Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. There are a variety of parties that could be liable for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the settlement you deserve.
Find Help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to take lightly. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle and can cause devastating collisions that usually result in victims suffering severe injuries and extensive damage. Sadly every 16 seconds a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must be safe and adhere to traffic laws, however their duties can be very demanding and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make poor driving decisions. It only takes an instant for a driver to fall asleep behind the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these errors can be catastrophic and leave families struggling with the consequences.
It is vital that if a truck accident occurs, the authorities investigate the crash scene and record all pertinent details. This includes the name of the driver, his or her employer, and the trucking company that owns the truck. It is also essential to get contact information from witnesses that you can get, including their names and phone numbers. Having this information will be crucial when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information regarding the speed of the truck and brake usage, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and know how to access and analyze the information to build a strong argument for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence it is possible that the governing body or city where the accident occurred could be liable for the crash. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a cause for a claim. Our attorneys will determine who is accountable and hold them accountable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that a third party was in breach of their duty to care in a negligent manner, causing the accident. A successful negligence claim can result in a settlement for all economic and non-economic damages you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering and emotional anxiety.
You'll need to prove for each of the elements of negligence to establish your case. Take photos and videos of the accident scene. These can include the car damage as well as tire tracks, the crash site and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, gather the contact information of all witnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and declarations.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that provide details of the driver's hours, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's use of drugs or fatigue which is a frequent cause of truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents and your lawyer is able to obtain them through an official discovery request if the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The report of inspections on trucks is a third type of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking company might have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and that the mistakes could have resulted in a truck that was dangerously hazardous or defective. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box data and other high-tech devices that will help you construct your case, and any information you have about the truck driver's background, including prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able obtain copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is essential to prove your case for damages. You will not be able to receive the amount of compensation you deserve without it.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured severely in an accident with a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is knowledgeable will guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit seeking damages incurred by the negligence of the driver at fault. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take the steps to obtain a settlement.
A professional lawyer with experience can gather and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records as well as witness statements. They can also investigate other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment for the driver of the truck and his company, as well any training certificates.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complicated than crashes that involve two cars due to the size and weight of these vehicles. There are a variety of people who could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms, and even truck manufactures.
To maximize your chances of receiving compensation, it is crucial to find a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be able to advocate for their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also essential to hire a lawyer who is a good communicator and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They should answer all your questions and be willing to meet face-to-face if needed. If they don't reply to your calls or emails quickly, it's a red flag and you should stay clear of them.
Inquiring about the experience of an attorney in handling cases involving trucks is the best way to determine if they are the right fit for your needs. They are likely to be able you with case examples from previous cases and details about their success rate. They should also provide their fees upfront and whether they cover any additional costs, like expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful-death claim. Under pontiac semi truck accident law firm -4.1 survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. Additionally, they could receive monetary compensation to pay for medical expenses and loss of income.
Talk to the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident the costs mount up quickly and the injured person feels pressured to collect the money needed. Insurance companies can profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers that cover only a fraction of your injuries.
A lawyer for truck accidents can protect you from this kind of manipulative. A lawyer can help you negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or other parties in your case. He can also take any phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand detailing your losses and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each. The process could involve a debate between the two parties since it is common for there to be disagreements on certain parts or aspects of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages could take a long time, particularly if your injuries are severe. It is crucial to work with your doctor and hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an appropriate settlement.
A reputable attorney can assist you in determining the cause of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or another cause. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent, or if other parties shared in your accident.
You can hold a range of individuals accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer will enable you to determine the potential defendants and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.