Semi Truck Accident Law
If you get into an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are many parties that could be accountable for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for your non-economic as well as economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer will assist you to receive the settlement you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
Being involved in a truck collision is not a joke. These huge vehicles are capable of causing devastating collisions that could result in serious injuries or significant damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to drive safely and obey traffic laws, however their duties can be stressful and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions made while driving. It takes only a split-second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes can be severe, and they often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
If a truck crash occurs it is essential that the authorities investigate the location of the crash and note down all the relevant details. The name of the driver, his company where they work, and the trucking firm who owns the vehicle all important. It is important to obtain contact details, like names and numbers, from witnesses. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to make a claim.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information regarding the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are familiar with the technology and know how to use it and analyze it to build a strong claim for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence It is also possible that the governing body or city in which the crash occurred could be accountable for the consequences of a crash. If the road was not maintained properly or there were signs that were blocked on the road, this could be a reason to file an action. florida semi truck accident lawsuit will determine who is at fault and hold them liable for injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care and caused the crash. A successful negligence case will result in compensation for all the economic and non-economic losses you've endured, including medical bills, lost income property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To prove your case, you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. Photograph and film the scene of the accident. This could include damage to the vehicle, tire tracks, the crash site and the weather conditions. It is also possible to record your injuries. Also, get the contact information of all witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and declarations.
The logbooks of the trucking firms and other documents that record the time of work along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also important. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's use of drugs or fatigue as it is a major reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents, and your lawyer may request them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
Another type of crucial evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to demonstrate that the trucking company could have slashed corners to save money. In addition, these shortcuts could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer can also help to get black box information and other high-tech devices to help you build your case, and any information you have about the truck driver's background, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other records that pertain to your case. All of these documents are vital to establishing damages. Without it, you'll have no way of obtaining the compensation you're entitled to.
Employ an attorney
You may be entitled compensation when someone in your family has suffered serious injuries from a truck crash. An experienced lawyer can assist you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit to recover damages caused due to the negligence of the driver at fault. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and make the necessary arrangements to get an equitable settlement.
A reliable lawyer can gather and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records as well as witness statements. They may also look into other factors that led to the accident, like weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the status of employment of the driver of the truck and his company, and any certificates of training.
Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two vehicles. There are many parties who may be at fault for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
It is essential to find an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will improve your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be able to advocate on behalf of their clients against large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also essential to hire a lawyer who is a good communicator and who will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions, and even meet face-to-face with you when necessary. If they do not respond quickly to your emails or calls this is a red flag that should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or an attorney is the right one for you is to ask about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with information on their success rate and previous cases. They should also be able to explain their fees upfront and whether they are inclusive of additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Following a semi-truck collision, the bills pile up quickly and the injured victim feels pressured to collect the money they need. Insurance companies can profit from your desperate situation and offer low-cost solutions that cover only a fraction of your expenses.
A lawyer for truck accidents will guard you against this type of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He can also take over all phone calls from insurance representatives to ensure that you are not misled or cheated by.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will describe all your losses and demand the amount you will receive for each one. The process could involve exchange of information between the two parties because it is typical for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to recognize that your medical bills and other damages could take some time to settle, especially the more severe your injuries are. This is why it's crucial to cooperate with your doctor and hospital to create payment arrangements that allow you to receive medical treatment while being in a position to receive an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney will be able to assist you in determining the cause of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or a different issue. He will be able determine whether your accident was the result of the truck driver's negligence or if there were any other parties involved.
There are a variety of different entities that could be accountable for your injuries including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even product manufacturers. Engaging an experienced lawyer can help you determine the potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.