Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. Truck drivers, trucking companies, third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could be held responsible for your injuries.
You are entitled to compensation for non-economic and economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Ask for help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is not a joke. These massive vehicles can cause devastating collisions, and can result in serious injuries or damage that is significant. Sadly every 16 seconds, a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for a multitude of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely but their duties are usually challenging and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can result in impulsive decisions behind the wheel, and it only takes a fraction of a second for a driver who is not paying attention to become sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. These errors can have catastrophic consequences and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
It is essential that, when an accident involving a truck happens authorities investigate the crash scene and take note of all relevant details. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, as well as the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also important to obtain contact details from any witnesses such as their names and telephone numbers. Knowing this information will prove valuable when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks come with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information about the speed of the truck, brake usage, and other information that could be helpful in determining fault in an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the technology and know how use it and analyze it to make a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver as well as the city or governing body where the accident took place could be held accountable for the accident. For example, if the roadway was not maintained properly or had signs that were not properly maintained or signs, it could be reason to bring a lawsuit against the city. Our lawyers can identify the party 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 establishing that someone else was owed a duty of care and negligently breached that duty, thus causing your crash. A successful negligence claim results in a payout for all economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, including medical bills, lost income property damage and pain and suffering and emotional stress.
You'll have to prove for each of the elements of negligence in order to prove your case. Take photos and video at the accident scene. These could include vehicle damage as well as tire tracks, the crash site and weather conditions. It is also possible to record your injuries. Also, get omaha semi truck accident law firm for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can reach them later to record their statements and witness testimony.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that provide details of the driver's hours as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities. These records can aid 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 records and your lawyer may request them by filing an official discovery request if the company refuses to hand them over voluntarily.
The truck inspection report is a third kind of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company might have taken shortcuts to save money and these shortcuts could have led to an unsafely unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer will also try to get black box information as well as other high-tech devices and any information that you have regarding the driver's past, including previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also get copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records relevant to your case. All of these documents will be crucial to establish damages. Without it, there's no way of obtaining the amount you are due.
Hire an attorney
You may be entitled compensation if you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries in a car crash. A lawyer with experience can guide you through the legal procedure to file a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligent actions of the at-fault driver. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take the necessary steps to negotiate a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. This includes medical records, police reports, and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that led to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver's job and company, as the training certifications.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than crashes that involve two vehicles due to the weight and size of these vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different parties who could be accountable for the accident like truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize your chances of receiving compensation, it is essential to partner with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and regulations. In addition, they should be prepared to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to select an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They should be able and willing to answer all of your questions, and meet with you face-to-face when necessary. If they don't reply to your emails or calls quickly, this is an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should avoid 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 as well as previous case examples. They should also disclose their fees upfront and whether they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a truck crash may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can seek compensation to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Talk to your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident the expenses mount quickly and the injured person feels pressured to collect the money he needs. A smart insurance firm will be aware of this and may use your precarious situation to your advantage, offering low-cost offers that do not cover all the costs of your injuries.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer at your side will safeguard you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. Attorneys can also take phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you are not misled or swindled.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount of compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties may have to move back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there could be disagreements about particular elements or portions of your claim.
It is crucial to realize that your medical bills and other economic damages could take some time to settle, particularly the more severe your injuries are. This is why it is important to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment arrangements that allow you to get medical treatment and still be capable of waiting for an equitable settlement.
An experienced attorney can assist you in determining the root of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, a loss of load, or a different issue. He can also help to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent or if any other parties were involved in the incident.
There are a number of different entities that could be held responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. A skilled lawyer will enable you to identify all potential defendants, and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.