Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can have devastating results. There are many parties who could be responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to.
Seek help from the police
Getting into a truck accident isn't a laughing matter. These massive trucks are capable of causing catastrophic collisions, and can result in serious injuries or major damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes result in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws and drive safely, their jobs are often demanding, and they can lead them to become tired and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions made while driving. It takes only the span of a second for drivers to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes can be catastrophic, and they often leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
When a truck accident happens it is imperative that the authorities investigate the site of the crash and record all of the relevant information. The name of the driver, his company where he or she works, and the trucking firm who owns the vehicle all important. It is crucial to get contact information, including names and phone numbers from witnesses. Knowing this information will prove important when it comes the time to file a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of information regarding the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other information that could be useful in determining the cause of the crash. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are familiar with the technology and are able to access and analyze it to make a convincing case for our clients.
In addition, to truck driver negligence, it is possible that the city or governing body where the accident occurred could be liable for the crash. If the road was not maintained properly or there were obstructed signs on the road, this could be a reason to file an action. Our attorneys can determine the party responsible and make them accountable for any injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else breached their duty of care negligently, causing the accident. A successful negligence claim will result in the payment of all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, including your medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional anxiety.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence to establish your case. While you're at the scene of your accident, take pictures and videos of the vehicle damage as well as tire marks, the scene of the crash, weather and road conditions as well as your injuries and anything else you are able to think of that could aid in the case. 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 declarations.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company as well as other documents that document the hours of the driver as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations oblige trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents via an official request should they do not want to provide them at their own discretion.
The truck inspection report is a further type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have made a few sloppy decisions to save money and these shortcuts could have resulted in a truck that was in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black-box information as well as other high-tech devices which can aid in the development of your case, and any information that you have on the background of the truck driver including prior traffic violations. Your attorney can also obtain copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other records relevant to your case. All of this evidence is crucial in proving your case for damages. You will not be able to receive the compensation you are entitled to without it.
Hire an attorney
You may be entitled compensation for you or family members have suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligence of the party at fault. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and make the necessary arrangements to negotiate a fair settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the status of employment for the driver of the truck and the company he works for, as well as any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two vehicles. There are also many parties who could be accountable for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
It is essential to find an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and the business. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. They should also be prepared to advocate for their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is also important to select a lawyer that is open to communication and will keep you updated on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you when needed. If they don't respond to your calls or emails quickly, this is an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should steer clear of them.
The best way to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to ask about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with examples of previous cases and details about their success rate. They should also be able to explain their fees and whether or not they are able to include additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a car accident. 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 bills and lost income.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash the costs mount up quickly and the injured person is pressured to pay the money required. Insurance companies can profit from your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
new orleans semi truck accident case at your side will safeguard you from this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any calls made by insurance representatives and ensure you are not misled or cheated by.
Your attorney will begin negotiations by sending an insurance company a demand letter that will outline the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount compensation for each. The process could involve a debate between the two parties, because it is common for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to recognize that medical bills as well as other economic damage will likely take some time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is crucial to work with your physician and hospital to set up payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an appropriate settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to assist you in determining the cause of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, a loss of load, or some other issue. He will be able determine whether the accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You can hold a variety of individuals accountable for your injuries. These include the trucking company and their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. By working with an experienced attorney, you'll be able identify all of the potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each of them.