Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are a variety of 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 skilled NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the settlement you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to laugh at. These massive vehicles can weigh more than 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle, and they are capable of devastating collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Every 16 seconds, there's a truck accident in the United States. These crashes result in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws, but their jobs can be extremely demanding, causing them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions behind the wheel and it only takes one second for an inattentive driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These errors can have catastrophic consequences and families are often left with the consequences.
It is important that when there is a crash involving a truck the authorities investigate the crash scene and document all pertinent details. The name of the driver, the name of the company where he or she works and the trucking company who owns the vehicle all important. It is important to get contact information, including names and telephone numbers from any witnesses. Having this information will be invaluable when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of data about the truck's speed and brakes, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and are able to access and analyze the data to create a compelling argument for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the driver's negligence, the city or governing body in which the incident occurred could be held responsible for the accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were signs that were blocked on the road, it could be a reason to file an action. Our lawyers can identify the responsible party and make them accountable for any injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the essential elements of a successful truck accident claim is to prove that the other party owed you the duty of care and negligently violated that duty, thus causing your accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage as well as suffering and pain.
To establish your case you'll need evidence that can demonstrate each factor of negligence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene. These can include the damage to the vehicle tires, the location of the crash, and weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also, obtain the contact information of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and statements.
The logbooks of trucking firms and other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records may be useful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use which is a frequent reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these records and your lawyer is able to obtain them by filing a formal discovery request if the company refuses to hand them over in a voluntary manner.
Another type of crucial evidence is the truck inspection report that could be used to prove that the trucking firm may have cut corners in order to save money. In addition, these cuts could have resulted in a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black box data and other high-tech devices that will help you construct your case, along with any information you have about the background of the truck driver including prior traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of these documents will be essential in establishing damages. You won't be able to claim the compensation that you are entitled to without it.
Hire an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit for damages caused by the negligence of the driver who is at fault. allentown semi truck accident attorney can also bargain with insurance companies, and take the necessary steps to secure a fair settlement.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze crucial evidence from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They may also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, like road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver's job and company, as well in any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. There are numerous people who could be responsible for the crash, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chances of receiving compensation, it is essential to work with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and the regulations. They should also be able to represent their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer your questions and be able to meet face-to-face when needed. If they don't reply to your calls or emails quickly, it's an indication of danger and you should stay clear of them.
The best way to determine if or an attorney is the right one for you is to inquire about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with information about their success rates as well as previous cases. They should also be able of explaining their charges and whether they are able to include additional costs such as expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Talk to your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the victim is pressured to pay the money required. A smart insurance company will be aware of this and will use your precarious situation to your advantage, offering low-ball offers that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will shield you from this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help negotiate a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He can also handle calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or exploited.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline your losses and request a specific amount of money for each. It is possible that the two parties may have to move between them during the negotiation process, since there could be disagreements regarding specific elements or parts of your claim.
It is important to understand that medical bills and other economic damages could take a long time to settle, especially the more serious your injuries are. It is important to work with your doctor and the hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney will be able to assist you in determining the root of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife, an inability to load, or another cause. He will also be able to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if any other parties shared in your accident.
You can hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company and their drivers, the truck maker, third-party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. Engaging an experienced lawyer will help you find all potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.