Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could have devastating results. Truck drivers, trucking companies and third-party brokers, manufacturers or and trucking companies themselves, could all be held responsible for your injuries.
You can claim compensation for your non-economic and financial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in getting what you're entitled to.
Get help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. These massive vehicles can cause devastating collisions, which can cause victims to suffer serious injuries or damage that is significant. Every 16 seconds, there's an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws and drive in a safe manner but their duties are usually demanding, and they can lead them to become fatigued and distracted. This can lead to negligent driving decisions. It takes just the span of a second for drivers to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of such mistakes could be disastrous and leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
If a truck crash occurs it is crucial that the authorities investigate the location of the crash and take down all of the relevant information. The name of the driver, the name of the company where he or she works and the trucking company that owns the vehicle is all crucial. It is also important to collect contact information from any witnesses such as their names and phone numbers. Having this information will be invaluable when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks come with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information regarding the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other information that could be helpful in determining who is at fault for the crash. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are familiar with the technology and are able to access and analyze it to develop a strong case for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the negligence of the truck driver, the city or governing body that caused the accident took place could be held responsible for the accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, it could be a reason to file an action. Our lawyers can identify the party responsible and make them accountable for any injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else did not fulfill their duty of care and caused the crash. A successful negligence claim will result in the payment of all economic and non-economic losses you've endured, including medical bills, lost income property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional stress.
To prove your case, you'll need evidence to establish each of the elements of negligence. While at the scene the accident, capture photos and videos of the vehicle damage including tire marks, the scene of the crash along with road and weather conditions as well as your injuries and everything else you are able to think of that could help in supporting your case. Also, obtain the contact information of any witnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and statements.
Another type of important evidence is the logbooks for trucking companies as well as other documents that document the driver's hours of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These records can aid in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are both common causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain these records. massachusetts semi truck accident law firm can obtain the documents via an official request should they do not want to provide them in a voluntary manner.
The report of inspections on trucks is a different type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company might have made shortcuts to save money and these methods could have resulted the truck being dangerously hazardous or defective. Your lawyer may also attempt to obtain information from the black box as well as other high-tech devices and any information you have about the driver's history, including previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of medical records, receipts from medications or treatments that you have received or received, scans, the results of tests and other records that pertain to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial in proving your case for damages. You cannot receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to without it.
Employ an attorney
If you or a loved one was injured severely in an accident involving a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can assist you through the legal procedure to file a lawsuit seeking damages incurred by the negligent actions of the driver who is at fault. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take the necessary steps to get a settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports, and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that may have caused the accident, such as weather or road conditions. They can also look into the employment status of the truck driver and his company, as well as any certificates of training.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complicated than accidents involving two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. There are numerous parties that could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
To increase the odds of obtaining compensation, it is important to work with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and its regulations. In addition, they must be prepared to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also important to find a lawyer who is open to communication and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you when needed. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, it's an indication of danger and you should steer clear of them.
A conversation with an attorney about their experience in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they're right for you. They are likely to be able examples of cases they have handled in the past and information about their success rate. They should also be able to explain their fees upfront and if they include any additional expenses, such as expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck crash. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can seek compensation to cover funeral costs and the loss of companionship. In addition, they can be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for medical expenses and loss of income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck wreck it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the victim is pressured to pay the money he needs. Insurance companies will take advantage of your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you in negotiating an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies that will be 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 delivering an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount compensation for each. This process may involve a exchange of information between the two parties, because it is typical for there to be disagreements regarding certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, especially if your injuries are severe. It is important to work with your doctor and the hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by a accident with a jackknife or loss of load. He will be able to determine if your accident was the result of the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were any other parties involved.
There are a number of different entities that could be liable for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers and the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able to identify all potential defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each.