Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can have devastating results. There are many parties that could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer will help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
A truck accident isn't something to take lightly. These massive vehicles are capable of devastating collisions, and can result in serious injuries or damage that is significant. Every 16 seconds, there is a truck accident in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must drive safely and obey traffic laws, but their jobs can be stressful and lead them to get tired and distracted. This can result in negligent driving decisions. It takes just one second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. These mistakes can result in devastating consequences, and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
When a truck accident occurs, it is important that the authorities investigate the site of the crash and take down all of the relevant information. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, as well as the trucking company that operates the truck. It is crucial to get contact information, including names and phone number, from any witnesses. This information is crucial when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the event of an accident. These devices can be used to record many details about the truck, including speed, brake usage and other data that may be helpful in determining who was responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how to analyze and access the information to make a convincing case for our clients.
In suffolk semi truck accident attorney to truck driver negligence it is possible that the city or governing body in which the accident took place could be accountable for the consequences of a crash. For example, if the roadway was poorly maintained or had obstructed signs, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the municipality. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and be able to hold them accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck crash claim is proving that you owed someone else an obligation of care, and negligently breached that duty, thus causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress as well as suffering and pain.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence to prove your case. Take photos and videos of the accident scene. They could include vehicle damage and tire tracks, as well as the accident site, and even the weather conditions. You may also want to document your injuries. Also, obtain the contact details of any witnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and their statements.
Another important source of evidence is the trucking company's logbooks as well as other documents that document the hours of the driver of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These records can be helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can obtain the documents via an official request should they are unable to do so voluntarily.
The report of inspections on trucks is a different type of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking company may have made a few sloppy decisions to save money and these shortcuts could have resulted in a truck that was defective or unsafe. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black box information and other high-tech devices that will help you construct your case, along with any information that you have on the truck driver's background, including prior traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able to get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records that pertain to your case. All of this evidence is essential to prove your case for damages. You cannot receive the amount you deserve without it.
Hire an attorney
You may be entitled compensation in the event that you or a family member has sustained serious injuries in a car crash. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can guide you through the legal procedure for filing a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligence of the driver who is at fault. They are also able to negotiate with insurance companies and take necessary steps to obtain a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also investigate other factors that contributed to the accident, like weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the status of the truck driver's employment and company, as well in any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents involving two 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 maximize the chance of obtaining compensation, it is essential to find a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and its regulations. They should also be able to represent their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is essential to select an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions, and even meet with you face-to-face when needed. If they don't respond to your calls or emails quickly, it's an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should steer clear of them.
The best method to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience with handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with information on their success rates and prior case examples. They should also disclose their fees in advance and whether they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a loved one in a car accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. In addition, they are able to be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for medical expenses and income loss.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the injured victim feels pressured to get the money they need. Insurance companies will profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to only cover a portion of your medical expenses.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer at your side will protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He can also handle any calls made by insurance representatives to ensure that you are not misled or cheated.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to your insurance company. This letter will list the losses you have suffered and request an amount of money for each one. It is possible that the two parties could be required to talk back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there could be disagreements regarding certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is important to recognize that your medical bills as well as other economic damages will probably take some time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to work with your doctor and the hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an equitable settlement.
An experienced attorney will be able to help you determine the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife or an unloading issue, or another issue. He will be able determine whether your accident was the result of the negligence of the truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck maker, third-party shippers, and even the product manufacturer. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer will help you determine the potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.