Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck the consequences can be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms such as third-party brokers or manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could all be held accountable for the injuries you sustain.
You can claim compensation for your non-economic as well as economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A NYC lawyer for compensation will help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
Getting into a truck accident isn't a laughing matter. These massive vehicles are capable of causing devastating collisions that could leave victims with serious injuries or significant damage. Sadly every 16 seconds truck crashes occur in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to observe traffic laws and drive in a safe manner however, their work is often demanding and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It only takes a split-second for a driver to fall asleep behind the steering wheel or lose control. These errors can have catastrophic consequences and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
It is crucial that when a truck accident occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and take note of all relevant information. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, and the trucking company which owns the truck. It is essential to collect contact details, like names and numbers, from witnesses. This information is crucial when it comes time to file a suit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks come with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of an accident. These devices record the details of the truck, including speed, brakes used and other information that can be useful in determining who's at fault for the incident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about this technology and know how to analyze and access the information to build a strong argument for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence, it is possible that the governing body or city where the incident occurred could be liable for the crash. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be grounds for a claim. Our attorneys can determine who is accountable and hold them liable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the main components of a successful truck crash claim is to prove that someone else owed you an obligation of care and negligently violated that duty, causing your accident. A successful negligence case will result in a payout for all economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, such as medical expenses, 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. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. These can include the vehicle's damage, tire tracks, the crash site and weather conditions. You may also wish to document your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can reach them later to take their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also crucial. These records can prove helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations oblige trucking companies to keep these records. Your lawyer can get the documents via an official request if they do not want to provide them voluntarily.
The truck inspection report is a third kind of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking company could have made shortcuts to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in a truck that was dangerously defective or unsafe. Your lawyer can also help to get black box information and other high-tech tools that can help you build your case, along with any information you have regarding the background of the truck driver, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of your medical records, medical receipts, or treatments that you have received, scans, results of tests and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of these documents are essential in establishing damages. You cannot receive the compensation that you deserve without it.
Hire an attorney
You may be entitled compensation when a family member has sustained serious injuries in a car crash. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to claim damages for the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take the steps to settle.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze crucial evidence from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports as well as witness statements. They may also look into other factors that contributed to the accident, like weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the truck driver's employment status and company, as in any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents involving two cars. Additionally, there are many different parties that could be responsible for the accident including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and industry. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also important to select a lawyer that is open to communication and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions, and meet with you face-to-face when needed. If they are not able to respond promptly to your emails or calls this is a red flag that should be avoided.
troy semi truck accident law firm to determine if or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with information about their success rates and prior case examples. They should also be able to explain their fees and whether they have additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can seek compensation to pay for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Make a deal with your Insurance Company
The bills start piling up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to raise the money needed. Insurance companies can profit from your desperate situation and offer low-cost solutions to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer can protect you from this kind of manipulative. An attorney can help you negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or other parties in your case. He can also handle all phone calls from insurance representatives to ensure that you are not misled or cheated by.
Your attorney will start the negotiation process by delivering an insurance company a demand letter that will describe the losses you have suffered and demand an exact amount of compensation for each. The process could involve a back and forth between the two parties, because it is typical for there to be disagreements about certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to recognize that medical bills and other damages could take a long time to settle, particularly the more severe your injuries are. This is why it's crucial to work with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment plans that allow you to get treatment but still be in a position to receive a fair settlement.
An experienced lawyer can assist you in determining the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or another issue. He will be able to determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were any other parties involved.
There are many different entities that could be held responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able to identify the potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each.