Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can result in devastating consequences. There are many parties that could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in getting the settlement you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to be laughed at. These huge vehicles are capable of causing devastating collisions, which can cause serious injuries to victims or major damage. Every 16 seconds, there's an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
killeen semi truck accident attorney are required to follow traffic laws, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to be exhausted and distracted. This can result in impulsive decisions at the wheel and it can take a split second for a driver who is not paying attention to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these mistakes can be devastating and often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
When a truck accident occurs it is imperative that authorities investigate the scene of the crash and record all of the relevant information. The name of the driver, the company where they work, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle are crucial. It is also crucial to obtain contact details from any witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to make a claim.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the event of an accident. These devices can be used to record many details about the truck, such as its speed, brakes used and other data that may be useful in determining the person responsible for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and know how to analyze and access the information to build 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 accident occurred could be accountable for an accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, it could be grounds for a claim. Our attorneys can determine the party responsible and hold them accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else did not fulfill their duty of care and caused the accident. A successful negligence claim results in the payment of all economic and noneconomic losses that you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage or injury, and emotional stress.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence in order to prove your case. While at the scene of your accident, take pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle including tire marks, the site of the crash, weather and road conditions including your injuries, and any other information you are able to think of that could be useful in making your case. Also, obtain the contact information for any eyewitnesses. This way, your attorney can reach them later to take their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other records that detail the hours of work of the driver and cargo loads as well as maintenance tasks are also vital. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use, which is a common reason for truck accidents. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents through formal requests if they refuse to do so by choice.
A third type of important evidence is the inspection report for a truck, which can be used to prove that the trucking company could have slashed corners to save money, and that these sloppy practices could have led to a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black box information and other high-tech tools to help you build your case, and any information you may have regarding the background of the truck driver, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also get copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other records relevant to your case. All of these documents will be crucial to establish damages. It is impossible to get the amount of compensation you are entitled to without it.
Hire an Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in an accident involving a truck and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is experienced will guide you through the legal procedure for 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 from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports, 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 look into the employment status of the truck driver and his company, as well as any training certificates.
Truck accidents are often more complicated than crashes involving two vehicles due to the size and weight of these vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different individuals who could be responsible for the incident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking regulations and the business. This will maximize your chances of getting compensation. In addition, they must be prepared to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to choose an attorney who communicates with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They should be able and willing to answer all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you whenever needed. If they don't respond to your calls or emails promptly, it's a red flag and you should avoid them.
The best method to determine whether or whether an attorney is the right choice for you is to inquire about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with previous case examples as well as details on their success rate. They should also provide their fees in advance and if they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation to pay for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash, the bills pile up quickly and the victim feels pressured to collect the money required. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and could use your situation's urgency to its advantage, offering low-cost offers that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer at your side will shield you from this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help negotiate an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He will also be able to take over all phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure you do not get misled or cheated.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company, which will describe all of your losses and demand an exact amount of compensation for each one. This may require a debate between the two parties, because it is typical for there to be disagreements over certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages may take a very long time, particularly if your injuries are severe. This is why it is crucial to consult with your physician and hospital to create payment arrangements that allow you to get medical treatment while being capable of waiting for an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by accident with a jackknife or loss of load. He can determine whether your accident was the result of the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of parties accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company and their drivers, the truck maker, third-party shippers, and even the product manufacturer. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able recognize all the possible defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each.