Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck the consequences can be devastating. There are a variety of parties that could be responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can assist you in getting the settlement you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck accident is not something to be laughed at. These huge vehicles can weigh up to 30 times the weight of the average passenger car, and they are capable of devastating collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there's an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to drive safely and obey traffic laws, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to be exhausted and distracted. This can result in negligent driving decisions. paterson semi truck accident lawyer takes an instant for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes can be catastrophic and often leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
When a truck accident occurs it is imperative that the authorities investigate the crash site and record all of the relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, the employer, and the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also crucial to obtain contact information from any witnesses, including their names and phone numbers. This information will be crucial when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices record a lot of information about the truck, including speed, brake usage, and other information that could be useful in determining the person responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are knowledgeable about the technology and know how to access and analyze it to develop a strong case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver and the city or governing body that caused the accident took place could be held accountable for the crash. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a reason to file a claim. Our lawyers can identify the person responsible and be able to hold them accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck crash claim is to prove that someone else was owed an obligation of care, and negligently breached the obligation, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, which include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress and suffering and pain.
To prove your case, you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. Photograph and film the scene of the accident. They could include car damage and tire tracks, as well as the site of the crash and weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also get the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can contact them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking firms and other documents that record the time of work as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities are also crucial. These records can be helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are both common causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents, and your lawyer may request them through a formal discovery request if the company refuses to turn them over voluntarily.
The truck inspection report is a third kind of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking company may have made a few sloppy decisions to save money and that these methods could have resulted a truck that was dangerously defective or unsafe. Your lawyer can also try to obtain black box information, other high-tech devices, and any information that you have regarding the driver's history, including previous traffic violations. Your attorney can also get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other records relevant to your case. All of these documents are vital to establishing damages. It is impossible to get the compensation that you deserve without this evidence.
Hire an Attorney
You could be entitled to compensation if you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck crash. A lawyer with experience can guide you in the legal process to file a lawsuit for damages caused by the negligent actions of the driver at fault. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and take the necessary steps to secure an equitable settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records as well as witness statements. They can also research other factors that may have caused the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of the truck driver's employment and company, as in any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two vehicles. There are many individuals who could be at fault for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
To increase the odds of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation, it's important to work with an attorney who is familiar 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 also essential to choose a lawyer who is open to communication and who will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your inquiries and be available to meet face-to-face when needed. If they don't respond to your messages or calls promptly, it's an indication of danger and you should steer clear of them.
The best way to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to ask about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with examples of previous cases and details about their success rate. They should also explain their fees in advance and whether they cover any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a family member in a car accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can claim reimbursement for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive monetary compensation to pay for their medical bills and loss of income.
Make a deal with your Insurance Company
The bills start piling up quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to find the funds required. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and will use your situation's urgency to benefit themselves, by offering low-cost offers that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A lawyer for a truck accident can protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any calls made by insurance representatives and ensure you are not misled or cheated.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. The letter will detail your losses and request the amount you will receive for each one. The process could involve back-and-forth between the two parties as it is normal for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to understand that medical bills and other financial damages could take a long time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is important to work with your doctor and hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an appropriate settlement.
A experienced lawyer can to determine if your accident was caused by a jackknife or a loss in the load. Additionally, he will be able to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if other parties were involved in the incident.
There are a variety of different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able to determine all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.