that someone else breached their duty of care, resulting in the accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage as well as suffering and pain.
You'll have to prove for each element of negligence to prove your case. While at the scene the accident, capture photos and videos of the vehicle damage including tire marks, the site of the crash as well as road and weather conditions, your injuries, and any other information you can think of that could aid in making your case. Also, obtain the contact details of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and statements.
The logbooks of trucking companies and other records that detail the hours of work of the driver as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records could be helpful in establishing the driver's use of drugs or fatigue, which is a common reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these records and your lawyer can request them through the formal discovery process if the company refuses to hand them over voluntarily.
A third type of important evidence is the report on truck inspections, which could be used to prove that the trucking company may have taken shortcuts in order to save money. In addition, these cuts could have resulted in a dangerously unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black-box information and other high-tech tools to help you build your case, and any information you have regarding the truck driver's background, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also get copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other documents that pertain to your case. All of this evidence will be essential in proving your claim for damages. You cannot receive the compensation that you deserve without it.
Hire an Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured severely in an accident involving a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled attorney will guide you through the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit in order to recover damages caused by the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and take the necessary steps to negotiate an acceptable settlement.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze vital evidence from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They may also look into other factors that contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also examine the employment status of the driver of the truck and the company he works for, as well as any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two vehicles. Moreover, there are many different parties that could be responsible for the incident like truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. They should also be able to represent their clients with large companies and their legal teams.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They will be able to address all your questions and even meet with you face-to-face whenever needed. If they don't respond to your calls or emails quickly, it's an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should avoid them.
The best method to determine whether or whether an attorney is the right choice for you is to inquire about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able provide examples of cases they have handled in the past as well as details on their success rate. They should also be able to explain their charges and whether they are able to include additional costs such as expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck may be able to file a wrongful-death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive monetary compensation to pay for their medical bills and loss of income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to get the funds needed. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and could leverage your desperate situation to your advantage, providing low-cost options that will not cover the entire cost of your injuries.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will guard you against this type of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or exploited.
Your lawyer will begin negotiations by sending an insurance company a demand letter that will describe your losses and demand a specific amount compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties will be required to talk back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there could be disagreements regarding certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages can take a long time, especially when your injuries are serious. minneapolis semi truck accident law firm is important to work with your hospital and doctor to set up payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for a fair settlement.
An experienced lawyer will be able to help you determine the cause of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, a loss of load, or another issue. He will be able determine whether your accident was the result of the truck driver's negligence or if there were any other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of entities responsible for your injuries. This includes the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck maker, third-party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able to determine the potential defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each of them.