Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck, the results can be devastating. There are many parties that are 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, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable NYC compensation attorney can assist you in obtaining the settlement you deserve.
Ask for help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to laugh at. erie semi truck accident lawsuit can weigh as much as 30 times more than the average passenger car and are able to cause catastrophic collisions that often result in victims suffering severe injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to drive safely and obey traffic laws, but their jobs can be very demanding and lead them to get tired and distracted. This can lead to rash driving decisions. It takes just a split-second for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of such mistakes can be devastating, and they often leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
If a truck collision occurs, it is important that authorities investigate the site of the crash and collect all the relevant information. The name of the driver, the name of the company that employs him or her and the trucking company which owns the vehicle are all important. It is important to get contact information, such as names and phone number, from witnesses. This information will be crucial when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the case of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of data about the truck's speed and brake usage, among other details that could be helpful in determining fault in the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and know how to access and analyze this data in order to create a compelling case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the driver's negligence, the city or governing body where the accident occurred could be held accountable for the accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a reason to file an action. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and ensure that they are accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care negligently, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim results in the payment of all economic and non-economic damages you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional anxiety.
You'll need to prove for each element of negligence to prove your case. Photograph and film the scene of the accident. They could include vehicle damage, tire tracks, the location of the crash, and weather conditions. You may also wish to record your injuries. Also, obtain the contact information of all witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and their statements.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company as well as other documents that document the driver's hours, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records can be helpful 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 may request them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company refuses to hand them over in a voluntary manner.
Another important evidence is the truck inspection report, which can be used to prove that the trucking business may have slashed corners to save money. In addition, these cuts could have resulted in a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer can also help to obtain black box information and other high-tech devices to help you build your case, along with any information you may have regarding the background of the truck driver, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of medical records, medical receipts, or treatments that you have received, scans, results of tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents will be crucial to establish damages. You cannot receive the compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you or a family member has sustained serious injuries from a truck accident. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and take the necessary steps to get an equitable settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also look into the status of employment for the driver of the truck and his company, as well any training certificates.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complex than crashes involving two vehicles due to the weight and size of these vehicles. There are also many people who could be accountable for the crash, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and the business. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. In addition, they should be prepared to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is essential to select an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions and be able to meet face-to-face if needed. If they are not able to respond quickly to your calls or emails, this is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or the attorney you choose is suitable for you is to ask about their experience with handling trucking cases. They are likely to be able you with examples of previous cases and specifics about their success rate. They should be able to explain their costs and if they have additional costs like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are eligible for compensation to pay for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. Additionally, they could receive monetary compensation to cover medical expenses and loss of income.
Talk to your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident, the bills pile up quickly and the injured victim is pressured to pay the money they need. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and could leverage your desperate situation to its advantage, offering low-cost deals that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will guard you against this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He can also take over any telephone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you don't get swindled or cheated.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by delivering an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount of money for each. The process could involve a exchange of information 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 be aware that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages may take a very long time, particularly if your injuries are severe. This is why it is important to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to set up payment plans that will allow you to receive treatment but still be ready to receive an acceptable settlement.
A reliable lawyer can to determine if your accident was caused by an abrasive or a loss of load. He will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent or if other parties were involved in the accident.
You can hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck maker, third-party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able identify the potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each of them.