Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. There are a variety of parties that are responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to.
Get help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to be laughed about. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, and they can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for a multitude of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws and drive safely but their duties are usually demanding and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions while driving and it only takes a fraction of a second for a distracted driver to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these mistakes could be disastrous, and they often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
It is important that when a truck accident occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant details. The name of the driver, his company in which he or she works, and the trucking firm which owns the vehicle are all vital. It is essential to collect contact information, including names and numbers, from any witnesses. Knowing this information will prove important when it comes the time to start a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks come with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can be used to record many details about the truck, including speed, brake usage, and other data that may be useful in determining who's at fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and know how to analyze and access the information to present a convincing argument for our clients.
It could be that, in addition to the driver's negligence, the city or governing body that caused the incident occurred could be held accountable for the accident. For instance, if a roadway was poorly maintained or obstructed by signs that could be an excuse to file a claim against the municipality. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and ensure that they are accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care in a negligent manner, causing the accident. A successful negligence claim will result in the payment of all economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, including your medical expenses, lost income property damage or injury, and emotional anxiety.
To establish your case you'll need evidence to demonstrate each factor of negligence. While at the scene your accident, take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle as well as tire marks, the crash site as well as road and weather conditions, your injuries, and any other information you are able to think of that could help in proving your case. Also, obtain the contact information of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can reach them later to keep their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other documents detailing the hours worked by the driver along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use, which is a common cause of truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these records, and your lawyer may request them by filing the formal discovery process if the company refuses to hand the records over on a voluntary basis.
The inspection report for trucks is a further type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company might have made shortcuts to save money and that the shortcuts could have led to an unsafely in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer can also try to obtain information from the black box as well as other high-tech devices and any other information you have about the driver's past, such as previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is crucial in proving your claim for damages. You cannot receive the amount you deserve without it.
Hire an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation when family members have suffered serious injuries in a truck accident. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with 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 engage with insurance companies and make the necessary arrangements to obtain an acceptable settlement.
A professional lawyer with experience can gather and analyze crucial evidence from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They may also investigate other factors that could have contributed to the accident such as weather or road conditions. They can also check the status of the truck driver's employment and the company's, as well any training certificates.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than accidents involving two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. Additionally, there are many different individuals who could be responsible for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable with the regulations for trucking and the trucking industry. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. In addition, they should be willing 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 will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your inquiries and be available to meet face-to-face if needed. If dallas semi truck accident lawsuit don't reply to your calls or emails promptly, this is a red flag and you should avoid them.
A conversation with an attorney about their experience in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they are right for you. They are likely to be able examples of cases they have handled in the past and specifics about their success rate. They should also explain their fees upfront and whether they cover any additional costs, like expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a family member in a car accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can claim compensation to pay for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. They may also receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Talk to your Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to get the funds needed. A shrewd insurance company will be aware of this and will use your situation to your advantage, offering low-cost offers that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
An experienced truck crash lawyer on your side can protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He can also handle phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you're not lulled or misled.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an order letter to the insurance company, which will describe all of your losses and request a specific amount of compensation for each one. The process could involve a exchange of information between the two parties, as it is normal for there to be some disagreements regarding certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages could take a long time, particularly in the case of serious injuries. This is why it is crucial to work with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to get treatment but still be capable of waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to assist you in determining the cause of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, an inability to load, or a different issue. He can determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were any other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be accountable for your injuries including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. By working with an experienced attorney, you'll be able to determine all the possible defendants and pursue maximum compensation from each of them.