Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking companies and third-party brokers, manufacturers or and trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for injuries.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable NYC compensation attorney can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck crash is not a joke. These massive trucks are capable of causing catastrophic collisions that can cause serious injuries to victims or significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes are responsible for hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must operate safely and abide by traffic laws, however their duties can be demanding and cause them to get tired and distracted. This can lead to rash driving decisions. It takes only one second for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes could be disastrous and leave families struggling 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. The name of the driver, his company where he or she works, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle is all crucial. It is also essential to collect contact information from any witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. Having this information will be important when it comes the time to start a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information regarding the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault in a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about this 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 truck driver's negligence and the city or the governing body where the accident occurred could also be held accountable for the accident. For instance, if a roadway was poorly maintained or had signs that were not properly maintained that could be reason to bring a lawsuit against the city. Our lawyers will determine who is accountable and hold them liable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful truck accident claim will establish that someone else was in breach of their duty to care in a negligent manner, causing the accident. A successful negligence claim will result in a payout for all economic and noneconomic losses that you've suffered, such as medical bills, lost income property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To establish your case you'll need evidence that can establish each of the elements of negligence. While at the scene your accident, take pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle including tire marks, the scene of the crash, weather and road conditions and your injuries, as well as anything else you can think of that could be useful in making your case. Also, get the contact details for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can contact them later to keep their statements and witness testimony.
florida semi truck accident claim of important evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that detail the hours of the driver in the workplace, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use which is a frequent cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these records. Your lawyer can get the documents through an official request should they are unable to do so in a voluntary manner.
Another important evidence is the report on truck inspections, which can be used to demonstrate that the trucking business may have slashed corners to save money. Moreover, these shortcuts may have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box data and other high-tech equipment that can help you build your case, and any information you have about the background of the truck driver including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able obtain copies of your medical records, medical receipts, or treatments that you have received, scans, results of tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence is essential to prove your claim for damages. It is impossible to get the amount you are entitled to without it.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is experienced can guide you in the legal procedure for filing a lawsuit for damages caused through the negligence of the driver who is at fault. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take necessary steps to settle.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also inquire about the status of employment for the truck driver and his company, as well as any training certificates.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than crashes involving two vehicles due to the size and weight of these vehicles. There are also many parties that could be at fault for the crash, including truck drivers, trucking firms and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chances of obtaining compensation, it is crucial to work with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and the regulations. They should also be able to fight on behalf of their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is important to select an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions and be willing for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they don't reply to your calls or emails quickly, it's an indication of danger and you should stay clear of them.
Inquiring about the experience of an attorney in handling cases involving trucking is the best method to determine if they're right for you. They will be able to provide you with examples of previous cases and specifics about their success rate. They should also explain their fees in advance and whether 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 loved one in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation to cover funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to get the funds needed. Insurance companies will take advantage of your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your expenses.
A lawyer for truck accidents will safeguard you from this kind of manipulative. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or other parties in your case. He can also handle calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or exploited.
Your attorney will start the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount compensation for each. This process may involve a exchange of information between the two parties since it is common for there to be disagreements regarding certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages could take a long time, especially when your injuries are severe. It is important to work with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to help you determine the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife, an inability to load, or another issue. He will also be able to determine if the truck driver was at fault or if other parties were involved in the accident.
There are many different entities that could be liable for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, and even manufacturers. Working with an experienced lawyer will help you determine the potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.