Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are many parties who could be responsible 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 damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer can help you get what you're entitled to.
Seek help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to be laughed about. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle and can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that often leave victims with serious injuries and significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner Their jobs are typically stressful and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It takes just a split-second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes can be devastating and leave families struggling to cope with the consequences.
It is essential that, when an accident involving a truck happens, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant information. The name of the driver, the business where he or she works and the trucking company who owns the vehicle crucial. It is crucial to get contact details, like names and phone number, from any witnesses. Knowing this information will prove crucial when it comes time to make a claim.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices record a vast amount of data about the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining who is at fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are knowledgeable about the technology and know how access and analyze it to create a solid claim for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver the municipality or governing body in which the accident occurred could be held accountable for the accident. For instance, if a road was not properly maintained or had signs that were not properly maintained, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the municipality. Our attorneys will determine who is at fault and hold them liable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck accident claim is to prove that the other party owed you an obligation of care, and negligently breached that duty, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and noneconomic losses, including medical bills, lost wages emotional distress, property damage as well as pain and suffering.
You'll have to prove for each element of negligence in order to establish your case. Take photos and videos of the accident scene. These could include car damage, tire tracks, the location of the crash, and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also get the contact information for any eyewitnesses. This way, your attorney can contact them later to record their statements and witness testimony.
Another type of important evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that detail the hours of the driver in the workplace, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records may be useful in establishing the driver's use of drugs or fatigue as it is a major cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents by submitting a formal request if they refuse to do so by choice.
The report of inspections on trucks is a different type of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking company may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and that these methods could have resulted a truck that was dangerously defective or unsafe. Your lawyer can also help to obtain black-box information and other high-tech tools that will help you construct your case, along with any information you may have regarding the truck driver's background, including prior traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able obtain copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other records that pertain to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial in proving your claim for damages. Without it, you'll have no way of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you or a family member has suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck crash. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to claim damages for the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take necessary steps to get a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They can also examine other factors that may have caused the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the employment status of the truck driver and the company he works for, as well as any certificates of training.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than crashes that involve two passenger cars because of the size and weight of these vehicles. There are many parties that could be at fault for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
To increase the odds of obtaining compensation, it is essential to partner with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be prepared to advocate for their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is important to choose an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all your questions and even meet with you face-to-face when necessary. If they don't reply to your calls or emails quickly, it's a warning sign and you should stay clear of them.
Asking about an attorney's experience in handling cases involving trucking is the best method to determine if they are suitable for you. They will be able to provide you with previous case examples and specifics about their success rate. They should also be able to explain their fees and whether or not they include additional expenses such as expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a car crash might be able to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can seek reimbursement for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive financial compensation to pay for their medical bills as well as lost income.
Contact the Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to find the funds required. Insurance companies can profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A lawyer for truck accidents can protect you from this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help negotiate a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He can also take any phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you're not misled or exploited.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail your losses and demand an exact amount of compensation for each. ogden semi truck accident case is possible that the two parties may have to go back and forth during this process, as there may be disagreements over particular elements or portions of your claim.
It is crucial to know that medical bills and other financial damages will probably take a long time to settle, especially the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to collaborate with your hospital and doctor to set up payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for a fair settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to assist you in determining the root of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or a different issue. Additionally, he will be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent, or if other participants were involved in your accident.
There are a variety of different entities that could be held responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers and the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer can help you find all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from them.