Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi truck, the results can be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking companies, third-party brokers or manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for your injuries.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Ask for help from the police
Being involved in a truck collision isn't something to joke about. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times more than the average passenger car and are able to cause catastrophic collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and extensive damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed as the cause of thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner but their duties are usually demanding and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can lead to negligent choices while driving and it can take a fraction of a second for a distracted driver to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can have devastating consequences, and families are often left with the consequences.
It is essential that, when there is a crash involving a truck, authorities investigate the accident scene and record all pertinent information. The name of the driver, the business that employs him or her and the trucking company that owns the vehicle are all vital. It is also important to get contact information from any witnesses, including their names and telephone numbers. Knowing this information will prove crucial when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of data about the truck's speed, brake usage, and other data that could prove helpful in determining fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about the technology and know how access and analyze the data to build a strong claim for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the truck driver's negligence the municipality or governing body that caused the accident took place could be held responsible for the crash. For example, if the roadway was poorly maintained or obstructed by signs and signs, this could be cause for a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine the responsible party and make them accountable for any injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the main components of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that you owed someone else an obligation of care and negligently breached the duty, thus causing your accident. A successful negligence claim will result in compensation for all the economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income property damage and pain and suffering and emotional stress.
To establish your case you'll need evidence to prove each element of negligence. Photograph and film the scene of the accident. They could include car damage, tire tracks, the location of the crash, and the weather conditions. You may also want to document your injuries. Also, collect mcallen semi truck accident lawsuit for any witnesses, so that your attorney can reach them later to record their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking firms and other documents detailing the driver's work hours, cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can get the documents via formal requests if they do not want to provide them by choice.
Another 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. Moreover, these sloppy practices could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer can also try to get black box information as well as 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, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records that are relevant to your case. All of these documents will be essential in establishing damages. Without it, there's no way to receive the amount you are due.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured severely in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is experienced will guide you through the legal procedure to file an action for damages caused through the negligence of the driver at fault. They can also discuss with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to obtain an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with experience can gather and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They can also look into other factors that led to the accident, including road conditions or weather conditions. They can also check the truck driver's employment status and the company's, as well in any training certificates.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complex than crashes involving two passenger cars because of the weight and size of these vehicles. Additionally, there are many different people who could be responsible for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
To increase the odds of obtaining compensation, it is important to find an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and its regulations. They should also be prepared to advocate for 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 meet with you face-to–face when needed. If they don't respond to your calls or emails promptly, this is a warning sign and you should steer clear of them.
Asking about an attorney's experience in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they're suitable for you. They should be able provide examples of cases they have handled in the past and details about their success rate. They should also provide their fees in advance and if they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is an option for anyone who has lost a family member in a truck accident. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. In addition, they may be awarded monetary compensation to help cover medical expenses and loss of income.
Talk to the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will protect you from this kind of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or other parties in your case. He can also take over all phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will start the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a demand letter detailing your losses and demand an exact amount of compensation for each. The process could involve a back and forth between the two parties as it is normal for there to be disagreements about certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and financial damages could take a long time, especially if your injuries are severe. It is important to work with your hospital and doctor to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for a fair settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to assist you in determining the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife or the loss of load or a different 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.
There are many different entities that could be liable for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able to determine all of the potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.