Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can cause devastating injuries. There are a variety of parties that could be 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 losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation attorney will assist you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to be laughed about. These massive trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than the average passenger car, and they are able to cause catastrophic collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for a multitude of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to observe traffic laws and be safe Their jobs are typically demanding and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can result in impulsive decisions at the wheel, and it only takes just a few seconds for an unfocused driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of such mistakes could be disastrous, and they often leave families struggling with the consequences.
It is vital that if there is a crash involving a truck the authorities investigate the crash scene and record all pertinent information. The name of the driver, the company where they work and the trucking company that owns the vehicle are all vital. It is crucial to get contact details, like names and numbers, from witnesses. This information is crucial when it comes time to file a suit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information regarding the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other details that could be useful in determining the cause of an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the technology and know how access and analyze it to develop a strong case for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence, it is possible that the governing body of the city where the incident occurred could be accountable for an accident. For example, if the roadway was poorly maintained or obstructed by signs, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the municipality. Our attorneys can determine the responsible party and be able to hold them accountable for injuries resulting from 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 crash. A successful negligence claim results in a settlement for all economic and non-economic losses you've endured, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional anxiety.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence to prove your case. While you're at the scene of your accident, take pictures and videos of the vehicle damage including tire marks, the accident site, weather and road conditions and your injuries, as well as any other information you can think of that might be useful in supporting your case. Also, collect the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can contact them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that detail the hours of the driver, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records can be helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of car accidents with trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents, and your lawyer is able to obtain them by filing the formal discovery process if the company is unwilling to turn them over voluntarily.
The inspection report for trucks is a further type of evidence that can be used to show that the trucking business may have made shortcuts to save money and that the shortcuts could have resulted in an unsafely hazardous or defective. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box information, other high-tech devices, and any information that you have about the driver's previous history, including previous traffic violations. Your lawyer can also get copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is crucial in proving your claim for damages. It is impossible to get the compensation that you are entitled to without it.
Employ an attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in the course of a truck crash you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligence of the party at fault. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and follow the steps to settle.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze crucial evidence from an accident. odessa semi truck accident lawsuit includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as weather or road conditions. They can also investigate the truck driver's employment status and company, as in any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two cars. There are many individuals who could be accountable for the crash, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chance of obtaining compensation, it is important to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking industry as well as regulations. They should also be willing to advocate for their clients against large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also important to find a lawyer who is willing to communicate and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions, and even meet with you face-to-face whenever needed. If they don't respond to your messages or calls quickly, this is a warning sign and you should steer clear of them.
The best way to determine if or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience handling trucking cases. They will be able to provide examples of cases they have handled in the past as well as details on their success rate. They should also be able to explain their costs and if they include additional expenses such as expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
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 claim compensation to pay for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to raise the money needed. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and offer low-cost solutions that cover only a fraction of your expenses.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents can protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you in negotiating an agreement with the responsible party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He can also take over all phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you do not get misled or cheated by.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to your insurance company. It will detail your losses and request a specific amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that both parties will have to move back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements on certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are serious. It is essential to work with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can to determine if your accident was caused by a the jackknife, or a loss in the load. Additionally, he will be able to determine if the driver of the truck was at fault or if other parties shared in your accident.
There are a number of 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 product manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able to identify all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each.