Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck, the results can be devastating. There are a variety of parties that are responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the settlement you deserve.
Seek help from the police
Getting into a truck accident is not a joke. These huge trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than the average passenger car and can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there's a truck accident in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner but their duties are usually challenging and can cause them to become fatigued and distracted. This can lead to impulsive choices while driving and it takes only a fraction of a second for a driver who is not paying attention to get sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these errors can be severe and often leave families struggling with the consequences.
If a truck crash occurs it is imperative that authorities investigate the site of the crash and collect all the relevant information. The name of the driver, the business in which he or she works, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle are all crucial. It is also essential to obtain contact details from witnesses such as their names and telephone numbers. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to make a claim.
Furthermore, semi-trucks come with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can record a lot of information about the truck, including speed, brake use and other data that could prove helpful in determining who was responsible for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and are able to access and analyze this information in order to make a convincing argument for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence, it is possible that the city or governing body where the accident occurred may be responsible for the crash. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructed signs on the road, this could be a reason to file a claim. Our lawyers can determine who is accountable and hold them liable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck accident claim is proving that someone else owed you the duty of care and negligently breached the obligation, causing your accident. 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 to prove for each element of negligence in order to prove your case. While you're at the scene of your accident, snap pictures and videos of the vehicle damage as well as tire marks, the accident site, weather and road conditions, your injuries, and everything else you are able to think of that could aid in supporting your case. Also, gather the contact information of all witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and declarations.
The logbooks of trucking companies as well as 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 aid in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents by submitting an official request should they are unable to do so in a voluntary manner.
The report of inspections on trucks is a further type of evidence that can be used to show that the trucking company might have taken shortcuts to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in a truck that was hazardous or defective. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain information from the black box, other high-tech devices, and any information that you have regarding the driver's past, such as prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able obtain copies of any medical records, medical receipts, or treatments you've received or received, scans, the results of tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence is essential to prove your case for damages. Without it, there's no way to receive the compensation you deserve.
Hire an attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in an accident with a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to get compensation for the damages caused by the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to secure a fair settlement.
An experienced attorney can gather and analyze crucial evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also inquire about the truck driver's employment status and company, as well in any training certificates.
Truck accidents are typically more complicated than crashes involving two vehicles due to the weight and size of these vehicles. There are a variety of individuals who could be responsible in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chances of obtaining compensation, it is important to work with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry as well as regulations. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to select an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer your inquiries and be available to meet face-to-face if needed. If they don't respond quickly to your calls or emails, this is a red flag that should be avoided.
The best way 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 to provide you with case examples from previous cases as well as details on their success rate. They should be able to explain their fees and whether they have additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
A wrongful death claim is an option for anyone who has lost a family member in a car accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation to cover funeral costs as well as the loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to only cover a portion of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will safeguard you from this kind of manipulative. An attorney can assist in negotiating an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any calls made by insurance representatives to ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will describe your losses and ask for a specific amount of compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties could have to move back and forth throughout this process, as there could be disagreements regarding certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are severe. meridian semi truck accident case is why it is essential to work with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment plans that will allow you to get treatment while still being capable of waiting for an equitable settlement.
A reputable attorney will be able to assist you in determining the cause of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or another cause. He will be able determine whether your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were any other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you'll be able to identify the potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each of them.