Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences could be devastating. There are many parties that could be accountable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for your non-economic and financial damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. A knowledgeable NYC compensation attorney will assist you to receive the settlement you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to joke about. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times more than the average passenger car and can cause devastating collisions that can result in victims suffering serious injuries and significant damage. Sadly, every 16 seconds, truck crashes occur in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed as the cause of thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to observe traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely, their jobs are often challenging and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions made while driving. It only takes a split-second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. The consequences of these errors can be severe and often leave families struggling with the consequences.
When a truck accident occurs it is essential that the authorities investigate the scene of the crash and collect all the relevant details. The name of the driver, the business where they work and the trucking company that owns the vehicle are all crucial. It is also crucial to get contact information from witnesses such as their names and phone numbers. The information you have will be crucial when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide important information 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 can be helpful in determining fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are knowledgeable about the technology and know how access and analyze it to develop a strong case for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence, it is possible that the city or governing body in which the accident took place may be responsible for the crash. If the road was not maintained properly or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be a cause for an action. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck accident claim is proving that someone else owed you a duty of care and negligently breached the duty, causing the accident. A successful negligence case will result in compensation for all the economic and noneconomic losses that you've suffered, including medical bills, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering and emotional stress.
To establish your case you'll need evidence to establish each of the elements of negligence. While at the scene of your accident, snap pictures and videos of the vehicle damage and tire marks, the crash site as well as road and weather conditions including your injuries, and everything else you could think of that may help in the case. Also, collect the contact details of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their statements and testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also crucial. 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 oblige trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can obtain the documents via an official request if they are unable to do so by choice.
The truck inspection report is a third kind of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have taken shortcuts to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in a truck that was dangerously unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black box data as well as other high-tech devices which can aid in the development of your case, along with any information you have about the truck driver's background, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able get copies of any medical records, receipts for medications or treatments you've received or received, scans, the results of tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be essential to prove your case for damages. It is impossible to get the amount of compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Hire an Attorney
You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you or a family member has suffered serious injuries in a car accident. A skilled attorney can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to get compensation for the damages caused by the negligent act of the party responsible. They are also able to negotiate with insurance companies and follow the steps to negotiate a settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also investigate other factors that contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the status of employment of the truck driver and the company he works for, as well as any certificates of training.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complicated than crashes that involve two vehicles due to the weight and size of these vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different parties who could be accountable for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is essential to find an attorney who is familiarized with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will maximize your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing to represent their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is important to choose an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions and be willing to meet face-to-face if needed. If they don't reply promptly to your calls or emails it is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to ask about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with details regarding their success rates and previous cases. They should also be able to explain their fees upfront and whether they include any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
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 pay for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the injured victim is often put under pressure to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your dire circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a portion of your expenses.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer at your side will shield you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He can also take over any calls made by insurance representatives and ensure that you do not get misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an demand letter to the insurance company. It will list your losses and demand an exact amount of compensation for each one. The process could involve a debate between the two parties because it is typical for there to be disagreements over certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to understand that your medical bills and other financial damages could take an extended time to settle, especially the more severe your injuries are. It is important to work with your physician and hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an acceptable settlement.
An experienced attorney will be able to assist you in determining the root of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife or an inability to load, or another issue. He will also be able to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if any other parties were involved in the accident.
You could hold a variety of entities responsible for your injuries. minneapolis semi truck accident lawyer includes the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, and even the product manufacturer. Working with an experienced lawyer will help you identify all potential defendants, and get the most compensation from them.