Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could cause devastating injuries. There are many parties who could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can claim compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. A NYC lawyer for compensation can help you get what you're entitled to.
Get Help from the Police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. These massive trucks can weigh up to 30 times the weight of a car for passengers, and they can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that can result in victims suffering serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to observe traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely however, their work is often challenging and can cause them to become fatigued and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions while driving and it takes only one second for an unfocused driver to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of such mistakes can be devastating, and they often leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
It is important that when an accident involving a truck happens authorities investigate the accident scene and record all pertinent information. union city semi truck accident law firm of the driver, the name of the company where he or she works, and the trucking firm who owns the vehicle crucial. It is also important to obtain contact information from any witnesses that you can get, including their names and telephone numbers. Having this information will be important when it comes the time to make a claim.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can capture the details of the truck, including its speed, brake usage, and other information that can be useful in determining the person responsible for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and know how to analyze and access this information in order to make a convincing argument for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence and the possibility that the city or governing body where the accident occurred could be responsible for a crash. If the road was not maintained properly or if there were obstructions on the road, it could be a cause for a claim. Our lawyers will determine who is at fault and hold them accountable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that the other party owed you an obligation of care and negligently violated that duty, causing the accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages emotional distress, property damage, and suffering and pain.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to prove each element of negligence. Photograph and film the accident scene. These could include vehicle's damage tires, the crash site and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, obtain the contact details of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and their statements.
The logbooks of trucking companies as well as other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver, cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These documents can be useful in establishing the driver's drug or fatigue use which is a frequent reason for truck accidents. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these records. Lawyers can request the documents by submitting a formal request if they don't want to do so in a voluntary manner.
The report of inspections on trucks is a further type of evidence that can be used to show that the trucking company may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and that these shortcuts could have resulted in an unsafely unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer may also attempt to obtain information from black boxes, other high-tech devices, and any other information you have on the driver's past, such as prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of medical records, receipts from medications or treatments you've received scans, test results, results from tests as well as other documents that relate to your case. All of these documents will be essential in establishing damages. Without it, there is no chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
You may be entitled compensation in the event that you or a family member has sustained serious injuries in a truck accident. A lawyer who is experienced can guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit for damages caused by the negligent actions of the driver who is at fault. They can also discuss with insurance companies and make the necessary arrangements to get an acceptable settlement.
A reliable lawyer can gather and analyze vital evidence from the accident. This includes medical records, police reports as well as witness statements. They can also look into other factors that could have caused the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also check the truck driver's employment status and company, as well the training certifications.
Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two cars. Additionally, there are many different parties who could be accountable for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will maximize your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing to fight on behalf of their clients with large companies and their legal teams.
It is also essential to choose a lawyer who is open to communication and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all your questions and even meet with you face-to-face whenever necessary. If they are not able to respond quickly to your calls or emails this is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best method to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience in handling trucking cases. They will be able to provide you with examples of previous cases as well as details on their success rate. They should also be able of explaining their fees and whether or not they are able to include additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a crash involving a truck may be able to file a wrongful death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. They can also receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Contact the Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to find the funds required. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and could use your situation to their advantage, providing low-cost options that will not cover all the costs of your injuries.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will guard you against this kind of manipulative. A lawyer can help negotiate settlements with the responsible party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any telephone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you do not get misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an order letter to the insurance company. The letter will detail the losses you have suffered and request the amount you will receive for each one. The process could involve back and forth between the two parties as it is normal for there to be disagreements over certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages could take a long time, especially in the case of serious injuries. This is why it is important to cooperate with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment plans that allow you to receive medical treatment and still be in a position to receive an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can help you determine whether your accident was caused by an abrasive or a loss of load. He will be able determine whether your accident was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company, their drivers, the truck maker, third-party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able to determine all potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each of them.