Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could have devastating results. There are many parties that could be accountable for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation will help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Get help from the police
Being involved in a truck collision is no laughing matter. These huge trucks can weigh up to 30 times as much as an automobile for a single person, and they can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with severe injuries and extensive damage. Sadly every 16 seconds, a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must be safe and adhere to traffic laws, but their jobs can be very demanding and lead them to get tired and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It takes just an instant for a driver to fall asleep behind the steering wheel or lose control. These errors can have catastrophic consequences and families are often left with the aftermath.
When a truck accident occurs it is essential that the authorities investigate the scene of the crash and note down all the relevant information. The name of the driver, his company where he or she works and the trucking company which owns the vehicle are crucial. It is crucial to get contact details, like names and numbers, from witnesses. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information regarding the truck's speed and brake usage, among other data that could prove helpful in determining fault in a crash. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are knowledgeable about the technology and know how to use it and analyze it in order 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. For instance, if the roadway was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked, this may be cause for a claim against the municipality. Our lawyers can identify who is responsible and be able to hold them accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else breached their duty of care, resulting in the crash. hampton semi truck accident lawyer that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages property damage, emotional distress and pain and suffering.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. While at the scene of the accident, capture photos and videos of the vehicle damage and tire marks, the accident site as well as road and weather conditions, your injuries, and anything else you can think of that might aid in supporting your case. Also, gather the contact information of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and statements.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver in the workplace, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records can aid in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are common causes of car accidents with trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents and your lawyer can obtain them through an official discovery request if the company refuses to turn them over voluntarily.
The report of inspections on trucks is a different type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money, and that these shortcuts could have led to a truck that was unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer can also try to obtain black box information along with other high-tech devices and any information you have regarding the driver's past, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able get copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other records that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial to establishing your case for damages. Without it, there's no way of obtaining the amount you are due.
Hire an Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a truck accident and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and follow the steps to get a settlement.
A reputable attorney 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 could have contributed to the accident such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the truck driver's employment status and the company's, as well in any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents involving two vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different parties that could be responsible for the incident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking regulations and the business. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. They should also be willing to advocate on behalf of their clients with large companies and their legal teams.
It is essential to select an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They will be able to address all of your questions, and meet with you face-to–face whenever needed. If they do not respond promptly to your emails or calls this is a red flag that should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or the attorney you choose is suitable for you is to ask about their experience handling trucking cases. They are likely to be able examples of cases they have handled in the past and specifics about their success rate. They should also explain their fees upfront and whether they are inclusive of additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost loved ones 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. Additionally, they could be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for medical expenses and lost income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident the costs mount up quickly and the injured victim is pressured to pay the money they need. Insurance companies can profit from your desperate situation and offer low-cost solutions that cover only a fraction of your medical expenses.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer at your side can protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can help you negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or parties in your case. He can also handle phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an demand letter to the insurance company. It will list the losses you have suffered and ask for a specific amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that both parties will be required to talk back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements on certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are severe. This is why it is essential to cooperate with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that will allow you to get medical treatment while being capable of waiting for a fair settlement.
A reliable lawyer can to determine if your accident was caused by accident with a jackknife or loss of the load. He can determine if your accident was the result of the negligence of a truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You can hold a range of entities responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able to identify all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each.