Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. There are a variety of 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 both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to.
Get help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to laugh at. These massive vehicles can cause devastating collisions that could result in serious injuries or severe damage. Sadly, every 16 seconds, a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely but their duties are usually challenging and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make rash choices while driving and it takes only one second for a distracted driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of such mistakes could be disastrous, and they often leave families struggling to cope with the consequences.
It is vital that if an accident involving a truck happens the authorities investigate the crash scene and record all pertinent information. This includes the name of the driver, their employer, as well as the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is essential to collect contact information, such as names and phone number, from any witnesses. The information you have will be crucial when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices can record many details about the truck, including its speed, brake usage, and other information that could be useful in determining the person at fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and are able to access and analyze it to build a strong claim for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence It is also possible that the governing body or city where the incident occurred could be responsible for a crash. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be grounds for an action. Our attorneys will determine who is accountable and hold them accountable 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 was owed an obligation of care and negligently breached that duty, causing your crash. A successful negligence case will result in a settlement for all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, such as medical expenses, lost income property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional anxiety.
To prove your case, you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. Take photos and video at the scene of the accident. irving semi truck accident attorney could include car damage and tire tracks, as well as the crash site and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of all witnesses so that your lawyer can later contact them to record their testimony and declarations.
Another important source of evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that detail the driver's hours of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are both common causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations oblige trucking companies to keep these records. Your lawyer can request the documents by submitting formal requests if they don't want to do so by choice.
Another crucial evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to prove that the trucking company may have cut corners in order to save money and that these shortcuts may have led to a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also try to get black box information, other high-tech devices, as well as any information you have regarding the driver's past, including previous 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 of test results, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial in proving your case for damages. You will not be able to receive the amount of compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Employ an attorney
You may be entitled compensation in the event that you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck accident. A lawyer who is knowledgeable will guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit seeking damages incurred by the negligent actions of the at-fault driver. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to obtain a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that may have caused the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the status of employment of the truck driver and his company, and any certificates of training.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. There are numerous parties that may be at fault for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking firms and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chance of obtaining compensation, it is essential to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and its regulations. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to select an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all your questions and even meet with you face-to-face when necessary. If they do not respond quickly to your emails or calls, this is a red signal and should be avoided.
Inquiring about the experience of an attorney in handling cases involving trucks is the best way to determine if they are right for you. They should be able to provide you with details regarding their success rates and prior case examples. They should also be able of explaining their costs and if they include additional expenses like expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a family member in a crash involving a truck. 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 and lost wages.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to find the funds required. A shrewd insurance company will be aware of this and could leverage your precarious situation to their advantage, offering low-cost deals that do not cover the entire cost of your injuries.
A lawyer for a truck accident will protect you against this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties in your case. He will also be able to take over all phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you do not get misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will describe your losses and ask for an amount of money for each one. This process may involve a back-and-forth between the two parties, since it is common for there to be some disagreements on certain parts or parts of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are serious. It is crucial to work with your physician and hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for a fair settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by an abrasive or a loss of the load. He will be able determine if your accident was the result of the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be accountable for your injuries including the trucking company, their drivers and the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you'll be able identify the potential defendants and pursue maximum compensation from each.