Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could result in devastating consequences. There are many parties who are responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation can help you get what you're entitled to.
Get Help from the police
A truck crash isn't a laughing matter. These massive vehicles can cause devastating collisions, which can result in serious injuries or severe damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner Their jobs are typically stressful and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions behind the wheel and it only takes one second for a distracted driver to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can have devastating consequences, and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
When a truck accident occurs it is imperative that authorities investigate the site of the crash and take down all of the relevant information. The name of the driver, the business where they work, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle are all crucial. It is also essential to obtain contact information from witnesses such as their names and telephone numbers. Having this information will be important when it comes the time to start a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the case of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information about the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining fault in the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how use it and analyze it in order to create a solid claim for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence it is possible that the city or governing body in which the accident took place may be responsible for an accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a reason to file a claim. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the main components of a successful truck accident claim is to prove that someone else was owed an obligation of care and negligently violated that duty, thus causing your accident. A successful negligence claim can result in a settlement for all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income property damage or injury, and emotional stress.
To prove your case, you'll need evidence to establish each of the elements of negligence. Photograph and film the scene of the accident. These can include the damage to the vehicle tires, the site of the crash and weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also get the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can contact them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies as well as other documents detailing the hours worked by the driver, cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records can be helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug use, which are common causes of accidents involving trucks. north charleston semi truck accident law firm require trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents through an official request if they don't want to do so voluntarily.
Another type of crucial evidence is the inspection report for a truck, which can be used to demonstrate that the trucking company could have taken shortcuts in order to save money. Moreover, these sloppy practices could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer can also try to get black box information along with other high-tech devices and any information you have about the driver's past, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able get copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be essential to prove your case for damages. Without it, there is no chance of receiving the compensation you're entitled to.
Employ an attorney
If you or a loved one was injured severely in an accident with a truck you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney will guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take necessary steps to obtain a settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports as well as witness statements. They can also look into other factors that led to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the employment status of the truck driver and his company, as well as any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two vehicles. Moreover, there are many different people who could be responsible for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chances of obtaining compensation, it is essential to partner with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry as well as 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 essential to select a lawyer that is open to communication and will keep you updated on the progress of your case. They should answer all your inquiries and be available to meet face-to-face if needed. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, this is an indication of danger and you should avoid them.
Asking about an attorney's experience dealing with trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're suitable for you. They should be able to provide examples of cases they have handled in the past as well as details on their success rate. They should also disclose their fees upfront and whether they include any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a car crash might be able 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 receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to raise the money needed. Insurance companies can profit from your dire situation and offer low-cost solutions to only cover a portion of your medical expenses.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents can protect you from this kind of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. Attorneys can also take phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or exploited.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail your losses and request a specific amount of money for each. This may require a exchange of information between the two parties, since it is common for there to be some disagreements over certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to understand that medical bills as well as other economic damage will likely take a long time to settle, especially the more serious your injuries are. This is why it is important to consult with your physician and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to get treatment while still being able to wait for a fair settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can to determine if your accident was caused by jackknife or a loss in the load. He can determine whether the accident was the result of the truck driver's negligence or if there were other parties involved.
There are a variety of different entities that could be responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you'll be able identify all the possible defendants and pursue maximum compensation from each.